Urmila Explained

Urmila
Devanagari:ऊर्मिला
Affiliation:Avatar of Nagalakshmi
Texts:Ramayana and its other versions
Abode:Ayodhya, Vaikunth, Kshira Sagara
Gender:Female
Type:Hindu
Spouse:Lakshmana
Children:Angada
Chandraketu
Father:Janaka
Mother:Sunayana
Siblings:Sita (adoptive sister)
Mandavi (cousin)
Shrutakirti (cousin)
Dynasty:Videha (by birth)
Raghuvamsha-Suryavamsha (by marriage)
Birth Place:Mithila, Videha
Death Place:Ayodhya

Urmila, is a Hindu goddess and the princess of Videha in the Hindu epic Ramayana. She is considered to be an avatāra of Nagalakshmi, the serpent goddess. Urmila was married to Lakshmana and is known for her dedication towards her husband, for her courage and sacrifice.[1] [2]

Urmila was born as the daughter of King Janaka of Mithila and Queen Sunayana. Sita, the female protagonist of the epic, is her elder sister. She was married to Lakshmana, after her sister's swayamvara. According to a legend, Urmila slept continuously for fourteen years, so that her husband could protect Rama and Sita during the exile. She is notable for this unparalleled sacrifice, which is called Urmila Nidra. Urmila is worshipped is Hinduism, at various places in India, alongside her husband.[3]

Etymology

The name Urmila is of Sanskrit origin, and could be divided into Ur meaning waves, and mila, meaning to join. Thus, her name means 'waves of passion that unite a couple'. Her name also means 'humble' or 'enchantress'.[4]

Legend

Birth and early life

Urmila was born as the daughter of King Janaka of Mithila and Queen Sunayana.[5] Urmila is considered as the incarnation of Nagalakshmi, Shesha's consort. In the Garga Samhita, Nagalakshmi is considered to be the personification of the divine ocean called the Kshira Sagara and is called as Kshira.[6] [7]

Urmila was born on Jaya ekadashi, after her elder sister Sita, was adopted by her parents.[8] Mandavi and Shrutakirti are her cousins, who were born to her father's younger brother, Kushadhvaja and his wife Chandrabhaga.[9] According to legends, she was a scholar and an artist .[10]

Marriage to Lakshmana

After Rama won the svayamvara of Sita, their marriage was fixed. King Dasharatha arrived in Mithila for his son's wedding and noticed that Lakshmana had feelings for Urmila, but according to tradition, Bharata and Mandavi were to marry first.[11] [12] King Dasharatha then arranged for Bharata to marry Mandavi and Shatrughna to marry Shrutakirti, allowing Lakshmana to marry Urmila. Ultimately, all four sisters married the four brothers, strengthening the alliance between the two kingdoms.[13] The wedding ceremony was conducted under the guidance of Shatananda. During the homeward journey to Ayodhya, another avatar of Vishnu, Parashurama, challenged Rama to combat, on the condition that he was able to string the bow of Vishnu, Sharanga. When Rama obliged him with success, Parashurama acknowledged the former to be a form of Vishnu and departed to perform penance at the mountain Mahendra.[14] [15] The wedding entourage then reached Ayodhya, entering the city amid great fanfare.[16]

According to Vishwamitra, Urmila and Lakshmana equals each other in "grace and heritage".[17] Urmila and Lakshmana had two sons named Angada and Chandraketu. Urmila is described as being as dedicated to Sita as Lakshmana was to Rama.[18]

Exile and Urmila Nidra

Some time after the wedding, Kaikeyi compelled Dasharatha to make Bharata king, prompted by the coaxing of her maid Manthara, and forced Rama to leave Ayodhya and spend a period of exile. Sita and Lakshmana willingly renounced the comforts of the palace and joined Rama in exile. Urmila was ready to accompany her husband, but he asked her to stay back in Ayodhya, so that she could take care of his aging parents and he could serve his brother and his wife.[19]

According to a legend, Urmila decided to sleep continuously for fourteen years, so that her husband could protect his brother and sister-in-law.[20] On the first night of exile, when Rama and Sita were sleeping, the deity Nidra appeared before Lakshmana and he requested her to offer him the boon of not sleeping for the fourteen years.[21] The goddess asked him that she could grant his wish, but someone else would have to take his place asleep. Lakshmana asked the goddess to enquire his wife Urmila regarding this, who happily accepted the task. Urmila slept continuously for the fourteen years of exile, to complete the sleep of her and her husband's share. Urmila is notable for this unparalleled sacrifice, which is called Urmila Nidra.[22] [23]

Nidra told Lakshman that he would have to go to sleep as soon as the exile ends, so that Urmila could awake. After the exile, Lakshaman went to sleep and Urmila saw the coronation of Rama.

