Shloka 1.4.22

कुशिलवगानप्रशंसा — The Commissioning and Public Performance of the Rāmāyaṇa

Devanagari script

अभिगीतमिदं गीतं सर्वगीतेषु कोविदौ।आयुष्यं पुष्टिजनकं सर्वश्रुतिमनोहरम्।।1.4.22।। प्रशस्यमानौ सर्वत्र कदाचित्तत्र गायकौ ।रथ्यासु राजमार्गेषु ददर्श भरताग्रज:।।1.4.23।।

Transliteration

abhigītam idaṃ gītaṃ sarvagīteṣu kovidau | āyuṣyaṃ puṣṭijanakaṃ sarvaśrutimanoharam || 1.4.22 ||

Translation

Skilled in every kind of song, the two sang this poem excellently—delightful to every listener, bestowing longevity and bringing nourishment and well-being.

Context

The two singers, proficient in all kinds of notes recited the epic in the streets and on the principal roads. It was pleasing to hear for all. It gave long life and prosperity to the listeners. People admired them. Once Rama happened to see them.

Characters & Entities

• Kuśa
• Lava
• gīta (poem/song)

FAQs

What is the core ethical principle (Dharma) in this verse?

Dharma-bearing speech benefits society: hearing righteous history refines the listener and is traditionally said to yield welfare—longevity and prosperity—through moral alignment.

What is the narrative situation?

The narration praises the excellence and beneficial impact of Kuśa and Lava’s public performance.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Competence joined with public-spiritedness—using skill to transmit dharma-filled itihāsa for the good of all.