Rama continued to rule over Ayodhya for many years. The people were very happy in his kingdom. Sumitra and Kaikeyi including Rama’s mother Kaushalya passed away. Rama was very unhappy, but there was no one else to share his sorrow. Everything was incomplete without Seeta.
Rama was not interested in stately affairs. He wanted to make Bharata sit on the throne of Ayodhya before leaving for his abode. But Bharata did not want to remain without Rama. Therefore, Lord Rama divided his kingdom into eight parts. Rama gave the kingdom of Uttar Kaushal (Capital at Luvpur) to his first son Luv. The second son Kush was made king of Dakshin Kaushal (Capital at Kaushambhi).
Similarly, out of the two sons of Lakshmana, Chitrangad got the kingdom of Kamarupa and Chandraketu got the kingdom of Chandrakantapuri. Bharata’s sons Pushkal was made king of Pushkalavat and Manibhadra king of Takshila. Shatrughna’s sons Subahu was given Mathura and Bhadrasen was given the kingdom of Vidisha city.
Rama had fulfilled his duties on the earth. He asked Dharmaraja (Yama or Death-god) to descend to the earth and bring him back to his abode.
Whatever is born must die. It is the eternal law of Nature.Thinking so, Dharmaraja decided to carry out the order of Lord Vishnu. Dharmaraja transformed himself into a Brahmana and reached the palace of Ayodhya.
Rama welcomed the Brahmana and asked him the purpose of his visit. “I have a very private message for you,” said the Brahmana, “Please make sure that there is no one overhearing us. If anyone does, he must be punished with death.” Rama recognised Dharmaraja, so he came out and ordered Lakshmana to stand guard outside the room, telling him about the death penalty. Lakshmana assured Rama saying, “Brother! Rest assured, I won’t let anyone in.” Dharmaraja said, “I have brought for you the secret and important message of Lord Vishnu.”
“What is the message, Dharmaraja?” Rama asked curiously. Dharmaraja said, “Lord, your life on the earth is over. I have come to fetch you.”
“O Dharmaraja, I am so happy that you have come!” said Rama, “My task on this earth is completed and I am ready to return to heaven. In fact, I have been waiting for you.”
While Rama and Dharmaraja were conversing, Sage Durvasa came to the room where Lakshmana stood guard. Durvasa was a Sage of short temper. He said to Lakshmana, Please give Rama message that I want to meet him right now.” Lakshmana bowed to the Sage and said, “O Revered Sage! Lord Rama is doing something urgently at this time. Even I don’t have the permission to go inside.” This was enough to inflame Sage Durvasa’s temper. Blazing with anger, he said, “Lakshmana! If you don’t immediately tell Rama that I am here to see him, I’ll reduce the whole of Ayodhya to ashes with a curse!”
Lakshmana was faced with a crisis. ‘If I don’t tell Rama, Sage Durvasa will burn down Ayodhya. If I go in, I will have to die. It would be better to die than let the kingdom be destroyed,’ he thought. He opened the door and entered the private chamber.
Rama was surprised to see Lakshmana enter the chamber against his clear orders. Lakshmana knew that the one who broke the rule would be punished to death. When Rama heard that Sage Durvasa had come, he came out to meet him. It was a must to welcome the great Sage.
