5 Names of Lakshman

Rama and Lakshmana/Source: British Museum

According to the Ramayana, Lakshman is said to be a one-quarter manifestation of Vishnu and an avatar of Shesha, a serpent associated with Vishnu. On that basis, Lakshman became known by the name of Sheshavatara. Though Sheshavatara is not the only name associated with him. He is known by several different names, and some of them can be traced in Valmiki Ramayana

Lakshman
Maharishi Vashistha described him, one who is born with auspicious symbols (lakshna), thus he named him Lakshman.

However, according to the Guru Granth Sahib, the name Lakshman is a symbol and it signifies mann (mind). Hence by Guru Granth Sahib’s translation, the name means one with good mind or values.

Sumitranandan
Sumitranandan, one who brought the joy in the life of Sumitra. As he was the first child of once-childless Sumitra, he was mentioned in Ramayana as Sumitranandan.

Soumitri
The name Soumitri simply translates as the son of Sumitra. Along with his twin brother, Shatrughana, he is known as Soumitri.

Dashrathatmaja
Dashrathatmaja, a popular sobriquet given to Lakshman, along with his brothers, Rama, Bharat and Shatrughana. The Sanskrit word atmaja means a part of the soul, defining the name as the part of Dashratha’s soul.

Bharatanuja
Bharatanuja is another byname given to Lakshman. The name Bharatanuja simply translates as the younger brother of Bharat. As he was younger to Bharat, he became Bharatanuja.