Lakshman Qila

Lakshman Qila sits on the Saryu-bank in old Ayodhya, between Ram Ki Paidi and the Guptar Ghat. The site is dedicated to Lakshman — younger brother of Shri Ram, the constant companion through the vanvas, the slayer of Indrajit, and the one who embodied dharma in service. Tradition holds that this is the place where Lakshman performed his tapas during Ram's rule, and where he finally entered the Saryu at the close of his lila — preceding Shri Ram in returning to Vaikuntha by a short interval.

The shrine is small — a courtyard temple with a sanctum holding the murti of Lakshman in seated posture, with his sword (Lakshman is always shown with the sword as his identifying attribute) and folded hands. Side chambers hold subsidiary murtis of Ram-Sita and Hanuman. The atmosphere is contemplative — Lakshman is held by tradition to be the dharma-bhrata, the brother who put dharma above all; the shrine reflects this with its quiet, reflective bhav.

The departure katha

The Uttara Kanda of the Ramayana tells the long and moving katha of Lakshman's departure. Yama (the lord of death) had come to Shri Ram in the form of a sage with a secret request — that no one else should be permitted in the chamber during their meeting, on pain of death. Lakshman stood guard. Maharishi Durvasa arrived, demanding entry; Lakshman, knowing the cost, allowed himself to break the conditional and entered the chamber to announce the muni. Bound by his own decree, Shri Ram had to acquiesce. Lakshman, having fulfilled his dharma even to his own death, walked to the Saryu, performed his final tapas, and entered the waters. This is the spot remembered as Lakshman Qila.