| Lava | |
|---|---|
| King ofAyodhya | |
 | |
| Maharaja ofKosala | |
| Predecessor | Rama |
| Successor | Atithi |
| Spouse | Sumatia (according to Ananda Ramayana) |
| Dynasty | Raghuvamsha-Suryavamsha |
| Father | Rama |
| Mother | Sita |
Lava (Sanskrit:लव,IAST:Lava)[1] and his elder twin brotherKusha, are the children ofRama andSita inHindu texts.[2] Their story is recounted in theHindu epic,Ramayana andits other versions. He is said to have a whitish golden complexion like their mother, while Kusha had a blackish complexion like father.
The first chapter of Ramayana,Balakanda, mentionedValmiki narrating the Ramayana to his disciples, 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.[3][4] According to the legend,Sita banished herself from the kingdom due to the gossip of the kingdom folk about her chastity. She chose self-exile and took refuge in theashram ofValmiki located on the banks of theTamsa river.[5] Lava and Kusha were born at the ashram and were educated and trained inmilitary skills under the teachings of Sage Valmiki. During this time they had also learned the story of Rama.
Sage Valmiki, along with Lava and Kusha, and a disguisedSita attend anashvamedha yajna held byRama.
In some versions of the epic, 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, testifying her innocence. Sita declared Lava and Kusha to be her sons and her fidelity to her husband. After Rama had expressed his desire to reconcile with her, Sita called upon the earth, her mother (Bhumi), to receive her and as the ground opened, she vanished into it. Even as he lamented the loss of his wife, Rama acknowledged his sons and sought their company.[6]
In some versions, Lava and Kusha capture the horse of the sacrifice and went to defeat Rama's brothers (Lakshmana,Bharata andShatrughna) and their armies. When Rama came to fight with them, Sita intervenes and unites father and sons.
Lava and Kusha became rulers after their father Rama founded the cities ofLavapuri andKasur, respectively. The king ofKosala,Rama, installed his son Lava atShravasti and Kusha atKushavati.[7]
In theAnanda Ramayana, Lava had a wife named Sumati,[8] and together the couple ruled the city of Lavapuri and the kingdom of Shravasti.
Lava is purported to have foundedLavapuri[9] (the modern day city ofLahore),[10] which is named after him.[11]
There is aHindu temple associated with Lava (or Loh) inside Shahi Qila, Lahore.[12]
There are various communities and clans in modern India that claim descent from Lava, an example being the "Levas", a branch of which are the Lohana Kotecha and Leuva Marathas.[citation needed]
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