Twin son of Rama and Sita. (Glossary for the Vahinis)

 

Lineage

Sita gave birth to Lava and Kusha in the hermitage of Sage Valmiki. They were taught various branches of knowledge by him. Sita also was teaching them many lessons and imparting to them many skills. (SSS Vol.21, p. 232)

 

Sita fostered the charming twins, Lava and Kusha. (SSS Vol.7, p. 63)

Brought up by the noble

Exemplar of womanhood,

The twins, Lava and Kusha,

Achieved glory;

(Telugu Song)

(SSS Vol.25, p. 382)

 

Sage Valmiki wants to proclaim to the world the Ramayana:

It is impossible to describe the greatness of the life of Rama. The great qualities of Rama are countless.

 

Valmiki wrote his Ramayana while Rama was still reigning over the kingdom. Rama was ruling over Ayodhya at that time. What does Ayodhya signify? It symbolises the place which cannot be penetrated by evil forces and which is invincible. That place is the heart. That is the place where Rama resides.

 

After completing his great epic, Valmiki was considering how to make it known to the world and how to sanctify the lives of people by spreading its message. The Ramayana evokes joy in the listeners by the very sweetness of its poetry. Its Shlokas (verses) relieve people of their sorrow. Kusha and Lava (the sons of Sita) who were dressed like ascetics and who could sing melodiously and move the hearts of the listeners by their charming music came to Valmiki and offered their salutations to the sage. The two children were like twin birds. They were extraordinary children. They were utterly fearless. They would not shrink from anyone out of fear. When the two appeared before Valmiki, the sage told them ‘Children! I have composed the Ramayana with a pure and unsullied heart through arduous effort. You should proclaim to the world this sacred story.’ Lava and Kusha reverentially accepted the sage’s command. They offered their pranamas (salutations) to Valmiki and said: ‘Guruji! Give us your benediction. We shall go forth into the world and make the Ramayana known to every nook and corner of the land.’ (SSS Vol.30, p. 93)

 

They took tambura in one hand, wore garlands of rudraksha around their necks, smeared Vibhuti on their foreheads, and went to each and every street singing the glory of Lord Rama. They sang, ‘Oh people! Listen to the sacred story of Lord Rama. Let your life be His Story.’ (SSS Vol.32 Part II, p. 70)

 

At one place, many sages had come together in a big assembly. Lava and Kusha went to them and sang the Ramayana in their sweet voice. The sages listened to their recitation in rapture, oblivious to everything. They felt that such moving story should be propagated to the whole world.

 

The Ramayana in blissful song sung by Lava and Kusha:

 

(Lava and Kusha sing the poem before Rama)

The two boys went along singing and entered Ayodhya. Standing in the heart of the city they went on singing the Ramayana. All the people strolling on the road stopped to listen to the song. They were rooted to their places and were lost in the music of the great epic. This is known as Bhava-samadhi (the state of blissful feeling). The hearts of the listeners were filled with the bliss of the soulful music. At that moment Rama was coming in his chariot to the spot. He heard the singing. Returning to the palace, he sent word to the two boys to come to his palace for singing their songs. In this manner Lava and Kusha sang the story of Rama in a manner that moved the hearts of one and all—from commoners to King Rama himself. (SSS Vol.30, pp. 93-94)

 

 

Sing the glories of the Lord like Lava and Kusha

When Lava and Kusha went about singing the glories of Rama they had no nervousness or apprehension.

 

 Listen to Baba on Ideal Messengers of God

 

Today, young persons hesitate to put on any auspicious marks on the forehead when they visit temples and do not venture to fold their palms in reverence when they meet ciders. There is nothing greater than chanting the name of the Lord.

People are eager to listen to gossip.

But the ears are deaf to the sweet names of God.

You do not hesitate to go to the films endlessly;

But your eyes find it hard to look at God in the sanctum.

What for are the eyes given? What for do you have ears? You should remember God s name and go to the abode of God.

