The Divine Summons and Durvasa's Curse

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

Dharmaraj, still disguised as the sadhu, conveyed Lord Brahma's message: Ram's purpose in his earthly avatar had been fulfilled, and Goddess Lakshmi awaited him in Vaikunth. Ram was pleased to hear this, admitting that he had longed to leave the earth and return to Vaikunth 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 Ram and Dharmaraj conversed, a commotion arose outside the door. Rishi Durvasa was impatient to meet Ram and threatened to curse Lakshman if he was not granted entry. Lakshman, torn between his duty and the threat of the curse, remained firm in his resolve, remembering Ram’s command. Ignoring Lakshman, Durvasa entered the chamber and cursed him, declaring that Lakshman no longer deserved to live on earth and would soon die.

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

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