Laxman’s Bhakti towards Ram is unparallel. I like to share with u all a beautiful converstion between Ram Laxman that took place in Panchavati. The conversation shows Laxman unparallel selfless devotion n care for Ram. It also shows Ram’s respect towards Laxman’s devotion.
Ram, Sita, Laxman entered Panchavati a place near Godavari n full of flowering trees
Ram asked Laxman “In which place we have to situate our hermitage for our liking, for that cast your sight all over the forest, and indeed you are an expert in such matters.In which place Vaidehi, likewise you and me too can take delight, where the woodland is scenic and the water is pleasurable, and where a water lake, ritual-firewood, flowers, and the sacred grass are available in proximity, oh, Lakshmana, such a place may be searched out.”
Laxman replied with adjoining palms “I am but a dependent, as long as you are there, may it be for innumerable years, I am your adherent, Ram, therefore you yourself tell me to build hermitage in such and such delightful place. (Laxman said this in presence of Sita (sitaa samakshe) because if she is not going to accept that place, Ram rejects it. Hence, it firstly is the choice of Sita on which Ram’s approval will be automatic. He is also trying to say ‘Order me, I am anytime servant of yours.’ ‘Your choice of place is but my pleasure.’)
Ram gladdened by those words of Laxman, selected a place comprised of all the attributes.He took Laxman’s hand by his hand n showed him the beautiful place intended for the construction of hermitage.
He said “This is an evenly and propitious place surrounded with flowered trees and it is apt of you to erect hermitage here, traditionally. This pleasing lake is seen here adjacently, beaming forth with its lotuses that are similar to sun in resplendence, and that are scented fragrantly. This River Godavari is also seen from here, surrounded by blooming trees, spread over with swans, and beautified with kaarandava, and chakravaaka birds, as that contemplated souled sage Agastya had said. Those soaring mountains are appearing beautiful with many caves, surrounded by flowered trees, flurried by animal herds, sounded by peacocks, and they are neither far-off nor very nearby. This place is holy, this is delightful and this is with many animals and birds, hence Soumitri, let us reside here along with the bird Jatayu.”
Laxman ,then briskly erected a hermitage for his bhaiya-bhabi. Laxman built a very spacious straw-cottage there levelling and raising the clay for raised floor of the cottage, strongly pillared with long bamboos, thereupon on those pillars excellent rafters are made, and the branches of Shamii trees are spread out, twined firmly with twines of jute strands, and with the cross-laid bamboos for thatching, and over that blades of Kusha grass and leaves of Kaasha are spread and well over-covered for the roof, and thus that very great mighty
Laxman made that best and very spacious straw-cottage with a levelled surface for residence of Raghava in the interests of Raghava alone, and it resulted as a feast to the eye. He took a bath in river Godavari and gathered lotuses and fruits and returned to the cottage.
When Ram Sita saw the beautifully built cottage they felt gladdened.Then Ram embraced Laxman tightly by both of his hands, and spoke these sweet words to him.
“Oh, masterful one, I am very happy about you for you have done a great deed, for that reason I am giving what I have to give to you ? a hugging.”
“bhaavaj~nena kR^itaj~nena dharmaj~nena ca lakSmaNa |
tvayaa putreNa dharmaatmaa na sa.mvR^ittaH pitaa mama || ”
“You are the knower of others feelings, knower of many skills, and the knower of what is right and honest, oh, Lakshmana, such as you are, being with you I deem that my virtue-souled father is not gone.”
(Here Ram is saying that “you are arranging all the things for me, as a father would naturally do for his son.” He is not missing his father because Laxman is taking care of him like a father. He is feeling that his father Dasharatha took rebirth as Laxman n taking care of him.)
Then they performed the ritual of Griha Pravesha and entered the cottage.