A Study of the Greatest of all Relationships - Between Rama and his People and Rama Issues Final Commands

In the last post, we had seen Rama installing Lava and Kusa on the throne to prepare for his own departure. Lakshmana already reaches heaven after sacrificing his own self to uphold the sanctity of the secret pact between Rama and Death. For the people, if it is not enough the dear brother Lakshmana departed the mortal world, Rama says he too would relinquish his Earthly life. He asks Bharata to take over the kingdom, which Bharata squarely rejects. These proclamations devastate the people of the kingdom. The people of Ayodhya, already shattered by Lakshmana’s fate, are plunged into deeper grief at Rama’s impending departure, feeling utterly bereft. Bowing low, they mourn the loss of their beloved king. Bharata, equally anguished, refuses Rama’s command to assume kingship, declaring that even heaven’s splendor holds no joy without his elder brother. Instead, he pleads for Rama to enthrone the twins, Kusha and Lava, as rulers of Kosala’s southern and northern realms. Bharata further requests that Shatrughna be summoned swiftly, so all four brothers may complete their earthly journeys together in unity. 

Unlike any of the historical examples, the Ramayana describes not just retainers or elites but the entire citizenry of Ayodhya choosing to follow Rama’s death. This makes it unparalleled in scope of people giving up their lives when their ruler makes the same choice. In Ayodhya, the people’s act is portrayed as voluntary, born of love and devotion, whereas many historical practices involved coercion or ritual obligation. Rama’s departure is framed as leading his people to moksha (liberation), elevating the act from tragedy to transcendence. Historical parallels often lacked this spiritual framing, focusing instead on loyalty or ritual. The grief of Ayodhya’s citizens—already devastated by Lakshmana’s fate—culminates in their readiness to die with Rama. While history offers echoes in practices like sati, junshi, or Pharaoh’s tomb sacrifices, none match the collective, voluntary, and spiritually liberating devotion of Ayodhya’s people. Their act symbolizes not despair alone, but the belief that Rama was their very life force, and without him, existence held no meaning. 

With reference to the above, let us understand the bond between people of Ayodhya and Rama. The bond between Rama and the people of Ayodhya, especially as described in the Uttarakanda, is one of the most extraordinary relationships in epic literature. Rama was not merely a ruler; he was the very heart and soul of Ayodhya. His presence defined the city’s identity, and his departure was felt as the unraveling of their world. 

This bond was forged through shared trials and triumphs. The people had witnessed Rama’s exile, his battles, and his return to Ayodhya. They rejoiced in his victories and suffered in his sorrows, creating a unity that transcended ordinary loyalty. Rama’s reign was marked by justice, compassion, and dharma, qualities that made him not only a sovereign but a father figure to his people. His departure was therefore not seen as a political transition but as the loss of life itself. No where in the world will there be a bond as strong as between Rama and his people where the death of one is the end of other as well. If we can remember, Rama sacrifices his own personal life – gives away Sita, lives far from Lava, Kusa, for the sake of living clean in front of baseless public rumours. The public are unforgiving at the time of forging a strong familial life after many trials. Rama sacrificed his own personal life for the sake of his people and there he declares kingdom first and family second. When a righteous rule, spotless discharge of kingly duties are the highest orders of the day, the subjects of the kingdom are the most fortunate citizens of any age and time. Hence, it is only natural that when such a ruler, who lives for the people, by the people and of the people, prepares to depart, no one can take it to their stride without agony and grief. The unparalled, matchless people’s leader, people’s king prepares the last journey to take his own people in the path towards liberation. What else can anyone ask for. The highest duty of any ruler spiritually is to guide the people towards liberation from life and death. Rama, who is that one leader of highest order, drives people from within to make a choice and attain liberation. As said, this is the highest order of rule from the greatest ruler on Earth. The bond between people and Rama, thus, is the ultimate relationship Rama has had, far above than with his wife, mother, father and brother. Let us see how the final journey unfolds in the next three chapters. As part of it, Rama issues his final orders in the following chapter. 

In chapter 108, Rama issues his last commands. 

The messengers, following Rama’s command with utmost urgency, set out swiftly toward Madhura without stopping along the way. Traveling continuously, they arrived there on the third day and immediately sought out Shatrughna. With reverence and sorrow, they informed him of the grave and wondrous events unfolding in Ayodhya: Lakshmana’s banishment following Rama’s irrevocable vow, the installation of Rama’s sons Kusha and Lava as rulers over new and illustrious cities, and the decision of the people of Ayodhya to follow Rama into the higher realms. They described how Rama, in his righteousness, had built the magnificent city of Kushavati for Kusha on the heights of the Vindhya mountains, and how Shravasti had been established as the beautiful capital of Lava. They reported, too, the preparations made by Rama and Bharata to lead the entire populace of Ayodhya with them as they prepared to enter Svarga, the celestial world. 

