Why Did Urmila Not Accompany Lakshman in Exile as Sita Accompanied Rama for 14 Years?

In the Indian epic Ramayana, Urmila is the wife of Lakshmana, Lord Rama's younger brother. When Lord Rama, his wife Sita, and Lakshmana went into exile for 14 years, Urmila stayed behind in Ayodhya. Her story, often overlooked, highlights an immense act of sacrifice and devotion.

Urmila's Role in Ayodhya

Urmila was in the palace at Ayodhya on her husband Lakshmana's suggestion. After the demise of Chakravarti King Dasharatha, she took care of all three mothers. Despite being a queen and residing in the palace, she adapted to a simple lifestyle and engaged in rigorous austerities.

Unique Request and Unwavering Devotion

During the 14-year exile, Lakshmana made a unique request to his wife Urmila. He asked for her permission to serve Lord Rama and accompany him during the exile. In exchange, he wanted her to bear the responsibilities of his duties in his absence. Urmila, displaying unparalleled love and sacrifice, agreed to this request without hesitation.

14 Years of Deep Sleep

For the entire 14 years of Lord Rama's exile, Urmila remained in a state of deep sleep known as thumburuvaas. During this period, she slept on a bed of thorns, remaining in suspended animation to fulfill her duties as a wife and support her husband's dharma.

Awakening and Return

At the end of the 14-year period, when Lord Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana returned to Ayodhya, Urmila was awakened from her deep sleep. For 14 years, she had sacrificed her own comfort and well-being to fulfill her rightful duties.

Examples of Selfless Love and Sacrifice

Urmila's story exemplifies selfless love, sacrifice, and unwavering devotion. Her extraordinary act of sacrifice is often praised as one of the most remarkable instances of devotion in the Ramayana. It highlights the significant contributions of characters like Urmila, whose roles, though behind the scenes, are no less important than those in the epic's forefront.

Roles of Sita and Lakshmana

Actually, during the vanavaas (exile), Shri Rama insisted that his wife Sita and brother Lakshmana follow him, as Lakshmana was always like his shadow. Both Sita and Lakshmana, recognizing the dangers and hardships, initially insisted on accompanying Rama. Following the advice of the elders, however, they were not allowed to do so due to potential dangers.

Conclusion

Urmila's story not only adds depth to the Ramayana but also offers a profound lesson on sacrifice, devotion, and dedication. It is a testament to the strength of character and the lengths to which one can go to uphold one's duties and responsibilities.