Ramayana had another heroine besides SITA – Know more about her contributions

Mumbai: Those who have read the Ramayana know that Rama, his wife Sita and brother Lakshmana were the main protagonists.

Their sacrifice, perseverance, humility and simplicity reflected divinity.

They are admired and loved by one and all. But there’s one character in Ramayana that deserves equal attention and adulation.

Sita's younger sibling - Urmila - who was married to Lakshmana wanted to join her husband in the forest after Ram was asked to leave Ayodhya to fulfil his promise to Kaikeyi.

But Lakshmana knew he would not be able to justice to Urmila, for is prime duty was to be at the service of his brother and mother-like sister-in-law Sita.

After being denied permission to join him, Urmila kept praying for her husband.

On the first night of vanvas, Lakshmana requested Nidra Devi - Goddess of sleep - to keep him awake until the exile period was over.

Nidra Devi obliged him by granting his request.

Nonetheless, it was possible only because Urmila agreed to take Lakshmana's share of sleep.

Urmila's selflessness also helped Lakshmana defeat Ravana's son Meghnadh.

Only someone who hadn't slept for fourteen years could kill Meghnadh.

Her sacrifice and devotion make her an inspiring character for generations to come.