Post exile and later life

Urmila had been sleeping all those years of the exile, as per the boon by Goddess Nidra. When Lakshmana returned from the exile, he woke her up. Urmila opened her eyes and wept with joy when she saw him. Rama was then crowned the King of Kosala.[24] According to the Uttara Kanda, Lakshmana had ruled over Karupada, with Urmila as the queen, who advised him on important state matters.[25]

Urmila and Lakshmana's elder son Angada, inherited the Kingdom of Karupada, from his father and their younger son Chandraketu, inherited the kingdom of Mallya, being commissioned by Rama.[26] [27]

Death

As per the promise given to her sister Sita, Urmila stayed in Ayodhya to look after her son's Angada and Chandraketu, and Sita's sons Lava and Kusha. After few years, Urmila took samadhi in the Sarayu river.[28]

In other versions

Jain version

See main article: Rama in Jainism.

Urmila is referred to as Prithvisundari in Jain Ramayana. According to Jain storytelling, Lakshmana had around sixteen thousand wives in which Prithvisundari was his principle consort (in the Hindu epic, he had only one wife Urmila).[29] [30]

Mahaviracharita

The Sanskrit play Mahaviracharita by Bhavabhuti is based on the early life of Rama. According to the play, Vishwamitra invites Janaka to attend his sacrifice, but he sends his brother Kushadhvaja and daughters Sita and Urmila, as his delegates. This is the place, where Laxman and Urmila meet for the first time. By the end of the act, Kushadhvaja and Vishwamitra decide to marry Sita and Urmila to Rama and Lakshamana.[31]

Portrayal and assessment

Urmila has been portrayed as an ideal wife and an ideal mother known for her sacrifice in various texts, stories, illustrations, movies.[32] She is also portrayed as a devoted and patient wife who waits faithfully for her husband. She is often considered gentle, kind, compassionate and is known for her beauty and grace.[33] [34] The Balakanda chapter of the Ramayana, describe her as "illustrious".[35]

Urmila was known for her sincerity towards her husband and her family, but at the same time she stood with what was right.[36] She was the only one who fights for justice for her sister when Sita was banished from Ayodhya. In the Ramayana, Urmila displays patience and fortitude throughout.[37] Her sister, Sita always considered Urmila's sacrifice to be much bigger than that of her.

Temples and worship

Urmila alongside her husband, Lakshmana is worshipped across the country.

Influence and popular culture

Urmila's story and her sacrifice have inspired "painting, film, novels, poems, TV serials and plays". Prominently, she is depicted in all the adaptations of Ramayana.[43]

Films

The following people portrayed Urmila in the film adaptation of Ramayana.

Television

The following people portrayed Urmila in the television adaptation of Ramayana.

Plays

The following plays portrayed Urmila's suffering in the theatre adaptation of Ramayana.

Books

The following novels talks about Urmila's life.

