Why Kusha and Lava

 

Why Kusha and Lava

Kusha, the legendary figure from ancient Indian mythology, was indeed believed to have been created by the revered sage, Valmiki. The story of Kusha's creation is intricately linked to the epic tale of the Ramayana.

Rishi Valmiki, known as the author of the Ramayana, was a sage of great wisdom and spiritual prowess. He lived in the hermitage known as "Valmiki Ashrama," situated on the banks of the river Tamsa. One day, while wandering through the forest, Valmiki came across a touching and heart-rending scene.

He saw a grieving female bird, a Kaga (a female crow), crying inconsolably over the tragic death of her beloved mate. Witnessing the intense sorrow of the bird, Valmiki was deeply moved, and it stirred compassion within his heart. He felt the profound anguish of the Kaga and decided to console her.

In an attempt to comfort the bird, Valmiki uttered a verse in the meter of poetry (a sloka) spontaneously. To his surprise, the verse that came out of his mouth was flawless and beautifully rhythmic. This incident profoundly impacted Valmiki, leading him to realize that he possessed a divine gift of poetic expression.

Inspired by this revelation, Rishi Valmiki began to meditate on the life of Lord Rama, who was an incarnation of the divine and the central hero of the Ramayana. As Valmiki immersed himself in deep contemplation, the entire epic story of the Ramayana unfolded in his mind's eye. Overwhelmed by the beauty and depth of the story, Valmiki decided to pen it down, becoming the first-ever poet in the world.

However, Valmiki faced a challenge as he wanted the Ramayana to be accessible to all, including future generations who might not be able to read or write. To address this, he sought the help of Lord Brahma, the creator of the universe. With Brahma's guidance, Valmiki devised a unique system of poetry called "Anushtubh," which made the Ramayana easy to remember and recite.

As Valmiki composed the Ramayana, he wished to add an essential element to the epic: the descendants of Lord Rama. He meditated intensely, seeking blessings from the divine, and soon, his prayers were answered. Lord Rama's two sons, Lava and Kusha, were born to Sita, Rama's wife, during her exile in the forest.

Valmiki took the responsibility of raising Lava and Kusha, providing them with knowledge, education, and spiritual wisdom. The sage trained them in various arts, including archery, music, and recitation of the Ramayana. He also taught them about their true lineage and the importance of their heritage.

The twins grew up to be skilled and virtuous young men. With time, they were instrumental in spreading the story of the Ramayana to a broader audience, reciting it with great eloquence and grace.

Thus, Kusha, along with his brother Lava, played a pivotal role in preserving and propagating the epic of Ramayana, which continues to be one of the most cherished and revered texts in Indian mythology. Their legacy, along with the poetic brilliance of Rishi Valmiki, remains etched in the annals of history, inspiring generations with the tale of righteousness, valor, and devotion.