The Divine Summons and Durvasa's Curse

One day, as Rama gazed at his reflection in the mirror, he felt it was time to renounce the world. Having ruled Ayodhya for many years, he longed to return to Vishnuloka. The weight of governing his subjects had become too much to bear, and he believed it was time to relinquish the throne. His rule was founded on four pillars: truth, purity, compassion, and generosity. Under his governance, the kingdom thrived in an atmosphere of love, joy, and cooperation, free from poverty, ignorance, illiteracy, or disease. An ideal of governance, known as Ram Rajya, had been established.

At Lord Shiva’s behest, Yamaraja, the god of death, arrived at Ayodhya's palace disguised as a sadhu. He informed Lakshmana that he wished to meet Rama. Rama respectfully welcomed the sadhu, seated him, and inquired how he could serve him. The sadhu introduced himself and requested a private audience with Rama, cautioning that their conversation should not be overheard. Understanding the gravity of the situation, Rama decreed that anyone who interrupted them would be sentenced to death. He then instructed Lakshmana to guard the door and prevent any disturbances.

Yamaraja, still disguised as the sadhu, conveyed Lord Brahma's message: Rama's purpose in his earthly avatar had been fulfilled, and Goddess Lakshmi awaited him in Vaikuntha. Rama was pleased to hear this, admitting that he had longed to leave the earth and return to Vaikuntha for some time. Having assumed human form to rid the world of demons, he was satisfied with his work, feeling there was nothing more left for him to do.

As Rama and Yamaraja conversed, a commotion arose outside the door. Sage Durvasa was impatient to meet Rama and threatened to curse Lakshmana if he was not granted entry. Lakshmana, torn between his duty and the threat of the curse, remained firm in his resolve, remembering Rama’s command. Ignoring Lakshmana, Durvasa entered the chamber and cursed him, declaring that Lakshmana no longer deserved to live on earth and would soon die.

The moment Durvasa entered, Yamaraja vanished. Rama was startled by the sage’s abrupt entry but extended his hospitality, which pleased Durvasa. As the sage departed, he recalled the curse he had placed on Lakshmana and informed Rama. Deeply saddened, Rama folded his hands and earnestly requested the sage never to cast such a curse on anyone again. Unaware that this would be his final meeting with Rama, Durvasa felt remorse for cursing Lakshmana, but fate works in mysterious ways. Meanwhile, Rama had a few remaining responsibilities to address before departing for Vaikuntha. He pondered how the kingdom of Kosala would be governed in his absence.

After Durvasa’s departure, Lakshmana approached Rama and begged for forgiveness for failing to prevent the sage from entering the chamber. As per Durvasa’s curse, Lakshmana was destined to die soon. Rama consulted his guru and ministers. Despite his deep affection for Lakshmana, Rama was bound by his oath to sentence him to death, recognizing that adherence to dharma was of utmost importance.