Lakshman, the Brilliant Brother

Four months of rain have followed the death of Vali. Sugreev is overjoyed at being reunited with his wife and his kingdom. He happily returns to Kishkindha and resumes his position as the king of the monkeys.Nature smiles as her beauty unfurls in all its glory. Flowers bloom as far as the eyes can see, and birds seek their mates. Beautiful ponds are filled with crystal clear water, adorned with delicate water lilies and lotuses. The sweet aroma of varied blossoms perfumes the air. All around, as Mother Nature rejoices, Sri Ram longs for his beloved Sita. He worries that the tender princess, who has never left his side even for an instant, will not survive long away from him. He yearns for the company of his beautiful wife in this season of love and romance. Behaving like a lovelorn youth, he expresses his grief to his brother Lakshman, who gently consoles him by reminding him of his glorious stature, recounting all his virtues and the great lineage of kings, who are his predecessors. He urges Ram to focus his thoughts on rescuing Sita from the clutches of the evil Ravan and not get lost in the sea of emotions. Moved by his powerful words, Sri Ram regains his composure and asks Lakshman to go and remind the distracted Sugreev of his promise.On reaching Kishkindha, Lakshman is enraged by the sight of Sugreev revelling in pleasures. The monkeys scramble to the highest branches of the trees when they see the prince’s fury. Lakshman’s show of anger brings Sugreev back to his senses. He quickly gathers all his troops and proceeds to the abode of Lord Ram, where he begs for forgiveness. Thus, Lakshman stimulates the resumption of the search for Sita.Whenever Sri Ram gets demoralised, it is Lakshman who reasons with him and encourages him. Owing to his dispassionate nature, he is always able to remain objective and become the voice of reason in chaotic situations. If identification is the measure of love, Lakshman’s love is complete, as his sacrifice testifies. He idolises Sri Ram completely, renouncing his own family life to follow him into the forest. In the forest, he serves him, always being there like a shield. Lakshman can be compared to the pole on which Ram, as a flag, flies.

Lakshman, the Brilliant Brother

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