Unheard story of Ramayana, why did Lakshman not sleep for 14 years? How did you defeat sleep?

News India Live, Digital Desk: We all have heard the story of Ramayana, but there are some things in it that very few people know. One such story is of Lakshman ji not sleeping for 14 years. This story is a unique example of sacrifice, service and dedication.

When Lord Rama went into exile for 14 years, along with Mother Sita, brother Lakshman also insisted on going with him. Lakshman believed that his first duty was to serve his elder brother and sister-in-law. Lord Ram explained to him a lot, but Lakshman’s fraternal love was so deep that he was not ready to stay in Ayodhya under any circumstances.

When Nidra Devi appeared before Lakshman

On the first night of exile, when Shri Ram and Sita ji were resting in a hut, Lakshman was keeping guard outside. At that time Goddess Nidra appeared before him. Laxman knew that if he fell asleep then how would he be able to protect his brother and sister-in-law?

So he prayed to Nidra Devi with folded hands and said, “O Devi! I want to serve my brother for the next 14 years. Please grant me such a boon that I will never sleep.”

Nidra Devi was surprised to hear this. He said, “This is against the law of nature. Everyone has to sleep. If you do not want to sleep, then someone else will have to take your sleep.”

When Urmila played a unique example of pativrata dharma

Then Lakshman requested Nidra Devi to go to his wife Urmila. He said, “You ask my wife Urmila, maybe she will agree to take my share of sleep.”

Nidra Devi reached Urmila in Ayodhya with Lakshman ji’s message and told her the whole story. Hearing this, Urmila agreed without thinking a moment. She said, “If my husband can stay awake for 14 years to serve his brother, can’t I help him by taking my share of sleep? I accept that.”

In this way, Lakshman ji’s wife Urmila slept for 14 years and Lakshman remained awake day and night in the service of his brother Shri Ram and Mother Sita. This is why Lakshman is also called ‘Gudakesh’, which means ‘one who has conquered sleep’. This sacrifice of Lakshman and Urmila is a unique example of love and dedication of husband and wife in Indian history.