Lakshmana also looked at his brother with tears in his eyes but he knew that the rule of law could not be broken. Bowing to Sri Rama, he said, “I have disobeyed you, my brother. I know the punishment is death. Fulfil your orders.” Sri Rama consulted Vasishtha, his mentor and teacher. Vasishtha said that disowning a relationship was as good as a death penalty. So, with a heavy heart, Sri Rama disowned Lakshmana. Lakshmana walked to the banks of the Sarayu river. There, he took up water in his palms to pray. In a few moments, the divine vehicle of Indra descended from heaven and Lakshmana boarded it. He bade farewell to everyone as the vehicle carried him to heaven with his body. This meant that he had the power to die as and when he desired. Rama watched Lakshmana’s departure with his brothers Bharata and Lakshmana, all equally unhappy.
Lakshmana’s Departure
