Literature
Birth Order in the Ramayana: Bharata and Lakshmana
Birth Order in the Ramayana: Bharata and Lakshmana
Introduction
The Ramayana is one of the two primary epics of Hinduism, depicting the life of Prince Rama and his journey to re-establish justice. Among the key figures in this epic is Rama’s brother, Bharata, and his twin, Lakshmana. But who came first, and what are the reasons behind their birth order? This article delves into the details of their births and their significance in the epic.
The Birth of Bharata and Lakshmana
According to the sacred texts of the Valmiki Ramayan, particularly from the Bala Kanda, Bharata, the elder brother, was born first on Chaitra Dashmi morning under the Pusyami nakshatra, which is associated with the constellation Pisces. Following his birth, the event marked the day of Pisces (Meena) ascendant lagnam.
After a day had passed, fair-minded Bharata, a descendant of the sun, was born under Pusyami, making him the elder. The Aslesha nakshatra, marking the twin birth of Lakshmana and Shatrughna, occurred a day later, on the next day, still under Cancer ascendant (Karkataka lagnam). This sequence is a significant aspect of the epic, intertwining celestial and terrestrial events that are believed to influence the destinies of these characters.
Traditionally, these astrotactic sequences are believed to not only denote the birth of the brothers but also to symbolically connect their lives with the cosmos, highlighting their roles and destinies in the ongoing struggle against evil.
Reasons for the Birth Order
The exact reasoning behind the birth order of Bharata and Lakshmana in the Ramayana is not explicitly explained in the scriptures. Myths and rituals of ancient Hindu society generally attributed such birth orders to divine plans and familial karma. One popular belief is that Kaushalya, Kaikeyi, and Sumitra, the three queens who bore the children, each sought the boon of a child from Lord Dasaratha (the father of Rama). Sumitra, who was unable to have children, shared the boon received by the other queens. This shared boon resulted in the birth of twins to Sumitra, Lakshmana, and Shatrughna.
In Hindu tradition, it is often believed that the eldest brother is chosen to manage the family and property, a role that Bharata fulfilled during Rama’s exile. The tradition of managing the family, hence, led to Bharata being considered the elder brother firstly by birth and then by his role in the family.
Another aspect to consider is that in many ancient cultures, particularly in Hinduism, the birth of twins is considered a rare event that is seen as a blessing or a sign of special intentions from the divine. Therefore, the simultaneous birth of Lakshmana and Shatrughna is often considered a manifestation of a divine plan for their coexistence and the significance of their roles in supporting Rama in his arduous journey.
Conclusion
The birth of Bharata and Lakshmana as described in the Valmiki Ramayan reflects not just a sequence of events but a deep interconnection of family dynamics with cosmic events. Understanding the birth order of these characters provides insights into their roles and the narrative complexities within this celebrated epic. The birth of Bharata before Rama and twins before Lakshmana and Shatrughna is a testament to the intricate blend of divine will and familial bonding that governs the unfolding of the story of Rama.