Others

Further reading

Notes and References

  1. Web site: www.wisdomlib.org . 2012-06-24 . Urmila, Urmilā, Ūrmilā: 9 definitions . 2022-09-10 . www.wisdomlib.org . en.
  2. Book: LakshmiLa : The Eternal Love Story . 978-93-92834-21-9 . Agarwal . Shubhi . 20 April 2022 . Om Books International .
  3. Book: Moor, Edward . The Hindu Pantheon . 1810 . J. Johnson . 316 . en.
  4. Web site: Ramayana Summary, Characters, & Facts. Encyclopedia Britannica. en. 2020-02-18. 12 April 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20200412065621/https://www.britannica.com/topic/Ramayana-Indian-epic. live.
  5. Book: Mishra, V. . 1979 . Mithila Prakasana . Allahabad . Cultural Heritage of Mithila . 28 December 2016 . 13.
  6. Book: Garga Saṁhita . 2006 . Rasbihari Lal & Sons . 978-81-87812-98-2 . en.
  7. Book: Raj . Selva J. . Dempsey . Corinne G. . Sacred Play: Ritual Levity and Humor in South Asian Religions . 12 January 2010 . State University of New York Press . 978-1-4384-2981-6 . en.
  8. Dictionary of Hindu Lord and Legend by Anna Dhallapiccola
  9. Book: Raychaudhuri, Hemchandra. Hem Chandra Raychaudhuri. Political History of Ancient India . 2006. Cosmo Publications. 81-307-0291-6.
  10. Web site: Kavita Kane. Sita's Sisters: Conversations On Sisterhood Between Women Of Ramayana . Outlook India . 26 October 2023.
  11. Book: Praśānta Guptā. Vālmīkī Rāmāyaṇa. Dreamland Publications. 1998. 9788173012549. 32.
  12. Web site: www.wisdomlib.org . 2012-06-29 . Lakshmana, Lakṣmaṇa, Lakṣmaṇā: 34 definitions . 2022-12-23 . www.wisdomlib.org . en.
  13. Book: Debroy, Bibek. The History of Puranas. 2005. Bharatiya Kala Prakashan. 978-81-8090-062-4. en.
  14. Book: Bhalla, Prem P. . The Story Of Sri Ram . 1 January 2009 . Peacock Books . 978-81-248-0191-8 .
  15. Book: Valmiki . The Ramayana . 126–145.
  16. Book: Swami Parmeshwaranand . Encyclopaedic Dictionaries of Puranas . 2001-01-01 . Sarup & Sons . 978-81-7625-226-3 . 1210–1220 . 31 July 2012.
  17. News: Book 1 (Bala-kanda): Chapter 72 - The marriage of the four sons of King Dasaratha. www.wisdomlib.org. 21 December 2023.
  18. Book: Dawar, Sonalini Chaudhry. Ramayana, the Sacred Epic of Gods and Demons. 2006. Om Books International. 9788187107675. en.
  19. Book: Smriti Dewan . 2021 . Bloomsbury Publishing . Urmila: The Forgotten Princess . 9789390252916.
  20. http://devdutt.com/articles/indian-mythology/ramayana/lakshmans-wife-goes-to-sleep.html Lakshman's wife goes to sleep
  21. Book: Kavita Kané . 2014 . Rupa Publications India Pvt. Limited . Sita's Sister . 9788129134844.
  22. Web site: Urmila, The Sleeping Princess . . 28 March 2014 . 1 June 2016 . Reeja Radhakrishnan . Chennai . 25 June 2016 . https://web.archive.org/web/20160625064009/http://www.newindianexpress.com/education/student/Urmila-The-Sleeping-Princess/2014/03/28/article2134735.ece . dead .
  23. Web site: 2020-08-05. Ramayana: Check 13 lesser-known facts. 2020-08-07. Jagranjosh.com.
  24. Web site: Chapter 9: 171. Rama Becomes King. Press Book. 29 August 2023 .
  25. Web site: Ram7 115 - AncientVoice .
  26. Web site: The Ramayana: Conclusion. 2020-08-07. www.sacred-texts.com.
  27. Web site: 2020-04-26. Uttara Kanda of Ramayana was edited during 5th century BCE - Puranas. 2020-07-07. BooksFact - Ancient Knowledge & Wisdom. en-US.
  28. Book: Richman , Paula . Questioning Ramayanas: A South Asian Tradition. 1 January 2001. University of California Press. 978-0-520-22074-4.
  29. Book: Dundas, Paul . Paul Dundas . [{{Google books|X8iAAgAAQBAJ|plainurl=yes}} The Jains ]. Second . 2002 . 1992 . . 978-0-415-26605-5 . London and New York .
  30. Book: Iyengar, Kodaganallur Ramaswami Srinivasa. Asian Variations In Ramayana. 2005. Sahitya Akademi. 978-81-260-1809-3.
  31. Book: Mirashi, V. V.. Bhavabhūti. Motilal Banarsidass Publishers. 1996. The Mahavira-charita. 81-208-1180-1.
  32. News: Urmila: The Goddess of sacrifice in the Hindu epic Ramayana. News Nation. 22 September 2023.
  33. News: Sleeping beauty: The unsung sacrifice of Urmila. The Hindu. 29 November 2023.
  34. Book: Deepa Hariharan . 2021 . Independently Published . Princesses Recall - Stories of Grit and Sacrifice of Shanta, Ruma, Shrutakeerti and Urmila Based on the Indian Epic Ramayana . 9798528594781.
