Lakshmana (Sanskrit: लक्ष्मण, IAST: Lakṣmaṇa), also known as Laxmana, Lakhan, Saumitra and Ramanuja, is a central figure in the Hindu epic Ramayana. He is the younger half-brother of Rama and is renowned in tradition for his loyalty and devotion to his elder brother. The name Lakshmana is interpreted as "the one endowed with auspicious signs". In Hindu belief, he is regarded as an incarnation of Shesha, the lord of serpents.
According to the Ramayana, Lakshmana was born to King Dasharatha of Ayodhya and Queen Sumitra. Shatrughna is his twin brother. He was married to Urmila, following the marriage of Rama and Sita at her swayamvara. From childhood, Lakshmana is described as deeply attached to Rama, and the epic narrates his unwavering companionship with his elder brother and sister-in-law.
When Rama was sent into a fourteen-year forest exile, Lakshmana accompanied him along with Sita, serving them throughout their years in the wilderness. During the war against Ravana, Lakshmana plays a pivotal role and is credited in the epic with slaying Meghanada (Indrajit), the son of Ravana. His conduct in these episodes has come to symbolise fraternal duty and self-sacrifice within the Ramayana tradition.
Lakshmana is venerated in Hinduism and is worshipped at various places across India, generally alongside Rama and Sita. He features in temple iconography, devotional literature, and regional retellings of the Ramayana, where he is invoked as an embodiment of loyalty, service and steadfastness.