Rama Unites With His Sons

Rama smiled as he nocked an arrow and shot it, deliberately aiming away from the boys. Lava and Kusha retaliated by shooting arrows at Rama, but he skillfully neutralized all their attacks. The boys were puzzled as to why Rama wasn't trying to harm them. Hanuman, also confused by the situation, became incensed when he saw the boys showering arrows at his Lord. With his mace in hand, he joined the battle. This angered Kusha, who wanted to teach Hanuman a lesson. A fierce battle ensued between Hanuman and Kusha, ultimately resulting in Hanuman's defeat. Kusha then tied Hanuman's hands and feet. The boys, eager to show their victory, took Hanuman to Valmiki's ashram.

Though furious, Hanuman accompanied Lava and Kusha like an emotionless machine. The twins tied him to a tree outside the ashram and then went inside. Sita noticed her sons' cheerful demeanor and inquired about the reason. They eagerly told her they had brought a wonderful gift. Sita, curious yet unaware of what the gift could be, stepped outside and was horrified to see Hanuman bound. She was at a loss for words, unsure how to ask for Hanuman's forgiveness for her sons' grave mistake. But Hanuman, upon seeing Sita, forgot his anger. He bowed to her and explained that her sons had unknowingly captured the horse of the Ashvamedha Yagya. He recounted how the boys had defeated Shatrughna, Lakshmana, Bharata, and the Ayodhya army, compelling Rama to join the battle.

Sita was torn between pride in her sons' valor and shame at their foolishness. Determined to prevent a battle between father and sons, she sternly ordered Lava and Kusha to untie Hanuman. The boys, terrified of their mother's wrath, quickly freed Hanuman and fled. Sita then approached Maharshi Valmiki and narrated the events, lamenting that her children had brought disgrace upon the family. She implored Valmiki to stop the battle immediately. The omniscient Valmiki, who had witnessed the events, consoled Sita.

The next morning, Lava and Kusha prepared to resume the battle. Rama also arrived at the battlefield. Lava and Kusha boldly advised him to flee if he valued his life. Rama, not wanting to dampen their spirits, refrained from revealing his identity and simply commented on their precociousness.

Rama attempted to persuade Lava and Kusha to return peacefully to their guru's ashram, suggesting it was in everyone's best interest. However, this only infuriated the boys, who declared that they would rather die in battle than retreat. Hearing this, Rama nocked an arrow. Just then, Maharshi Valmiki arrived and commanded both sides to cease fighting. Rama descended from his chariot and respectfully touched Valimiki's feet. Valmiki then revealed to Lava and Kusha that the man they were about to fight was their father, Lord Rama. The boys immediately recognized him, having learned to recite the Ramayana from their guru. Rama lovingly embraced his sons.

Valmiki recounted to Rama everything that had transpired since Lakshmana had abandoned Sita in the woods. He then instructed Lava and Kusha to touch their father's feet and ask for his forgiveness. Rama's eyes welled up with tears as he blessed his sons. Learning that Bharata, Lakshmana, Shatrughna, and several Ayodhya soldiers lay unconscious, Maharshi Valmiki sprinkled water from the Ganga on them. They immediately revived, stood up, and bowed to the Maharshi, who blessed them.