The Birth of Lav and Kush

Because he was a saint, Maharshi Valmeeki was clairvoyant and immediately recognized the woman as Seeta. He hurried to her, finding her alone and helpless.

"I know you are Seeta, the daughter-in-law of Emperor Dasharath, the wife of Lord Ram, and the daughter of Emperor Janak," said the Maharshi. "As the greatest among women, you are welcome here. Through my meditation, I have seen everything and know why you have come to the forest. I also know that you are innocent. You may stay at my ashram; I have no objection. There is a female ascetic here who will care for you and your unborn child. This ashram will be your home."

Seeta bowed and touched Maharshi Valmeeki's feet. The female ascetics saw Valmeeki approaching with a woman and stepped forward to welcome him.

"Maharshi, you have come here after several days. What do you want us to do?" they asked.

"This woman is Ram's wife, Seeta," said Valmeeki. "She is chaste and innocent, yet her husband has renounced her. From this moment, she is under my protection. Be gentle with her." Satisfied that Seeta would be cared for, he left her with the female ascetics and returned to his hut.

Seven months later, Seeta gave birth to handsome twin boys. In the middle of the night, the women and children of Valmeeki's ashram conveyed the good news to the Maharshi. They requested the Maharshi to come and protect the children from the ill effects of the planets and other evil powers. The Maharshi was extremely happy and chanted mantras for the twins' protection.

Shatrughna had set out to kill a monster named Lavanasur. On the way, he stopped at Maharshi Valmeeki's ashram to rest. The Maharshi told the old lady caring for Seeta, "Clean the baby born first with Kush grass; his name will be Kush. The baby born second must be cleaned with Lav grass; his name will be Lav." Shatrughna overheard the babies' clan and Ram's name in the middle of the night. Upon inquiring, he learned that Seeta had borne twins. After seeking Valmeeki's blessings, he continued his journey.