One day Kala, god of time, paid a visit to Ram and insisted that they talk in complete privacy. ‘Anyone who tries to disturb this meeting should be killed,’ Ram told Lakshman as he shut the door of his chambers. Lakshman stood guard to ensure no one disturbed Ram. At exactly that moment, the Rishi Durvasa stormed towards Ram’s chambers. ‘I want to see Ram immediately,’ he demanded. Lakshman tried to explain that Ram did not want to be disturbed but Durvasa refused to take no for an answer. ‘If you don’t let me see Ram right now I shall curse him and his kingdom,’ shouted the sage who was infamous for his temper. Not wanting any harm to befall Ram or Ayodhya, and not wanting to hurt Durvasa, Lakshman decided it was in everyone’s best interest that he himself disturb Ram and inform him of Durvasa’s presence. Later when Durvasa and Kala had left, Lakshman informed Ram that it was time for him to die for Ram had said anyone who disturbed his meeting with Kala had to be killed. Ram could not take back his word and Lakshman could not disobey his brother. So the two parted ways and Lakshman walked into the Sarayu river and gave up his mortal body.

While the Ramayana celebrates Lakshman’s love for Ram, it also reminds us that ultimately, greater than any brother’s love, greater than family, greater than anything in fact, is dharma, the code of civilized conduct, where others matter more than one’s own.

THE BEGINNING

Let the conversation begin...

Follow the Penguin Twitter.com@PenguinIndia

Keep up-to-date with all our stories YouTube.com/PenguinIndia

Like ‘Penguin Books’ on Facebook.com/PenguinIndia

Find out more about the author and
discover more stories like this at penguinbooksindia.com