---
title: "Lakshman in the Ramcharitmanas: Shri Ram's Brother"
canonical: "https://ramayana.com/characters/lakshman"
lang: "en"
---

# Lakshman in the Ramcharitmanas: Shri Ram's Brother

Lakshman is Shri Ram's younger brother, beloved companion and devoted servant in Goswami Tulsidas's Ramcharitmanas. He accompanies Shri Ram and Mata Sita into exile, serves the Lord through simple daily acts and stands ready as a warrior. Goswami Tulsidas also identifies him as Lord Ananta, or Shesh, in Lanka Kand, Doha 75.

## Beloved of Shri Ram, guided by His will

Lakshman's strength belongs in the service of Shri Ram. In Bal Kand, Doha 197, Guru Vasishtha gives him his name, and Goswami Tulsidas describes him as the abode of noble qualities, beloved of Shri Ram and the support of the universe.

His forceful nature appears in the bow assembly. In Bal Kand, Doha 254, his angry words shake the assembly, yet he sits beside Shri Ram when the Lord signals him to stop. In Bal Kand, Doha 271, he challenges Parashuram with teasing words. By Doha 277, he speaks of the wrongdoing that passion produces. These passages bring strength and restraint together: devotion requires us to heed the Lord even when our feelings are strong.

## Devotion expressed through daily service

Lakshman's devotion takes the form of willing service. In Ayodhya Kand, Doha 75, he bows at his mother's feet and leaves quickly, anxious that anything might prevent him from accompanying Shri Ram into the forest. His happiness lies in remaining with the Lord.

That resolve becomes practical care. In Ayodhya Kand, Doha 89, Shri Ram lies down after eating, and Lakshman presses His legs. In the passage at Ayodhya Kand, Doha 118, Lakshman understands Shri Ram's intention and gently asks the villagers which road to take. Service needs this attentiveness. We learn to notice what is needed and do it with care, even when the task is small.

## A servant's care and a warrior's readiness

Lakshman carries the same care into the campaign in Lanka. In Lanka Kand, Doha 11b, he prepares a seat for Shri Ram on Mount Suvela with young leaves, blossoms and a soft deerskin. He then sits behind the Lord with his bow and quiver, ready as a warrior. Tender service and readiness to act belong to the same devotion.

In Lanka Kand, Doha 75, Goswami Tulsidas explicitly identifies Lakshman as Lord Ananta, or Shesh. Yet Lakshman bows at Shri Ram's feet before setting out with Hanumanji and the other warriors. His exalted identity does not diminish his humility. Follow his example by bringing care to ordinary duties and humility to positions of strength.

## Questions

### Who is Lakshman to Shri Ram?

Lakshman is Shri Ram's younger brother and devoted companion. In Ayodhya Kand, Doha 75, he leaves after bowing at his mother's feet, eager to accompany Shri Ram into the forest. His devotion appears in daily service too: in Ayodhya Kand, Doha 89, he presses Shri Ram's legs as the Lord rests.

### Why does Lakshman get angry?

The supplied passages show Lakshman speaking forcefully during the bow assembly and challenging Parashuram. In Bal Kand, Doha 254, he responds to Shri Ram's signal and sits beside Him. In Bal Kand, Doha 277, Lakshman himself teaches that passion leads to wrongdoing. His example calls for strength governed by restraint.

### Is Lakshman Shesh?

Yes. In Lanka Kand, Doha 75, Goswami Tulsidas identifies Lakshman as Lord Ananta, or Shesh. The same passage shows him bowing at Shri Ram's feet before setting out with Hanumanji and other warriors. His divine identity appears together with humility, devotion and readiness to serve the Lord.