Lakshmana was lord Rama’s younger brother, who is, according to the Hindu mythology, considered an incarnation of Sheshnaga. Sheshnaga is the thousand headed serpent upon whom Lord Vishnu rests in the Ksheerasagara. Lakshmana is said to be an eternal companion of lord Vishnu in all incarnations. He was the twin brother of Shatrughna, born in Ayodhya to Sumitra, the second wife of the king Dasharatha. He married with Urmila, Sita’s sister. Lord Rama was the eldest, Bharata was the second, Lakshmana was the third, and Shatrughna was the youngest of the four brothers. In the images of lord Rama, he is also depicted with Rama and Sita. Lakshmana's life is a symbol of duties performed by a man towards his elders and also depicts the nature of selflessness in a man's character. Lakshmana would not sleep for a moment when Rama was not present. Lakshmana would not eat, if Rama was not present. Devotion to Rama was so intense in Lakshmana that he filled his heart with a feeling that everything that was present belonged to Rama.

Lakshmana is worshipped for his absolute devotion to Rama. For example, when lord Rama was exiled for 14 years, Lakshmana followed him to the forest instead of staying back in the palace and enjoying life. He served lord Rama throughout his whole life and loved, respected and obeyed Rama completely. In the forest, he spent all his energy and time in taking care of and serving Rama and Sita. He followed Rama’s instructions promptly. In the forest, he helped Rama in killing the demons. He is generally considered to be rather short-tempered when compared to Rama. They both went with the sage Vishvamitra to kill demons; who disturbed yagnas of the sages. He also played a very important role in the great epic Ramayana. He killed Kumbhakarna and other powerful demons.All paintings are courtesy of Art of Legend India.