Shloka 1.4.4

कुशिलवगानप्रशंसा — The Commissioning and Public Performance of the Rāmāyaṇa

Devanagari script

तस्य चिन्तयमानस्य महर्षेर्भावितात्मन:।अगृह्णीतां तत: पादौ मुनिवेषौ कुशीलवौ ।।1.4.4।।

Transliteration

tasya cintayamānasya maharṣer bhāvitātmanaḥ |

agṛhṇītāṃ tataḥ pādau muniveṣau kuśīlavau || 1.4.4 ||

Translation

As the great seer Vālmīki—serene and inwardly refined—was pondering, Kuśa and Lava, clad in ascetics’ garb, approached and reverently touched his feet.

Context

While the highly honoured sage Valmiki was thus pondering over, Kusa and Lava came to him in the garb of ascetics and bowed at his feet.

Characters & Entities

• Vālmīki
• Kuśa
• Lava
• Muni-veṣa (ascetic garb)

FAQs

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

Dharma is expressed as respect for the teacher and tradition: approaching the sage with humility and honoring him by touching his feet.

What is the narrative situation?

At the beginning of the epic’s transmission, Kuśa and Lava arrive before Vālmīki in ascetic attire and pay formal reverence.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Vinaya (humility) in Kuśa and Lava, and contemplative steadiness in Vālmīki.