The Roles of Bharat and Lakshmana in the Ramayana

Which Sibling Followed Lord Rama More: Bharat or Lakshmana?

Bharat and Lakshmana: Twin Brothers Born to Sumitra

The Ramayana, one of the most iconic epics in Hinduism, tells the tale of the divine king Rama, his brother Lakshmana, and their other half-brother Bharat. Both Bharat and Lakshmana were deeply devoted to Lord Rama. However, the relationship between Rama and Bharat holds a unique significance in the ramayana. It is said that Bharat ruled Ayodhya for 14 years by keeping Rama's footprints (padukas) as his throne. On the other hand, Lakshmana, despite his devotion, did not receive a similar hug or seal of approval from Rama.

The sequence of birth is indeed interesting:

Rama Bharat Lakshmana and Shatrughna (twins)

As Lakshmana followed Rama in everything, his name is often mentioned after Rama. In actual birth order, they were:

RamaBharatLakshmanaShatrughna

However, culturally, we recount it as:

RamaLakshmanaBharataShatrughna

Nakshatras and Birth Dates in the Ramayana

The birth details of the brothers are also fascinating. Rama was born on Punarvasu Karkatha Lagna and Navami thithi (lunar day). Bharat was born under Pushyami Meena Lagna. Lakshmana and Shatrughna, being twins, were born on Ashlesha Nakshatra with Goddess Sarpa Devatha, under Dasami thithi.

According to Kaikeyi and Mandhara, Bharat was expected to rule Ayodhya if Rama had stayed home. This prediction was made after realizing that Bharat's thoughts and values were on par with Rama's. Thus, the sequence of kingship became clear - Rama ruled for fourteen years, after which Bharat took over to keep the promise made to his father.

Conclusion

In essence, while both Bharat and Lakshmana were loyal and faithful to Lord Rama, the narrative of the Ramayana highlights Bharat's unwavering dedication and piety. The sequence of their birth and roles in the story reinforce Rama's decision to honor Bharat as the next ruler of Ayodhya.

Knowledgable Takeaways:

Birth Order and Roles: RamaBharataLakshmanaShatrughna Nakshatras: Rama - Punarvasu, Bharat - Pushyami, Lakshmana and Shatrughna - Ashlesha