Today s youth should take a resolve to spread the love of God among the people without any hesitations or fear. They should make every man realise the sweetness of the Lord s name, the divinity enshrined in it and the purity associated with it. These feelings should emanate from the heart. That is true namasmarana (reciting the Lord s name). (SSS Vol.30 p.99)

 

 

Lava and Kusha forgot all bodily considerations and sang from their hearts the glory of Rama. They thus taught what is relevant to youths today--the path to a God-oriented life. There is nothing greater than chanting the name of the Lord. Today s youth should take a resolve to spread the love of God among the people without any hesitations or fear. They should make every man realise the sweetness of the Lord s name, the divinity enshrined in it and the purity associated with it. These feelings should emanate from the heart. That is true Namasmarana (reciting the Lord s name). (SSS Vol.30, p. 99)

 

In this manner Lava and Kusha went about glorifying the greatness of Rama joyously and telling the people how they should adore God. Thus Rama himself enjoyed the narration of his story in song. He posed as if he did not know his own story. In this context, the human aspect of Rama should be noted. He lived like a common man, but ordinary men did not live like Rama. This is the secret of this phenomenon. Though Rama was divine, he moved about like ordinary man. Common men should live like Rama to manifest their divinity. It is not enough to recognise the human aspects of Rama. People should also realise the divinity in everyone. (SSS Vol.30, p. 99)

 

The Ramayana propagated the great ideals of Rama in song and story. Rama was ever auspicious, ever the heroic wielder of the bow (Kodanda Rama), ever the anointed ruler (Pattabhirama), and the Divine In-dweller in the heart. People have to enthrone Him in their hearts and adore Him. Tyagaraja grew ecstatic when he sang about Rama and His various attributes and glories. (Swami sang mellifluously Tyagaraja’s song beginning with the words: ‘Rama! Kodanda Rama! Rama! Pattabhirama!’ – Rama You stands by the word you have given. For me, you are the only wealth. Your song is the only song. Your path is the only path. Rama! You are Sitapati (the consort of Sita). You are the Gati (the goal). I bow to you. I surrender to you, Oh Rama. Rama! Your name is supreme. Rama! Thoughts of you are enough. Rama! I am yours. Please speak to me.) The great devotees of Rama revelled in singing the glories of Rama in this manner.

 

Such a moving and inspiring story as the epic of Rama cannot be found in any other country or language. Even after thousands of years, the story of Rama continues to be related in innumerable villages and cities.

 

Experience Rama in your heart

In Bharat today there is no place where Rama’s name is not chanted or dhanam (charity) is not practised. Even in the tiniest hamlet there will be a small Rama temple. But these temples are not so very important. The temple in which Rama should be worshipped is your heart. God is the Hridayavasi (dweller in the heart). You need not seek Rama anywhere else. Without going out anywhere, without incurring any expense, you can experience Rama in your heart and achieve liberation. (SSS Vol.30, pp. 99-100)

 

Be prepared for any sacrifice for the sake of the Divine

Lava and Kusa were princes of royal blood. They carried in their hands tambourines. They set out on the great task of propagating the Ramayana, chanting the shlokas (verses) all the way. Are there any today who will undertake such a task? Many will fear being mocked by the public. Even persons who may wish to do Bhajans in public are afraid of being jeered at.

 

Devotees should be able to transcend such considerations. Why should anyone who is doing something holy be afraid of public ridicule? People should be prepared for any sacrifice for the sake of the Divine. The joy to be derived from chanting the Lord s name is ineffable. Without the constant remembrance of God, there can be no experience of the Divine. Whatever the name that may be chanted, when it is done wholeheartedly the fruits of it will be certain. Everything should be done with a pure heart. (SSS Vol.31, p. 73)

 

Love The Mother and Revere The Father:

Rama attained godhood because he was the son of Kausalya. Lava and Kusha became heroic children because of their great mother, Sita Devi. It is the noble thoughts of the mother which make the children great. A mother may go wrong in other respects, but she will always strive for the well-being of her children. Hence every son has to love the mother as the primary duty. Then he should love the father and revere the preceptor. The mother confers the body. The father protects it. The preceptor imparts knowledge and wisdom. For every human being all three are essential for getting on in the world. (SSS Vol.30, p. 104)

 

Every person, man or woman, should respect the parents, install the Divine in the heart and pray to God constantly. It is everyone s duty to bring a good name to one s parents. When the children are good, they bring a good name to the parents. It was because of the noble behaviour of Lava and Kusha that their mother, Sita, became renowned. When Lava and Kusha were engaged in a battle with Rama, (SSS Vol.30, p. 109) Lava and Kusa remembered their mother with great reverence and aimed an arrow at Him. Rama fell into a swoon when the arrow struck Him. Such is the power of one s mother s blessing. (SSS Vol.21, p. 232)

 

God-realisation is the supreme achievement:

In the world today such mothers are rare. Many mothers are worried about the future of their sons if they adhere to the righteous path. They fear that such children may not be successful in life. In ancient days mothers thought otherwise. They would be immensely happy if they found the children devoted to God. They would feel happy with the thought. ‘My son will be a good man. He will earn a good name.’ (SSS Vol.30, p. 109)

