Bala Kanda 5

Valmiki Ramayana: Translation by Uma Sri

Posted: Jul 22, 2026

The Sequel

Later, Rama appeased his subjects by exiling Sita. Her twins, Kusha and Lava, endowed with melodious voices, reverently learned from Valmiki. These future deeds of Rama on earth were subsequently composed by Sage Valmiki as a sequel to his initial work.

To reinforce and uphold the eternal wisdom of the Vedas, Valmiki imparted the entire tale of Rama and the later biography of Sita to the two youths, enabling them to master the epic. Endowed with enchanting voices, the two princely brothers sang the poem like a pair of incarnate Gandharvas.

On one occasion, standing before a congregation of sages with purified minds, the two brothers performed the composition. Upon hearing it, all the sages were moved to tears. Heartened by the praise of these venerable hermits, the youths sang with even greater fervor.

As their renown spread far and wide, echoing across the royal avenues and public highways, King Rama invited them to his palace. There, the brothers Kusha and Lava were received and honored with immense reverence.

Seated upon a magnificent golden throne, flanked by his ministers and brothers, Rama beheld the two youths, who radiated divine beauty and grace. They performed with flawless adherence to classical musical traditions, captivating Rama so thoroughly that he became enthralled by their song.

Beginning with the Creator, proceeding to the sovereign who laid the foundation of the illustrious Ikshvaku dynasty, and advancing from the prosperous kingdom of Kosala to the renowned city of Ayodhya, the two brothers sang of it all.