After delivering this momentous news, the messengers fell silent, and then, with urgency, urged Shatrughna to hasten at once. The tidings struck Shatrughna deeply; realizing that the end of his earthly lineage and the departure of his beloved brothers were imminent, he summoned his people and called for his family priest, Kancana, to witness and participate in the important decisions he must now make. Fully aware that his presence was demanded in Ayodhya for the final moment of Rama’s earthly sojourn, Shatrughna resolved to accompany his brothers. 

Before departing, he completed his duties as a king. He divided his wealth equally and lovingly between his two sons. He installed Subahu on the throne of Madhura, entrusting him with the continuation of rule there, and established Shatrughatin as ruler of Vaidisha. With these responsibilities fulfilled and his mind firmly set, Shatrughna departed in a single chariot toward Ayodhya. 

Upon arriving, he beheld Rama—resplendent, serene, and radiant like a blazing fire—standing clothed in a woolen garment amid a gathering of exalted sages. Shatrughna approached with humility, joining his palms and subduing his senses, and addressed his noble brother. He declared that he had installed his children on their thrones and had come with the firm resolve to follow Rama wherever he would go. He begged his elder brother not to forbid him, for it would be unworthy of him to disobey Rama’s will. Seeing the unwavering devotion in Shatrughna’s heart, Rama accepted his intention and said simply, “So be it.” 

As this divine moment approached, the monkey warriors—capable of assuming any form at will—arrived in multitudes from every direction. Sugriva stood at their head, accompanied by the hosts of bears and other beings devoted to Rama. All came, united by their love and longing to behold Rama in his final earthly moments, as he stood gazing upward toward the heavens. 

The Devas, Rishis, Gandharvas, and their children, upon learning of Rama’s imminent departure, also assembled in vast numbers. They proclaimed that they, too, wished to follow him, insisting that leaving without them would be akin to striking them down with death itself. At this point, Sugriva approached Rama with deep humility, bowed in traditional reverence, and declared that he had installed the noble Angada as ruler and had come with the intention of accompanying Rama. Rama accepted his devotion with a gentle smile. 

Rama then turned to Vibhishana, king of the Rakshasas, and commanded him not to join the departure. Instead, he instructed him to remain in Lanka for as long as the world endured wherever the sun and moon shone. Rama assured him that as long as tales of Raghava were spoken among men, Vibhishana’s kingdom would continue. He urged him to govern justly and to consistently worship the divine guardian of the Ikshvaku lineage, Shri Jagannath, revered even by the gods. 

Next, Rama addressed Hanuman. He instructed the devoted Vanara not to accompany him but to remain on earth as long as Rama’s story continued to be told. Hanuman joyfully accepted this blessing, promising to live on earth in devoted service for as long as Rama’s purifying tale endured. 

Rama then turned to Jambavan, commanding him to remain on earth until the dawn of the Kali Yuga. Finally, he addressed the rest of the bears and monkeys, inviting them to follow him if that was their desire. 

Thus, surrounded by gods, sages, loyal allies, and devoted brothers, Rama prepared for the final divine transition from the mortal world. 

This concludes chapter 108 of Uttara Kanda, where we had seen Shatrughna arriving in Ayodhya to accompany Rama as he is preparing for his final journey and Rama issuing his final commands. The bears, monkeys arrive in vast multitudes; the devas, rishis, gandharvas and their children also assemble in huge numbers, in addition to his own citizens, everyone to accompany Rama. Rama accedes to the decision of everyone to follow him but three – Vibhishana, Hanuman and Jambavan, whom he asks to continue for as long as possible. We can look at Rama’s final journey to mahaprasthana in the subsequent chapter.

Lakshmana's True Form and Manifestation of an Ideal Brother for the World, Rama Hand Over Kingdom to Lava, Kusha

In the last post, we had seen Rama banishing Lakshmana and Lakshmana promptly accepting the order to depart the mortal world. This effectively ends the presence of Lakshmana on the Earth and in the epic, just before Rama ends himself in a while. Lakshmana’s true form, as revealed in the deeper layers of the Ramayana tradition—particularly in the Uttarakanda, the Adhyatma Ramayana, and various Puranic texts—is Adi Shesha, the eternal serpent on whom Lord Vishnu rests. This identity is not meant as symbolism but as spiritual reality. In the divine order, Vishnu and Shesha are inseparable: one is the Supreme Being, and the other is His eternal support, attendant, and divine extension. Thus, when Vishnu incarnates as Rama, Shesha incarnates as Lakshmana, not as an independent soul but as an inseparable part of Rama’s divine mission. 

