How Did Lord Rama Die?

Lord Rama's journey of life epitomises the strong and powerful intention to pursue dharma despite numerous obstacles and tests that were strewn on His path. His unflinching will to tread the path of dharma and not move astray from the path of good made Him a complete man. While a lot is known about Lord Rama and the harsh tests He was put through in His journey of life, the question of how did Lord Rama die still remains unanswered.

SIGNIFICANCE OF RAM NAVAMI

Lord Rama, as described by Hinduism, is an avatar of Lord Vishnu. The avatars of Lord Vishnu do not meet their demise through ordinary, mortal means. Some believe that Lord Rama voluntarily entered the Sarayu river and is believed to have left to Vaikunta. The Padma Purana tries to explain the death of Lord Rama. Read on to know more.

It is believed that Lord Rama ruled for a staggering 11,000 years, His sole motive was to restore dharma or order to guide people to the path of true happiness. After His reign, His sons, Lava and Kusha ruled with the same motive as their father. After His rule that spanned an entire era, it is believed that Sita Devi, Lord Rama's wife, was taken back by mother earth.

Now, here is something that will take you by surprise. There came a sage one day who told Lord Rama that he wanted to have a very important conversation with Him in private. The story goes on to say that Lord Rama entered the room with this sage and directed Lakshmana to guard the door and further instructed him not to allow any soul to enter.

It is believed that the conversation Lord Rama had with the sage was His last, the sage being none other than 'Time' itself. The sage told Lord Rama that His mission on the planet was complete and it was time to get back to Vaikunta. He also revealed to Lord Rama that He (Lord Rama) belonged to a divine race.

At this point of time, Durvasa, a sage known for his bad temperament, wanted to meet Lord Rama. When disallowed by Lakshmana, he warned that he will lay a curse on the entire city of Ayodhya. Lakshmana, in order to save the people of Ayodhya, decided to admit Durvasa, knowing the fact that his own life was at stake. He was ready to accept the punishment by meeting his death in order to save Ayodhya.

Durvasa then told Lakshamana to play the role of time and go into the room. Lakshmana readily accepts it and assumes the form. Ram, learning that His brother's purpose was met, decided to step into the Sarayu river and end His avatar.