Do you remember her ????

When we think of the Ramayana, the first glimpse in our tiny brains comes of Rama, Rama killing the demon Ravana , the ultimate prevail of good over evil, and so on, and so,forth. But, a further critical analysis would lead you to discover the good of Ravana or his ultimate goal. this are all the things you come across everyday.

But,I want to tell a story about a different chracter, who was left behind in the story, unseeen and unheard. Her sacrifices and dedication may have stirred many poet's chords, but she remains the most neglected character of Ramayana.Folks, i'm talking about Urmila.

Urmila , daughter of King Janaka, sister of Sita and wife of Lakshmana.The woman who description is limited to just three to four lines in Valmiki's Ramayana.

The story goes like this, when Lakshmana decided to accompany Rama for fourteen years of exile, Urmila offered to go with Laksmana to serve him. but , he refused , he said his whole effort who go to serve his elder brother and his wife and he would be unable to do so if Urmila would be there. 

Also when Sita would leave for exile she would be the eldest sister-in law, and its her responsiblity to serve in his parents. He asked her to stay back and wait for him.She happily agreed that without shedding a tear, as a single drop of her would make Laksmana weak for his task lying ahead. 

A different backdrop also says about Lord Needra( hindu religion goddess of sleep ), who gives a boon to Urmila that she sleep for Lakshmana too, i.e. she sleep for fourteen years till Lakshmana return. this way Urmila too would not think about Lakshmana and he too would be able to serve Rama without any interruptions.

While Rama ans Sita went for the exile, it was Urmila who choses a worse exile for herself. A selfless life woman, who sacrificed evrything just for his husband and her duties. An ideal wife?????????


when u write about history, it always a daunting task.and when it comes to Hindu tradition it's more of a challenge. with so many poets writing there own so many versions .it's a challenge to be true to everyone. i tried to jot down all the plausible facts. 
        but at the end what matters is  ------     "Which story do u prefer???"

                                                                                               
                                                                                                         --AKASH