 

Cherish Bharatiya culture

Find out the cause as Lava and Kusa did when they found their mother Sita was in tears. They asked their mother: ‘Oh Mother ! Why are you weeping? Here we are, more valiant than Shri Rama. We can bring for you a Golden Mountain if you desire it.’ (Bhagavan sang a Telugu song which was both sweet and deeply moving). The boys held her feet and declared that they would not leave until she revealed the cause of her grief. See what the children of Sita, the daughter of the Earth Goddess, did to assuage the grief of their mother. Which son of Bharat today is trying to wipe the tears of Bharat Mata? This is deepening her grief. She laments: ‘I have ninety crores of children. But of what use are they? They are not relieving a mother s sorrow.’ Mother Bharat s grief affects the whole world. (SSS Vol.28, pp. 350-351)

 

Lava and Kusha And The Ashvamedha Yaga Performed By Rama

 

Lava and Kusha capture the sacred sacrificial Horse

In the Hermitage of Valmiki, Janaki was living with her twin sons, each redoubtable in splendour like the Sun. Those two boys saw the Horse, read the golden plate tied around its brow and led it away, to be bound and kept at the hermitage. Then, they came forward eager to fight back the guardians of the horse, with an arrow-case tied around their waists and bows and arrows in their hands. By that time, the warriors accompanying the Horse reached the place. They saw the Horse tied to a tree and finding that it was done by those boys, they cooled down. They said, ‘Sons! Your parents are indeed blessed to have such charming children. Well. Let that horse loose, and go home.’ But the little boys replied, ‘Oh ye heroes! You have come for battle and not for begging, we believe. When you beg the horse from us, you are tarnishing the fair name of Kshatriya.’ Hearing this, the guardian soldiers said, ‘Brave boys! Yes, do not tarnish the fair name of the Kshatriyas. That is why we ask you to be careful in speech.’ The boys only laughed at this repartee. They said, ‘Ah, how brave must be the person who sent this horse under the protection of people like you? If you have no strength to take it from us, you can proceed home.’ (RKRV Part II, p.323)

 

Shatrughna confronts Lava and Kusha

When the boys, Kusha and Lava, spoke so sharply and sarcastically the soldiers were provoked to fall upon them in spite of the fact that they were but tender boys. Lava shot a succession of arrows at them, quite in a sportive manner, humming tunes within himself and rather carelessly as if engaged in a play. The bodies of the warriors were shot through in so many places that they were rendered meshy. They fell fainting on the ground. Some of them ran into the camp of Shatrughna. They cried, ‘Maharaja! Two boys, evidently children of the hermits, have captured our Horse and in the fight that ensued, they have killed a large number of our soldiers.’ Shatrughna was enraged at this effrontery. He gathered the four sections of his army and marched towards Kusha and Lava. When he confronted them, and saw their handiwork, on the field, proving their overwhelming prowess, he was shocked into shame. ‘How can I enter into battle with these two boys?’ he heted. Shatrughna addressed them thus: ‘Oh ye children of hermits: Let loose the Horse and go home. You are worthy of worship. It is not right to wage battle with you.’ (RKRV Part II, pp.323-324)

 

The boys would not yield. They said, ‘King! What is your name? From which City are you coming? Why are you moving through this forest at the head of an army? What is the reason for your letting this Horse wander about as it likes? Why have you tied this gold plate round its brow? Well if you have the strength and the courage, remove the plate from its brow, loosen the Horse and take it home.’ When Lava and Kusha spoke straight and sharp like this Shatrughna bowed his head in shame and ordered his men to take up arms and march forward. At this, the boys laughed among themselves. ‘Aha! This King is pretty powerful! But listen. Can a lion be frightened when you clap your hands?’ They took up the bow and arrow, remembering their Guru, the sage, Valmiki. Their arrows shattered the chariot of Shatrughna to pieces. They also entered his body in many places and made it a patchwork of holes. His veteran warriors fainted and fell. They called each veteran forward and shot arrows at them with fatal effect. (RKRV Part II, p.324-325)

 

Rama informed about Lava and Kusha’s exploits:

Soon, Rama was informed of the exploits of the two boys from the hermitage. Of course, he knew that they were not children of the hermitage. But he did not disclose that fact. He made them believe that what they said was true. He doubted for a moment how anyone could battle against the tender boys belonging to the monks. At last, he said, ‘Fighting cannot be avoided. Take Lakshmana with you and proceed.’ Those who had fled to Rama had to return perforce to the same place. Rama also commanded, ‘Bring those two boys hither. Since they are from the hermitage, they do not deserve death in any case.’ (RKRV Part II, p.325)

