Unheard of sacrifice of Ramayana, Lakshman’s wife Urmila slept for 14 years, know the secret of the boon which made the killing of Ravana possible.

News India Live, Digital Desk: Whenever we talk about sacrifice and dedication in Ramayana, the names of Lord Ram, Mother Sita and Lakshman come first in our mind. But in this epic, there is also a character whose sacrifice has been lost somewhere in the layers of history, she is Lakshman’s wife and King Janak’s daughter. Urmila. According to mythology, Urmila’s sacrifice is considered greater than Lakshman’s sacrifice. Do you know why Urmila was in deep sleep for 14 years in the palace of Ayodhya when Lakshman was awake in exile and serving Lord Ram?

‘Deal’ between Lakshman and Nidra Devi

According to Valmiki Ramayana and other mythological references, Lakshmana was standing guard while Rama and Sita were sleeping on the first night of their exile. At that time Nidra Devi came to Lakshman. Lakshmana asked for a boon from him that he should not sleep for the next 14 years, so that he could serve his brother and sister-in-law without any hindrance. Nidra Devi said that according to the law of nature, someone will have to take Lakshman’s share of sleep. Then Lakshman suggested the name of his wife Urmila.

Urmila’s great resolution

When Nidra Devi reached Urmila in the palace of Ayodhya and told her Lakshman’s wish, Urmila happily accepted it. She took upon herself Lakshman’s share of sleep so that her husband could perform his duties without any fatigue. This is the reason why Urmila slept for 14 years, while Lakshman remained awake continuously in the forest. Because of this sacrifice of Urmila, Lakshman was called ‘Gudakesh’ (one who has conquered sleep).

Urmila’s sleep and murder of Meghnad (Indrajeet)

This sacrifice of Urmila was not just the love of a wife, but it was also a key link in the defeat of Ravana. Ravana’s son Meghnad had the boon that only a person could kill him who had not slept for 14 consecutive years. Urmila herself took Laxman’s sleep and gave him the power to kill Meghnad, who was considered Ajay. If Urmila had not slept for 14 years, it would have been impossible for Lakshman to defeat Meghnad.

reunion after exile

According to the stories, when Shri Ram, Sita and Lakshman returned to Ayodhya after 14 years, Urmila woke up from her sleep. Lakshman first went to his wife’s room and bowed his head at her feet. This ‘silent sacrifice’ of Urmila is one of the most emotional and powerful chapters of Ramayana, which teaches that wars are won not only on the battlefield but also through restraint and patience within the walls of palaces.