LAKSHMANA The brother to Rama, an incarnation of Vishnu. Sent into exile with Rama and his wife, Sita, Lakshmana and Rama pursued the demon Ravana, who had carried off Sita at the instigation of his sister, Surpanakha. On the way there they slew a headless monster called Kabandha, whose spirit advised the two brothers to seek the aid of Sugriva, king of monkeys. The king and his lieutenant, Hanuman, helped the pair to cross to Sri Lanka, where Ravana held Sita, and after a long battle, freed Rama's wife.