Not only the four brothers, even their consorts demonstrated great ideals. Sita and Urmila daughters of Janaka. Mandavi and Shrutakirti were the daughters of his younger brother. They were women of sterling character and were endowed with supreme sense of detachment. They considered the happiness of others as their own. When Rama was leaving for the forest, Sita insisted that he should be allowed to accompany him. She said, ‘Swami, You have come for the redemption of mankind. I too have a role to play in it. How can I remain here when You are going to the forest renouncing everything? She removed all her ornaments, wore garments of bark and followed Rama.

Lakshmana wife Urmila was a very good artist. Unaware of the latest developments, she was painting the picture of Rama’s coronation. As she was deeply engrossed in her work, Lakshmana entered the room all of a sudden and called her in a raised voice. She was startled and at once stood up. In this process, she accidentally spilled the paint over the picture. She felt sad for having spoiled the picture. Then Lakshmana remarked, ‘The coronation of Rama which is meant to bestow peace and prosperity to mankind is stalled by Kaikeyi and the picture of coronation that you are painting is spoiled by me.’ He informed her that he was accompanying Rama and Sita to the forest to serve them and said that he would return only after fourteen years. She was unperturbed by his decision. Happily she entreated him to serve Sita and Rama with utmost devotion. Pain and pleasure, sorrow and happiness follow one another. One should treat with equanimity.

Pleasure and pain, good and bad co-exist,

None can separate them.

You cannot find pleasure or pain,

Good and bad to the exclusion of the other.

Pleasures result when difficulties fructify. (Telugu poem)

(SSS Vol.36)