 

Lava and Kusa fight Lakshmana

Lakshmana marched forward at the head of a fully equipped army. He reached the place where the engagement had already taken place. He saw the heroic warriors who had fainted and fallen. He was surprised at the audacity of the ascetic boys. He addressed them thus: ‘Boys, I warn you, save yourselves. Flee from this place back to your homes. You are Brahmin boys and it would be harmful for us if we fight against you. It is against the injunctions of scripture. Get away from before my eyes.’ Kusha and Lava greeted these words with a peal of laughter. ‘Oh Brave Commander! See how your brother has fared. Take refuge in your own home soon.’ Lakshmana heard them and with one look at Shatrughna who had fallen in a faint, he took up his bow and arrow. (RKRV Part II, pp.325-326)

 

But he doubted whether fighting against the children of monks was right or not. He tried to persuade the boys themselves. ‘Boys,’ he said, ‘you have no reasoning faculty. You are mere boys. There is no profit in fighting against you. Go, bring those who are supporting you in this adventure.’ Even while Lakshmana was importuning thus, Kusha, without paying the least attention to his suggestion, shot an arrow right against him. The earth shook in terror at the impact of that arrow. That arrow spread all over the sky. Its splendour was such that even the sun was rendered dim. (RKRV Part II, p.326)

 

Unable to withstand the valour of Kusha and Lava, Lakshmana grew in anger and fell on them with enormous violence. He placed his chariot before them and began attacking them with no dread of the consequences. The brothers broke his arrows into pieces. They fought most admirably, with many new stratagems. Lakshmana threw his mace at them and when it hit Kusha, he suffered great pain. He rolled on the ground. Seeing this, Lava got enraged. He aimed an arrow at the chest of Lakshmana. Though it hit him straight, being a stronger and older hero, he did not fall. Lava jumped on him and they both had a personal duel with fists. The contest was balanced with no one winning; both of them used many holds and evasive tactics. Each of them fought using all his strength. Lava pounded Lakshmana with his thunderbolt hits. Lakshmana bore the brunt with pain and appreciated the little fellow’s mettle and skill. Meanwhile, Lakshmana took Rama’s name and aimed an arrow at Kusha. Kusha who had raised himself up fainted and fell again. He remembered Valmiki and as he fell and so he could stand up soon. He recovered his bow and arrow and attacked Lakshmana. Though Lakshmana replied with an arrow that he had used against Meghanada, it could not harm the boys. The boy cut it into pieces, and the pieces fell on the ground. Lakshmana said to himself, ‘Ah. These calamities are happening to me since was exiled. I can never have peace unless I discard this body.’ Just then Kusha fixed on his bow the Brahma arrow that Valmiki had taught him to use. At the very prospect of its release, the three worlds shook in fear. He aimed it straight at the heart of Lakshmana and let it go. Lakshmana was hit and he lost consciousness. (RKRV Part II, pp.326-327)

 

Bharata also falls:

Messengers carried the news to Rama. Bharata was sunk in sorrow. He folded his hands and stood before Rama. ‘Lord!’ he said, ‘We are experiencing the consequences of the wrong we committed when we exiled.’ Rama told the brother, ‘What! Are you adopting this tactic because you are afraid of fighting in battle? Well, if that is so, I myself can go into the field. Get me the chariot. Adjourn further rites in the yaga. I shall go and find out the antecedents of those boys. Brother! Send word to our former allies and friends. Bring Hanuman to the battlefield.’ Then, Rama reached the spot where the fighting was going on. Rama was surprised to see the streams of blood. (RKRV Part II p.327-328)

 

At that very moment, Kusha and Lava, the unbeatable warriors, also came to the place. The Vanaras who accompanied Hanuman to the field were stricken with terror. But Hanuman addressed the brothers and said, ‘Boys! The parents who have given birth to such magnificent heroes as you are, are really blessed.’ But Kusha declared, ‘Oh Monkey! If you have no strength to meet us in battle, go back! Don’t prate.’ At this, Bharata developed much anger. He shouted to his men, ‘Well! Use your weapons!’ When he said so, the Vanaras cast upon them trees, rocks and mountain peaks. Lava pulverised all of them by means of a single arrow. In a short time the forces of Rama were in complete rout. The field was one full flood of blood. All the valiant soldiers lost their lives. At last, even Bharata fell fainting. (RKRV Part II, p.328)

