Brothers Across Ages

There is something special about the bond between brothers. Historically, men have gotten together to hunt, explore new areas & conquer new territories. These pursuits develop a special relationship between them as they help each other in overcoming various challenges. Boys grow up together playing games and sharing dreams about their future. In course of time they grow up & look for a different kind of  companionship to share their softer feelings. However, there are certain aspects of their life which they can only share with their brothers. Being a husband doesn't allow them that freedom which they can enjoy with their brothers. 

Throughout history, there have been many brothers and their relationships were different & very interesting. The best of them is between Rama & his brothers. All of them were extremely dedicated to each other. Ram-Lakshaman and Bharat-Shatrughna were never separated and its said that Rama could tolerate the separation of Sita but couldn't stay on earth once he asked Lakshmana to go away. Then, we had Krishna and Balaram, they had tremendous love for each other and although they had disagreements but Balaram would never go against Krishna. We also had the Pandavas, where all the brothers were committed to each other and stayed together even in the most adverse of situations. Interestingly, even the Kauravas all 100 brothers fought together. The feeling of brotherhood runs strong even among other creatures. We have Sampaati, the elder brother of Jataayu, who saves his younger brother from getting   burnt when they both tried to go near the sun. Ravana and his brothers also had great love for each other(only his lust and ego, came in between). Both, Vibheeshan and Kumbhakarna wanted good for Ravana and even advised him to give away Janaki and have peace with Rama. Even Vaali and Sugriva had a very good relationship, till Vaali lost his sense due to pride and arrogance. Even the demons Hiranyaksha and Hirankashyapa were highly fond of each other and shared common hatred towards Naarayana. 

When brothers are of almost same age, then their relationship becomes more like friendship. As it was with Krishna and Arjuna. They become like one soul in two bodies. Their love for each other was even more than love for their families. When Arjuna takes the vow to kill Jayadrath or else kill himself, Krishna is extremely worried and says to his charioteer Daruka, I can live without Rukmini, my son Pradyumna or even Balarama but I can't see this earth without Arjuna. He asks Daruka to get his chariot ready with all the weapons, in case Arjuna fails to accomplish the mission, he would forget his oath  destroy the whole Kaurava army himself.  It was the same with Arjuna, once Krishna departs this earth, he lost all interest and immediately start his final journey. 

The relationship between brothers, if it is of love and friendship, then it leads to great heights but if ego, jealously comes into play, then it leads to downfall.