Written by Bhu__2007

The daughter of Maharaj Janak and Maharani Sunaina, the lovely sister of Bhumija Sita, the fierce sister of Mandavi, the protective elder sister of Shrutakirthi, the beautiful daughter of the Videha clan, the firm princess of Mithila, the dutiful wife of Ramaanuj Lakshman, the responsible daughter in law of Suryavansh, the incarnation of Ksheer Sagar! She is URMILA.

Urmila, meaning the waves of passion was the biological daughter of Maharaj Janak and Maharani Sunaina of Mithila. She was born after her parents had adopted Sita.

Her sister Sita was like her lifeline! Even after knowing the fact that Sita is an adopted child, she loved and cared the same way. Her love for her family was infinite. Being an elder sister to the pampered Shrutakirthi, she wouldn't tolerate a word against her family, especially her sisters!

She was married to the younger brother of Ram, the son of Sumitra and Dasharath, Lakshman. And she, her mother in law Sumitra and her brother in law Ram were the only ones to cool the angry prince of Ayodhya.

Maharani Kaikeyi's boon, brought a gloom to her life. Separation. Separation from her loving husband, beloved sister and respectful brother in law whom she more treated as her brother.

Her brother Ram, stating that following the word his father has given us the biggest duty for him was firm to spend his life in the forest for 14 years. Her sister Sita, stating her duties towards her husband followed Ram. Her husband Lakshman, stating his duties towards his brother decided to follow Ram. What about her?

She wished to follow her husband like her elder sister. But, her husband didn't allow her to. It didn't mean that he didn't love her. It just meant that he loved her too much for her to face any dangers. He didn't wish his beloved wife to get hurt.

Secondly, if his wife accompanies him, she may become a distraction to him. Though she wished only to serve him, Lakshman's mind said how can she serve a servant? He was following his brother to serve him as a servant.

Thirdly, someone had to take care of the mothers here. He had a misconception that Bharat may do something bad to the mothers. And if his fierce princess is there with them then she could defend them. And if Bharat don't do so too, the mothers needed a pillar of support and strength.

After, convincing her and taking a promise from her that in the 14 years, she would not cry remembering him, Lakshman took leave of his beloved who with a proud face sent him to complete his duties as a brother.

There are many varied versions about Urmila's life in the span of 14 years of exile.
One version says that she had taken her husband Lakshman's part of sleep and therefore was sleeping day and night.
One more version says that she was awake and was taking care of the family, state affairs and managing the palace independently.

In the first version, the story continues as Indrajit had a boon that he will be killed only by the one who has not slept for 14 years. Therefore, Urmila's nidra became an integral part in the victory of Ram against Ravan.

In a folk tale, it is said that Urmila after 14 years when Lakshman came back, she informed him of her 104 children. Lakshman who was shocked to hear it, asked her how did it happen. Urmila who calmly took Lakshman's hand in her's guided him towards the royal garden where there were many trees. She replied to Lakshman that in 14 years, she had planted and taken care of these 104 trees like her own children. She also had given names to all 104 trees.

Whichever version is right or wrong, the sacrifice she did was unaparalled. In the 14 years, Sumitra was always with her daughter in law giving her support that she needed. Though Urmila never showed her pain of separation, her mother in law always sticked to her.

The 3 sisters of Mithila were the fevicol for the royal family of Ayodhya. They became the pillars of mental strength, support and encouragement.

Though Urmila's pain didn't end to the 14 years of exile, she proved to be a strong lady who overcame all the struggles.

Urmila and Lakshman had 2 sons, Angad and Chandraketu. Angad ruled Kaarupath Desh while Chandraketu ruled Chandrakaant. In a folk tale, Urmila and Lakshman has a daughter named Somada.

There is no much information about the death of Urmila. The only available information is that the sisters were not widows. That means that they died before the brothers. But, there is no answer for the question 'How?'.

A/N : Just ask your friends or parents about her. Most of them just know her as Lakshman's wife. And few will not be knowing that too. Their vague reply would be what should we do knowing about her. I have heard this by many of my family members. There is a need to know about this great lady. There is a lesson to learn from this unsung character of Ramayan. She has an existence of her own and give her that. Spread the knowledge!

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4th April 2021
Saturday