Based on the ancient Hindu epic Ramayana, Luv and Kush were the twin sons of Lord Rama and Devi Sita. Determining who was the elder between the two brothers requires looking at the details provided in the Ramayana and other associated texts.
Birth of Luv and Kush
Luv and Kush were born during the period when Devi Sita was in exile, staying at the hermitage of Sage Valmiki. Their father Lord Rama had sent Sita away while she was pregnant, after some turmoil following the war with Ravana in Lanka. Sita gave birth to the twin boys Luv and Kush at Sage Valmiki’s ashram.
The Valmiki Ramayana does not explicitly state who was born first between Luv and Kush. However, from the descriptions of their birth, it can be inferred that Luv was the elder brother.
Descriptions in the Ramayana
In the Valmiki Ramayana, when Sage Valmiki visits Sita after the birth of the children, he sees the newborn twins resting on their mother’s lap. Luv is described as sitting on Sita’s left thigh, while Kush is on the right.
Traditionally, the eldest son has the privilege of sitting on the left side of the mother. This is considered the place of prestige and status. So Luv’s position indicates his seniority over Kush.
Naming of Luv and Kush
The names given to the twins by Sage Valmiki also indicate that Luv was the elder one. According to meanings, ‘Luv’ refers to one who is resorted to or clung to, while ‘Kush’ refers to one who is delighted or happy.
As the eldest son, Luv was the focus of initial attachment and clinging. Meanwhile, Kush as the younger got associated more with delight and merriment.
Description in Other Texts
Some other important Hindu texts also point to Luv being the elder brother. The Vishnu Purana mentions that Kush was born after Luv. In the Mahabharata, Bhishma lists Luv before Kush when referring to the twins. So the consensus from ancient texts is that Luv was born first.
Personality and Roles
The personalities and roles of the brothers also indicate Luv’s senior status. Luv had a more responsible and nurturing nature, befitting the elder sibling. Meanwhile, Kush was more playful and carefree.
When Sage Valmiki appointed Luv as the conductor of rituals, it showed his precedence as the mature elder brother. Also, Luv took the initiative in battles, with Kush providing assistance.
Conclusion
Though the Valmiki Ramayana does not explicitly state who was elder, most inferences point to Luv being the firstborn. Details of their birth, naming, personalities, and roles consistently present Luv in the position of the elder brother. So based on textual evidence and traditional interpretations, Luv can be safely considered older than Kush.