Arrival of Kusa and Lava in Rama's Assembly Sloka 1: The godly saint Valmiki composed Ramayana on Rama's retrieving

kingdom, wording admirably and meaningfully. Sloka 2: Sage Valmiki composed Ramayana in twenty four thousand Slokas (verses), in six hundred Sargas (chapters), in six Kandas (books), likewise he also composed the Uttara Kanda. Sloka 3: The sage of wide intellect, though he sang the poem, along with the Uttara Kanda was concerned as to who would expound this poem. Sloka 4: While the great sage was thus steeped in thought, and deliberating on the absolute reality, Kusa and Lava, in the attire of hermits came there and held his feet. Sloka 5: Valmiki saw glorious Kusha and Lava who were princes and brothers, endowed with melodious voice, besides being the residents of the same hermitage. Sloka 6: On seeing that pair intellectuals who are proficient in Vedas that self-reliant sage Valmiki made those two to memorize the epic, as the epic Ramayana is composed only to reinforce the import of Vedas, as an ancillary. Sloka 7: The observer of all rituals and Vedic injunctions rendered the entire epic in the name of 'Ramayana', 'Sublime Legend of Seetha' and 'Elimination of Ravana'. Sloka 8: To read or to sing it is melodious, adaptable to music with three scales and sevenfold tune, and orchestral to the tunes of string-instrument and rhythm. Sloka 9: Aesthetics like romance, pathos, comic, fury, fright, valour symbolizing the epic is sung by Kusha, Lava. Sloka 10: Moreover those two brothers were knowledgeable with the art of music and proficient with the pitch and pausing their voices, and they have not only a wealthy voice, but they also look like celestial singers. Sloka 11: They have charm in their appearance and melodiousness in their voice; they are like the two reflections of one original object, as replica exclusively created from the body of Rama. Sloka 12: Those two immaculate princes Kusa and Lava, have memorized that virtueexpounding epic, the best; in its entirety and in doing so, they rendered that epic faultlessly. Sloka 13: They sung the epic as schooled, well aware of its content and intent, among the assemblages of sages, scholars and also of eminent persons, with their best concentration.

Sloka 14: Once, staying near a group of sages, lost in meditation about the ultimate Reality, those two sang this epic. Sloka 15: Upon hearing it all the sages with a tide of tears in their eyes and struck with great wonder, addressing them exclaimed Excellent! Excellent! Sloka 16: Devoted to a righteous way of life, all those sages, with joyous hearts, praised Kusa and Lava, as they were singing. Sloka 17: What a sweet music, especially those verses in the poem! Though this took place long, long ago it is shown like the one happening right in front of our eyes. Sloka 18: On getting into the mood of the epic, those two sang in the right pitch that too melodiously. Sloka 19: With superior melody in their rendering, those two sang and were praised by high-souled saints, who were great due to their power of penance. Sloka 20: One sage, who was overjoyed in that group presented water-pots to them. Another one of great fame, being pleased, gave a pair of jute robe to them. Sloka 21: Another gave the skin of a black antelope, another gave the sacred thread, yet another presented a water-vessel and another great sage gave the waist-band of Maunja grass. Sloka 22: Then, a certain sage gave a seat and another gave an axe. Sloka 23: One sage made over the saffron robes, another bestowed a cloth-wrapper, a third upon becoming greatly happy gave a thread to tie the matted hairs and another gave a rope for tying up fire-wood bundle. Sloka 24: Another gave a sacrificial pot, one sage gave a bundle of firewood sticks and a seat made of fig-wood, along with it. Others at that time showered blessings on them. Sloka 25: Some other sages gathered there, gladly blessed them with long-life and all those engaged in reciting the Sama Veda, bestowed on them various boons. Sloka 26: Ramayana which was exquisitely composed by sage Valmiki, which acts as the ideal basis for the compositions of all poets, has been completed in proper order. Sloka 27: While this song that generates longevity and prosperity, and one that is melodious one to all ears and capable of winning the hearts of all. Sloka 28: Rama chanced to see these two singers,who were praised in all places like highways, streets etc; and who were experts in singing all tunes.

Sloka 29: The destroyer of enemies Rama, fetched those honor-worthy bothers, Kusa and Lava, to his palace and offered hospitable reception to them who were worthy of worship. Sloka 30: Rama, seated on a shining golden throne and surrounded by ministers and his brothers. Sloka 31: Having seen the mannerly brothers endowed with beautiful features, Rama spoke to Lakshmana, and Shatrughna, and Bharata. Sloka 32: Rama said to thus, "Let this rendering of the story, consisting of wonderful words and sense be attentively listened to from these divinely resplendent brothers and thus he motivated the singers. Sloka 33: Upon this those two sung the poem in a melodious voice, set to fine tunes, observing the rhythm similar to the rhythm strings and rhythmic instruments and with very clear and meaningful intonation. Sloka 34: That musical rendering was pleasing to the ears of those in the assembly and gladdened the hearts, minds and limbs of everyone. Sloka 35: Rama to those courtiers These two saint-like Kusha and Lava, who also possess kingly features, but they are great hermits. May you listen attentively to this great story being narrated, which is beneficial even to me. Sloka 36: Being encouraged by these words of Sri Rama, now those two adopting the `Marga' style of music sang soulfully, resulting in Rama gradually joining the assembly out of desire to listen and his mind was drawn to it. Thus Ends Sarga 4 of the Bala Kanda of Valmiki Ramayana