 

Rama’s interaction with Lava and Kusa

Then, Rama came into the battle area, red with anger, at the head of a large army. He saw the two boys and without letting arrows against them, he got them near him and asked, ‘Boys! Who are your parents? Where are they living? Which is your native land? What are your names?’ In reply, Lava said, ‘Oh King! Of what use are these inquiries? You brothers, all four of you, have the same mannerism, I believe. Come, take up bow and arrow, and fight. Why do you bother about parents and native place. This is no parley, preliminary to marriage negotiations. No, this is serious business.’ But Rama insisted on continuing. He said, ‘Boys, your bodies are so tender. I shall not fight with you until I know your names and your lineage.’ (RKRV Part II, p.328-329)

 

‘King. Our mother is a daughter of Emperor Janaka. Janaki is being fostered by the sage Valmiki. We do not know the name of our father nor do we know the lineage to which we belong. Our names are Kusha and Lava. We reside in the forest,’ they said. Rama pretended to have discovered just then that they were his children, and told them, ‘Boys! Give fight to the army which is coming behind me.’ Saying this, he raised up Angada, Jambavantha, Hanuman and others from the fainting fit into which they had fallen. He also raised Lakshmana, Bharata and Shatrughna so that they might see the happenings of the future. Then, he addressed the soldiers. ‘Men of the army, Fight, so that fame and status might be protected and strengthened.’ Then, when the battle was renewed, Rama watched with immense delight the heroism of the boys with their bows and arrows, and their superior skill and bravery. (RKRV Part II, p.329)

 

Hanuman is bound and taken home by the Twins:

The Vanara heroes failed to find any means to overpower the boys. So, they spoke to one another that no one in the fourteen worlds could gain victory over them. They could not say or do anything more. They had to keep silent.

 

Just then Kusha fell upon Rama. The impact forced Rama to faint and fall. Kusha pulled down the decorative ropes and chains on the chariot and the horses of Rama, and both brothers bound Hanuman with them. They led Hanuman at the end of the rope and took him home. They also took other Vanaras and a few bears, all with bright coloured clothes and decorations on them. The sacrificial Horse was among the possessions they paraded. With these, they approached the mother, Janaki. They prostrated before her and offered the booty acquired as homage to her. (RKRV Part II, p.329-330)

 

Sita is shocked to hear the account

Janaki was amazed at the sight of the Vanaras and others, as well as the way in which they were decorated and dressed up. Just then, Valmiki the Sage reached the place, evidently overcome with anxiety. He described all that had happened before. He loosened the bonds on Hanuman, Jambavan and others and bewailed, ‘Boys! What is this you have done? You have come here after felling to the ground Rama, Lakshmana, Bharata and Shatrughna.’ Sita was shocked at this. She said, ‘Alas, dear Children! On account of you, the dynasty itself has been tarnished. Don’t delay further. Prepare for my sati, that I may ascend the same. I cannot live hereafter.’ Sita pleaded for quick action. (RKRV Part II, p.331)

 

Sage Valmiki proclaims that the Brothers are the Sons of Rama:

The Sage Valmiki consoled her and imparted some courage. Then he went with Kusha and Lava to the battlefield and he was amazed at what he saw there. He recognised the chariot and the horses of Rama and finding Rama, he fell at his feet. Rama rose in a trice and sat up. Kusha and Lava were standing opposite to him. Valmiki addressed Rama thus: ‘Lord! My life has attained fulfilment. Oh, how blessed am I!’ Then, he described how Lakshmana had left alone in the forest, and how lived in his hermitage, where Kusha and Lava were born. He said, ‘Lord, Kusha and Lava are your sons. May the Five Elements be my witness; I declare that Kusha and Lava are your sons. (RKRV Part II, pp.331-332)

 

Rama revives the fallen Vanaras:

Hearing these words, Rama embraced the boys and stroked their heads. Through the Grace of Rama, the fallen Vanaras and warriors rose alive. Lakshmana, Bharata and Shatrughna caressed and fondled the boys. (RKRV Part II p.332)

 

Rama installs the sons with administrative authority:

Thereafter, calling the sons to his side, Rama advised them about the means and methods of administration of the empire. Then he formally invested them with the insignia of imperium. He also gave valuable advice on political and administrative matters. Kusha was installed in Ayodhya and so Lava was awarded the Northern Region, the treasure chest of riches. The City of Lavapura was fixed as his capital City. Rama gave away cows, lands, clothes and money to the fullest to each. (RKRV Part II, p. 334)