Bowing to the great Sage. Rama arranged a great feast for him, serving him personally. Sage Durvasa was extremely happy and satisfied with the conduct of Rama and the way he served him. He profusely blessed Rama before returning to his ashrama.
After the Sage had left, Rama looked at Lakshmana and his eyes were filled with tears. His beloved brother had served him all through his difficult years in exile and fought side by side with him, carried out all his commands. As he had violated the order of privacy, he faced the death penalty.
Lakshmana himself wanted to be punished. The law in the kingdom of Rama was the same for one and all. Lakshmana said to Rama, “O Brother! Nature makes arrangement for everone to depart from the earth. My period on the earth is completed now. I am ready to face death penalty. Please permit me to do so.”
After taking permission from Rama, Lakshmana walked to the banks of river Sarayu. There, he took water in his palms to pray. In a few moments, the divine vehicle of Indra descended from heaven and Lakshmana boarded it.
