Lakshman’s sudden death had put everyone in a state of deep shock. When Sri Ram heard the cries of the queens, he came running to Lakshman’s palace. Seeing Lakshman sitting still on his throne he exclaimed –
“Brother Lakshman, what has happened to you? What illness do you have? Why are you not saying something? I will get you cured, don’t worry.” He looked at Lakshman’s wives and said
“Please don’t cry. Lakshman is alive, he probably has got some disease, I will call the best of the healers of Ayodhya who will cure him. He has a long life and he cannot leave us so soon.”
The entire ministry had arrived at the palace. The prime minister seeing what had happened understood that Lakshman had died but he could not convey this to Ram. He knew that Ram would not believe it. Everyone there including brother Shatrugna, King Vibhishan, King Sugriv, and Lakshma’s wives knew that Lakshman had died and no cure would bring him back. But no one could dare to convince that to Ram.
Sri Ram sat next to Lakshman and started talking to him while caressing his head –
“Brother, What has happened to you? What kind of ailment is this? You are not even able to speak.”
He looked at his prime minister and in an intense tone said –
“Why have the healers not arrived yet.?”
“O King, they are on their way and will soon arrive bringing all the required medicines.“ replied the prime minister.
The healers arrived in no time. They checked the body of Lakshman and were convinced that Lakshman had indeed died but they did not have the courage to communicate that to Ram. They started applying and rubbing herbs and medicines on Lakshman’s body while assuring Ram that they will try everything in their hand to revive Lakshman. Deep down they knew that it was a futile exercise.
After treating Lakshman for few hours they disappointingly told Ram –
“O King, we have tried the last of the remedies but we have failed. Please accept our apologies”
Sri Ram looked at his prime minister and asked him to call the best of astrologers and Tantriks. The Tantriks came to the palace and started their healing process with mantras and tantras. After several hours of this process, there was no effect on Lakshman’s body. Even astrologers could not provide any solution.
Ram lost his patience when he did not hear any positive news. When the prime minister came and told Sri Ram that all the efforts have failed, Ram lost his consciousness. When he regained his consciousness, he was very upset, he scolded Tantriks for their inability to heal Lakshman.
Days passed, Sri Ram would not let go of Lakshman. He would just talk to him, bathe him, take care of him. Everyone was worried in the palace at Ram’s state of mind. They did not know what to do and how long this would continue. Vibhishan, Shatrugna, Sughriv and ministers approached queen mother Kaushalya and requested her –
“O Mother, we need to explain and convince Sri Ram. His condition is deteriorating day by day.”
“Son, You are right. I too am worried about Ram’s condition. Who will explain him? It is difficult to convince him. I cannot go and convince him, my heart breaks seeing Lakshman’s dead body. I suggest you all go together and convince him.” replied Kaushalya with tears in her eyes.
The three of them agreed and went to Ram. Sri Ram was caressing Lakshman with both his hands. Vibhishan said to Ram –
“O great King, please have patience. You are courageous and a great warrior. You are a hero amongst all the great kings. We are ashamed to see your impatience. Please let go of Lakshman’s body. Please understand, he is dead.”
Hearing this, Sri Ram lost his temper and in a raging voice, he said –
“You wicked people, my brother is alive. What nonsense are you talking about? He has a long life. If you want to do last rites, you all go burn and die with your loved ones. My brother is not dead.”
Looking at Lakshman, Sri Ram said –
“Dear brother, please speak up. See all these wicked people have come to declare you dead. Tell them you are not dead”
He lifted Lakshman’s body on his shoulder and took him to another palace. All three were disappointed as their attempt to convince Ram had failed. Everyone was worried, the entire city of Ayodhya was in a mournful state. They had deep empathy for Sri Ram and the entire royal family. No one knew what to do. It was futile to convince Ram now. They decided to let time take its course.
Days passed, weeks passed, months passed. Six months had passed. Sri Ram’s affection dementia now had spread across India. Whoever got the news came to Ayodhya to meet the royal family.
This was one of the most tragic incidents of Sri Ram’s life. Probably it was destined to be.
Did Sri Ram come out of this dementia? What happened to Ram after this? All that in the next part of the story.
Wisdom Bite
Very few would know about this incident in Ram’s life. Sri Ram’s love and attachment for Lakshman are unimaginable. So deep was his attachment, it was even greater than Ram’s love for Sita.
This attachment is what holds us back in this world and away from self-realization. Ultimately no one is here forever. All our relationships are temporary. The sooner we realize it, the better it is for our spiritual growth.
