Why Lakshman Was Sentenced to Death in Ayodhya

In the Ramayana, there is an incident where Lord Rama, unwillingly, had to sentence his beloved brother Lakshman to death. Let’s understand why Lord Rama had to do so.

This event took place after Lord Rama returned to Ayodhya victorious from Lanka and became the king. One day, Yama, the god of death, came to meet Lord Rama for an important discussion. Before starting the discussion, Yama said that Rama always fulfills his promises. So, he requested one promise from Rama — that while their conversation was taking place, no one should enter, and if anyone did, Rama must sentence that person to death. Lord Rama gave his word to Yama. Then he appointed Lakshman as the gatekeeper, instructing him that while he and Yama were talking, no one should enter, or else he would have to give them the death sentence. Lakshman obeyed his brother’s command and stood guard at the door.

Lakshman Feared Sage Durvasa’s Curse

After some time, Sage Durvasa arrived there. When Durvasa asked Lakshman to inform Rama of his arrival, Lakshman politely refused. Enraged, Durvasa threatened to curse the entire city of Ayodhya. Lakshman realized it was a grave situation — either he had to disobey Rama’s order or let the whole city be destroyed by the sage’s curse. Quickly, Lakshman decided to sacrifice himself to save the people of Ayodhya. He went inside and informed Rama of Sage Durvasa’s arrival.

Lakshman Took Jal Samadhi

Lord Rama immediately ended his conversation with Yama and welcomed Sage Durvasa. Now, Rama was in a dilemma because, according to his promise, he had to give Lakshman the death penalty. He could not decide how to sentence his beloved brother to death, yet he had given his word to Yama and had to keep it. In this confusion, Lord Rama remembered his guru and asked for guidance. The guru advised him that the renunciation of a loved one is equal to death. Therefore, to keep his word, he should renounce Lakshman.

When Lakshman heard this, he said that Rama should never abandon him; being separated from Rama was worse than death. He said that instead of living away from Rama, he would embrace death to uphold Rama’s promise. Saying this, Lakshman took Jal Samadhi (entered water and ended his life).