Kuśa
By Swami Harshananda
Kuśa, Son of Rāma[edit]
Kuśa and Lava were the twins were born from Sītā in the hermitage of Vālmiki as per the Uttarakānda of the Rāmāyana of Vāmīki,[1]. Sitā was pregnant when she had been banished by Rāma. He was afraid of the calumny that had spread in his kingdom, even though both of them were innocent and pure. Then Sītā had been sheltered by the sage Vālmiki in his hermitage.
Kuśa and Lava were educated by Vālmiki in the various arts and sciences. He had also taught them to sing the whole of Rāmāyana to the accompaniment of musical instruments. Both the boys attended the Aśvamedha sacrifice, along with Vālmiki. They were endeared by everyone through their enchanting music and charming appearance. After revealing the truth, Vālmīki handed over Sītā and the two boys to Rāma. However, Sītā was absorbed into the bowels of the earth by Bhumātā (Mother Earth) at her request.
Later, Rāma coronated Kuśa as the king of Kuśāvatī near the Vindhyā mountains and Lava at Srāvasti before exiting from this world. Later on Kuśa shifted his capital to Ayodhyā.
Kuśa had two wives, Campakā and Kumudvatī. His lineage continued through the eight sons of the second wife.
Kuśa, The Grass[edit]
The word kuśa also stands for the kuśa grass and is same as darbha. It's scientific name is Poa cynosuroides and is used in religious rites.
Kuśa, An Island[edit]
Kuśadvīpa is one among the seven islands described in Hindu mythology.
References[edit]
- ↑ Rāmāyana chapters 91, 98 and 108
- The Concise Encyclopedia of Hinduism, Swami Harshananda, Ram Krishna Math, Bangalore