Understanding Lakshmana as Shesha gives profound meaning to his actions throughout the epic. His unwavering service, tireless vigilance, and deep, selfless love for Rama are not born from obligation but from the cosmic bond that has existed between them since before creation. Shesha’s dharma is seva—service that is sacred, joyful, unconditional—and Lakshmana expresses this perfectly on earth. Whether he builds their forest dwellings, keeps night-long vigils, or follows Rama into danger without the slightest hesitation, he is fulfilling his eternal role. Lakshmana’s life is thus not simply the tale of an ideal younger brother; it is the earthly echo of a cosmic relationship. 

This divine identity becomes most evident near the end of the Uttarakanda, when Rama is compelled by dharma to banish Lakshmana. Though the moment is heartbreaking on the surface, Lakshmana accepts it instantly, because he recognizes it as the divine signal that his earthly duty is complete. He walks into the Sarayu River and returns to his true, eternal nature as Adi Shesha. In that moment, the epic reveals its deeper truth: Lakshmana was never merely a prince; he was the eternal foundation of Vishnu’s cosmic presence, incarnated to uphold Rama’s mission and return to his divine form when his purpose on earth was fulfilled. 

Yet we need to look at the most ideal, earthly, overflowing brotherhood bond universe has ever seen, between Rama and Lakshmana. We need to leave the cosmic order and look at Ramayana as carried by mortal humans and understand the Lakshmana’s self-less devotion towards Rama. This will bring the order for great brotherhoods on this earth. Let every two brothers be as great as Rama and Lakshmana and the world will witness many Ramayanas. They are mortal examples of utmost love between two male or female brothers or sisters. Their bond has driven more than half of the mission of Ramayana, united in purpose but living as two. If we treat Ramayana as great outcome, half of the result would be owned by Lakshmana who is an extremely loyal servant Rama can count as his own self. It is through this extremely loyal patronage that Ramayana has become a time-independent grand tale and through defeating an enemy as Herculian as Ravana, it resurrected everlasting dharma and order in the world for as long as there is life on Earth. 

The brotherhood between Rama and Lakshmana is one of the most luminous threads woven through the Ramayana, appearing in scene after scene like a quiet heartbeat guiding the epic forward. From the moment Rama is exiled, Lakshmana does not choose to follow him—he refuses to stay behind. His decision is instantaneous, born from a devotion deeper than reason. Throughout their years in the forest, Lakshmana becomes Rama’s shadow and shield, anticipating needs before they are spoken. He builds their shelters, guards them through sleepless nights, and carries the weight of vigilance so Rama can carry the weight of righteousness. Whether facing demons, braving hardships, or navigating moments of despair, their bond is a living dialogue of trust—Rama’s compassion matched perfectly by Lakshmana’s fierce loyalty. It is this harmony, more than any weapon or army, that shapes the destiny of the epic. 

This brotherhood only deepens as they reach Lanka. In the heat of battle, Lakshmana stands beside Rama like an unshakable pillar. He confronts Indrajit, Ravana’s most formidable son, facing near-death not for glory but to protect Rama’s purpose. In every trial, Lakshmana’s devotion strengthens Rama’s resolve, allowing the ideal king to remain anchored in dharma even amid war and heartbreak. Their relationship is far more than familial affection—it is a cosmic partnership, the earthly reflection of Vishnu and Shesha, bound not by blood alone but by divine purpose. The epic repeatedly shows that Rama’s journey—his victories, his grace, his endurance—becomes possible because Lakshmana is there, steadfast and unbreakable. 

One of the most striking moments that reveals the profound bond between Rama and Lakshmana occurs on the eve of the great war in Lanka. As the vast monkey army sleeps under the moonlit sky and the air vibrates with the tension of the coming battle, Rama sits in quiet contemplation. The burden of rescuing Sita, defeating Ravana, and restoring dharma weighs silently on him. Beside him sits Lakshmana, awake, alert, and watchful—not because he has been asked to stand guard, but because his heart will not allow him to rest while Rama carries the weight of sorrow. When Rama gently asks him why he does not sleep, Lakshmana reveals the depth of his devotion in a few unforgettable words: if Rama is awake in worry, how can Lakshmana close his eyes? His peace, he says, exists only through Rama’s victory. In that stillness, the entire essence of their relationship becomes clear—not master and servant, not elder and younger brother, but inseparable halves of a divine purpose. 

Lakshmana stands in the Ramayana as the ideal brother anyone could ever wish for—steadfast, selfless, and unwavering in loyalty. He does not simply accompany Rama into exile; he embraces Rama’s path as his own, surrendering comfort, ambition, and even personal happiness without a moment’s hesitation. Every step he takes is guided not by duty alone but by a love so deep it becomes his very identity. He protects Rama through sleepless nights, shares his burdens without being asked, and stands beside him in every trial, from forest hardships to the battlefield in Lanka. Lakshmana’s devotion is not passive—it is fierce, active, and full of purpose, demonstrating that true brotherhood is measured not in words but in the quiet, consistent acts of care and sacrifice. In Lakshmana, the epic gives us a timeless model of what it means to support, uplift, and walk beside someone with a heart full of love and a spirit free of ego. 

