Lava (Sanskrit: लव) and his twin brother Kusha, were the children of Rama and Sita. Their story is recounted in the Hindu epic, Ramayana and its other versions. He is said to have a whitish golden complexion like their mother, while Kusha had a blackish complexion like their father.
Lava is purported to have founded Lavapuri (the modern day city of Lahore), which is named after him.
| Lava | |
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Lava, one of twin sons of Rama and Sita
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| Devanagari | लव |
| Texts | Ramayana and its other versions |
| Personal information | |
| Born |
Valmiki Ashram, Brahmavart, Kosala (present-day Bithoor, Uttar Pradesh, India)
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| Parents |
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| Siblings | Kusha (brother) |
| Dynasty | Raghuvansh-Suryavansh |
Contents
- 1Birth and childhood
- 2Later history
- 3See also
- 4References
Birth and childhood
Valmiki trains Lava and Kusha in the Art of Archery
The Sage Valmiki, teaching Ramayana to Lava and Kusa
The first chapter of Ramayana, Balakanda mentioned Valmiki narrating the Ramayana to his disciple’s Lava and Kusha. But their birth and childhood story is mentioned in the last chapter ‘Uttara Kanda’ which is not believed to be the original work of Valmiki. According to the legend, Sita banished herself from the kingdom due to the gossip of the kingdom folk about her sanctity. She chose self-exile and took refuge in the ashram of Sage Valmiki located on the banks of the Tamsa river. Lava and Kusha were born at the ashram and were educated and trained in military skills under the teachings of Sage Valmiki. In which the time they had also learned the story of Rama.
Kusha and Lava recite Ramayana in Court of Rama
During an Ashvamedha Yagya held by Rama, Sage Valmiki along with Lava and Kusha, attended with Sita in disguise.
Lava and Kusha chanted the Ramayana in the presence of Rama and a vast audience. When Lava and Kusha recited about Sita’s exile, Rama became grief-stricken and Valmiki produced Sita. Sita, struck with embarrassment and grief, called upon the earth, her mother (Bhumi), to receive her and as the ground opened, she vanished into it. Rama then learnt that Lava and Kusha were his children.
In some versions, Lava and Kusha capture the horse of the sacrifice and went to defeat Rama’s brothers (Lakshmana, Bharata and Shatrughna) and their armies. When Rama came to fight with them, Sita intervened and unites father and sons.
Later history
Lava and Kusha became rulers after their father Rama founded the cities of Lavapuri (current day Lahore) and Kasur, respectively. The king of Kosala, Raghava Rama installed his son Lava at Shravasti and Kusha at Kushavati.
There is a temple associated with Lava (or Loh) inside Shahi Qila, Lahore.