Luv and Kush defeated Shatrughana's army and refused to return the sacred horse. Hearing the news, Rama sent Laxmana to Valmiki's ashram to bring back the horse. However, Luv and Kush were stubborn and refused to part with the horse without a fight. Under Valmiki's guidance, Luv and Kush had become expert at archery and so were not afraid of Laxmana. A fight ensued between them and Laxmana. Kush promptly took his bow and arrow and sent an arrow toward Laxmana. Laxmana was furious and soon a fight between Laxmana on one hand, and Luv and Kush on the other, started.

Laxmana was very impressed with the strength and might of the two brothers. Luv and Kush shot many arrows at Laxmana and finally Laxmana was defeated and fell to the ground. Rama was shocked when he heard of Laxmana's fate. He summoned Bharata and told him to go to Valmiki's ashram with Hanuman.