Lord Rama is the main character of one of the most popular epic poem of Hinduism -The Ramayana. He ruled the entire subcontinent of India for hundreds of years after his return to Ayodhya. During this time, his and his brothers’ sons ruled over other parts of India.
It was the moment in history in which ancient India attained greatness. Dharma was flourishing, and there was prosperity and peace everywhere. Why, then, did he decide to leave his body and return to his divine abode, Vaikuntha Dham?
| Skin Color | Blue |
| Birth Date | 10th January, 5114 BC |
| Death Age | 104 Years Old |
No Mention Of Rama’s Death In Origional Ramayana
The original epic of Ramayana ends with the story of Lord Rama’s victory over Ravana, and does not mention anything of the time after his return to Ayodhya. However, we have discovered some legends of his leaving the earth in other ancient texts.
The Visit Of Unknown Saint To The Court Of Lord Rama
According to a legend found in The Padma Purana, one day while Lord Rama was at his court, an elderly saint came in, and he asked Lord Rama to speak privately about something important. Lord Rama agreed, and led the saint to a private room.
Lakshmana was there, standing before the door. Lord Rama instructed his brother not to allow anyone into the room while he was with the saint. He also stated that anyone who would try to enter the room or attempt to disrupt their private discussion will be rewarded with death penalty.
The Lakshmana’s Duty Of Guarding The Room
If you read the epic Ramayana, then you would know that Lakshmana was a man of his word, just like his brother – Lord Rama. Listening to the command of his elder brother, he quickly let them go inside the room and began guarding himself outside.
The Saint’s True Identity As Kala Deva (The God Of Time)
Lord Rama asked the saint about his concern, but the saint smiled at him in return. Rama understood why he smiled, but he inquired about the reason for his visit once more. The saint then revealed his true identity, which was Kaladeva himself.
He was sent from Vaikuntha Dham to remind Lord Rama that his life on earth has come to an end and it is time for him to return to his abode.
The Unexpected Arrival Of Sage Durvasa
While Lord Rama and the saint were talking, Sage Durvasa arrived from nowhere and asked Lakshmana if he could go inside to meet Rama. Lakshmana was surprised by his unexpected visit and respectfully denied his request.
However, Sage Durvasa had other plans, as he not only refused to listen to him, but also threatened to curse Lord Rama for his rudeness. According to several ancient texts, Durvasa was a very violent sage of his time, famous for cursing people for minor offenses that could otherwise be forgiven.
The Possible Curse Of Sage Durvasa To Rama
Despite Lakshmana’s repeated requests to wait until Lord Rama finished his meeting, Sage Durvasa became even angrier. Seeing his anger, Lakshmana’s anxiety saw no bound. He started thinking for his brother, and was getting desperate to save Rama from the curse of Sage Durvasa.
For a brief moment, Lakshmana considered all of his available options for rescuing his elder brother from the possible curse from Sage Durvasa. He had to select one of the two choices; either he could follow the order of Lord Rama, or save him from the curse by voluntarily sacrificing himself. Finally, he chose the second option and walked into the room.
The Dilemma of Lord Rama
Lord Rama was taken aback when he saw his brother did not follow his command. However, he quickly realized the sacrifice Lakshmana had given to save him from the curse of Sage Durvasa.
But it was too late, and Lord Rama now had to carry out his word, and punish his own brother. When the saint (or, Kal deva) saw Rama’s dilemma, he advised him to exile Lakshmana from the state. State exile was believed to be the equivalent of a death sentence during this time period. So, Rama ordered Lakshmana as advised.
The Death Of Lakshmana
Lakshmana, who couldn’t live a day without his brother, became very sad. He felt his life’s purpose of serving Lord Rama had come to an end, so he took Jal Samadhi. If you are unfamiliar with the term “Jal Samadhi”.
It is defined as the act of ending one’s life by immersing oneself in deep water. After his brother’s departure, Lord Rama became extremely depressed and guilty. He realized that the time had come for him too to leave the earth and return to his divine abode.
The Death Of Lord Rama
He called all of his and his brother’s sons, handed over his kingdom, and walked straight to the Saryu River. When Lord Rama arrived at the river, he went to the deepest section of the river and took a dip.
After a while he completely disappeared into the river. In this way Lord Rama ended his life by taking Jala Samadhi like his brother Lakshmana.