And yet, the greatest expression of Lakshmana’s love comes not in battle but in the quiet sorrow of the Uttarakanda. When Rama is bound by an unavoidable vow that requires the banishment of anyone who interrupts a sacred meeting, fate turns cruelly toward Lakshmana. Without hesitation, without anger, he chooses to bear the consequence himself—protecting Rama’s honor even at the cost of his own life. His final act is not one of heroism but of pure, selfless surrender. Walking away from Rama for the first and last time, he enters the Sarayu River and returns to his true identity as Adi Shesha. In that moment, the epic reveals the depth of his sacrifice: Lakshmana does not merely give his life for Rama; he gives up the very bond that defined him. It is this ultimate offering that seals his place as the ideal brother—one whose love is so complete, so unwavering, that it shapes not just the Ramayana, but the very meaning of brotherhood for all time. 

The above gives the brief of the last post as well and after banishing Lakshmana, Rama installs Lava and Kusha on the throne which can be seen in following chapter. 

In chapter 107, Rama installs Lava and Kusha on the throne. 

In the aftermath of Lakshmana’s departure from the world, Rama is overwhelmed by grief, desolation, and the sense of irreversible loss. Having been compelled by an unavoidable vow to abandon his beloved brother—a brother who had served him with absolute devotion—Rama now feels the emptiness created by Lakshmana’s sacrifice. Burdened by sorrow, he turns to his priests, ministers, and the assembled citizens of Ayodhya and announces that he intends to renounce the throne. He declares that he will install Bharata as the new king that very day and then follow the same path that Lakshmana has taken, meaning he too would relinquish his earthly life. Rama urges them to make all necessary arrangements without delay, for his decision is firm and immediate. 

This proclamation sends shockwaves through the court and the city. The citizens, already devastated by the news of Lakshmana’s fate, now feel as though the last support has been torn from under them. They bow low, their bodies weakened by grief, mourning the prospect of losing their beloved king. Bharata, equally anguished, rejects Rama’s command. With deep emotion, he declares that he cannot accept kingship if it means ruling without Rama. Even the splendors of heaven, he says, would hold no appeal without his elder brother. Instead, Bharata urges Rama to install the twins, Kusha and Lava, as rulers of the southern and northern regions of Kosala. He also requests that messengers be dispatched swiftly to summon Shatrughna, so that all four brothers—living and departed—may complete their earthly journeys together. 

As the sorrow of the people intensifies, the sage Vasishtha steps forward. He observes the citizens prostrating themselves in despair and implores Rama to grant their heartfelt wish and soothe their pain. Rama then raises the people and gently asks them what they desire of him. In one voice, with devotion pouring from their hearts, the citizens express their earnest plea—not to be abandoned. If Rama is resolved to leave the world, they beg to accompany him wherever he goes. Whether to forest, riverbank, or distant wilderness, they desire nothing more than to follow their king. Their love for him is so profound that separation is unbearable. If he truly holds affection for them, they plead, let him take them along the righteous path he now intends to walk. 

Moved by their sincerity, Rama consents, acknowledging the depth of their loyalty. He turns his attention to fulfilling the final responsibilities of his kingship. Rama bestows the southern realm of Kosala upon Kusha and the northern realm upon Lava. Seating the two young princes upon his lap, he blesses and formally enthrones them, gifting them thousands of chariots, countless elephants, and ten thousand horses, along with vast riches and precious jewels. He provides each with prosperous subjects and capable attendants to ensure their reigns begin in strength and harmony. 

Once his sons are established in their respective capitals and the affairs of the kingdom are properly arranged, Rama sends for Shatrughna through a swift emissary. The time has come for the final reunion of the brothers, the closing of their earthly duties, and the fulfillment of the divine destiny that began with their births. In this moment, Rama stands poised between kingship and eternity, bound by love for his people, loyalty to his family, and the cosmic order that has guided his entire life. 

This concludes chapter 107 of Uttara Kanda where we had seen Rama bestowing the kingdom upon Lava and Kusha after the departure of Lakshmana. As we had seen, the people are extreme grief as the time comes for the departure of one after another in Rama’s ruling circle. First it was Sita and then the queens, followed by Lakshmana. The people cannot live without agony as the time for ultimate departure arrives. We need to look at the timeless request made by people of kingdom of Rama in the above. If Rama is resolved to leave the world, they beg to accompany him wherever he goes. If it is death, they should follow that path as well. That is the sign of the ultimate king ruling over the legion of people for hundreds of year giving them everything he had and guiding them in right path. At last, when the gruelling time comes for his departure, all the living brothers along with people of the kingdom prepare to leave as well, uttered without second thought. Before that, Rama issues his final commands which can be seen in the subsequent post.