In the Indian epic the Ramayana, Laksmana (Sanskrit Lakṣmaṇa) also known as Soumitri, Bharatanuja is the younger brother and close companion of the god Rama, the hero of the epic and avatar of the god Vishnu. According to the Ramayana, Lakshmana is one quarter component of manifest Vishnu and is considered to be an avatar of Shesha, the serpent associated with Vishnu.

In the Indian epic the Ramayana, Laksmana (Sanskrit Lakṣmaṇa) also known as Soumitri, Bharatanuja is the younger brother and close companion of the god Rama, the hero of the epic and avatar of the god Vishnu. According to the Ramayana, Lakshmana is one quarter component of manifest Vishnu and is considered to be an avatar of Shesha, the serpent associated with Vishnu.