  35. News: Book 1 (Bala-kanda): Chapter 77 - King Dasaratha returns to Ayodhya. www.wisdomlib.org. 20 December 2023.
  36. News: Urmila's feminist stand against patriarchy in Sita's sister. International Journal of Advanced Research. 27 September 2023.
  37. News: Urmila: Existential Dilemma and Feminist Concerns. Sahitya Akademi - Jstor. 23345768 . 30 September 2023.
  38. Web site: Temple Profile: Mandir Shri Laxman Ji . . 29 September 2022.
  39. Web site: The place where not Ram and Sita, but Lakshman and Urmila are worshipped. News18 India. 28 November 2022.
  40. News: Sri Kalyana Ramachandra Swamy temple: Small wonder on a hillock . Deccan Chronicle . 3 December 2017.
  41. News: This unique Rama temple near Hyderabad where Hanuman finds no place . The News Minute . 17 April 2016 . en.
  42. Book: Rao, A.V. Shankara Narayana. Temples of Tamil Nadu. Vasan Publications. 9788184681123. 2012. 71–4.
  43. Book: Mankekar, Purnima. Screening Culture, Viewing Politics: An Ethnography of Television, Womanhood, and Nation in Postcolonial India. 1999. Duke University Press. 978-0-8223-2390-7. en.
  44. Web site: Ramayanam Reviews . https://web.archive.org/web/19980213002122/http://www.andhratoday.com/movie/RAMAYANA.htm . 13 February 1998 .
  45. Web site: Lav Kush (1997). https://web.archive.org/web/20120904102009/http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/moviemicro/cast/id/506009 . 21 February 2020 . dead . 4 September 2012 . Bollywood Hungama.
  46. News: Epic Effort. Nagpaul D'souza. Dipti. 17 September 2010. 18 September 2010. Indian Express. The Indian Express Limited.
  47. Web site: Dalrymple. William. William Dalrymple (historian). All Indian life is here. The Daily Telegraph. 15 February 2018. https://web.archive.org/web/20130902143318/http://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/2008/aug/23/art.ramayana. 2 September 2013. 23 August 2008.
  48. News: An epic battle. Bhattacharyya. Anushree. The Financial Express. 27 August 2013. 30 May 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20210109095117/https://www.financialexpress.com/archive/an-epic-battle/1160681/. 9 January 2021. dead.
  49. Web site: Karan Suchak and Yukti Kapoor: Siya Ke Ram's Laxman and Urmila are a match made in heaven. The Asian Age. 13 March 2016.
  50. Web site: Ram Siya Ke Luv Kush. PINKVILLA. en. 2019-08-05. 3 December 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20201203010609/https://www.pinkvilla.com/node/. dead.
  51. Web site: Vaidehi Nair to play pivotal role of Urmila in Siddharth Kumar Tewary's Srimad Ramayan . 29 November 2023 . Pinkvilla.
  52. Web site: What about Urmila? . 17 December 2021 . Shanta Gokhale . Mumbai Mirror.
  53. Web site: Urmila wakes the audience up to the travails of Lakshmana's wife . 17 September 2023 . The Hindu.
  54. Web site: Darpan theatre festival: Tales of epic love, sacrifice draw applause . 19 September 2023 . Hindustan Times.
  55. Book: Urmila . 2016 . 9788184956665 . Saket . Pervin . 5 January 2016 . Jaico Publishing House.
  56. Book: https://books.google.com/books?id=3nOiDwAAQBAJ&dq=sita+says+urmila%27s+sacrifice+is+bigger+than+her&pg=PT132 . VISION and RE-VISION - Revisiting Mythologies, Rethinking Women . Urmila: Quest for an intellectual identity . 9781645873426 . G . Beena . 15 July 2019 . Notion Press.
  57. News: Saket - Maithali Sharan Gupt . https://web.archive.org/web/20140426052252/http://www.kavitakosh.org/kk/%E0%A4%B8%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%95%E0%A5%87%E0%A4%A4_/_%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%88%E0%A4%A5%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%B2%E0%A5%80%E0%A4%B6%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%A3_%E0%A4%97%E0%A5%81%E0%A4%AA%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A4#.U1tCtHbgou8 . 24 January 2021 . 26 April 2014 . Kavita Kosh.
  58. News: Urmila - Bal Krishna Sharma Naveen . 24 September 2021 . Bal Krishna Sharma Naveen.
  59. https://www.manushi.in/culture--faith-traditions/the-song-of-urmilas-separation-andhra-womens-song-spotlights-ramayanas-neglected-urmila The song of Urmila’s separation: Andhra women’s song spotlights Ramayana’s neglected character

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