Shloka 1.4.31

कुशिलवगानप्रशंसा — The Commissioning and Public Performance of the Rāmāyaṇa

Devanagari script

ततस्तु तौ रामवच:प्रचोदितावगायतां मार्गविधानसम्पदा।स चापि राम: परिषद्गतः शनैर्बुभूषयासक्तमना बभूव।।1.4.31।।

Transliteration

imau munī pārthivalakṣaṇānvitau kuśīlavau caiva mahātapasvinau | mamāpi tad bhūtikaraṃ pravakṣyate mahānubhāvaṃ caritaṃ nibodhata || 1.4.30 ||

Translation

Rama addressed the assembly: “These two are munis, bearing the marks of royalty; they are Kusha and Lava, great ascetics and also trained singers. They will recount a noble and profound history—beneficial even to me. Listen to it with attentive care.”

Context

Encouraged by the words of Rama, the two brothers chanted according to margamode of singing (classical style). Even Rama who was in the assembly desirous of peace, concentrated his mind on that chanting.ityārṣē śrīmadrāmāyaṇē vālmīkīya ādikāvyē bālakāṇḍē caturthassarga:৷৷Thus ends the fourth sarga of Balakanda of the holy Ramayana in synopsis of the first epic composed by sage Valmiki.

Characters & Entities

• Rama
• Kusha
• Lava

FAQs

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

Dharma values truth spoken by qualified speakers: ascetic discipline and integrity make the narration trustworthy, and listening attentively is itself a righteous act.

What is the narrative situation?

Rama publicly identifies the two reciters as Kuśa and Lava, describing their ascetic and royal qualities, and asks the assembly to listen.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Rama’s fairness and discernment—he honors genuine merit (tapas and learning) and encourages collective attention to a truth-bearing account.