Ramayana: Alternative Reading B


Reading: The Sons of Rama: Luv and Kush- The Invincible Twins

                                                 Image Details: Valmiki with Lava and Kusha, Source: Wikimedia 

The comic book explains what happens after Rama banishes Sita from Ayodha and how she raises her two sons, Luv and Kush. In R.K Narayan's "Ramayana," the author explains that he did not want to add the remainder of the Ramayana where Rama banishes Sita from the kingdom as this was a controversial topic and some scholars believe this to be fiction.

The comic book begins with Rama banishing Sita and Lakshmana leaves her in the wilderness. Sita is pregnant and terrified of being alone; however, a scholar named Valmiki lets Sita to take refuge with him. Sita gives birth to two sons, Luv and Kush. Valmiki educates the boys about Rama and his many accomplishments. However, he does not reveal the fact that Rama is actually their father.

In Ayodhya, Rama prepares for the Horse-Sacrifice, but when the horse wanders, Luv and Kush capture it. Rama's brother, Shatrughna, tells the boys to return the horse; however the boys refuse and defeat him. Then, Rama sends Lakshmana to fetch the horse; however he accidentally injures Kush which injures Luv and he challenges Lakshmana to a duel.

The boys defeat Lakshmana and Rama becomes shocked when he hears about this. He sends Bharatha and the monkey army, but they fail when the engage in a duel against the boys. Rama meets the boys and learns from them that their mother is Sita. Valmiki arrives and explains that the boys are Rama's sons. However, before Rama and the boys return to Ayodha, Sita returns to her mother, Bhumi, and takes refuge with her into the earth.

This is probably the most controversial chapter in Rama life. Before Rama and Sita enter Ayodha, Sita performs an "agni pariksha" to prove the she is still pure even though she was in Lanka with Ravana. Therefore, the fact that Rama banishes Sita from the Kingdom while she is pregnant is shocking. In R.K Narayan's "Ramayana," the author explains that he did not add the part of Sita becoming banished as some scholars have revealed that it never took place in the Ramayana.

Bibliography: Amar Chitra Katha, The Sons of Rama: Luv and Kush- The Invincible Twins Vol 503.  

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