New Delhi: Valmiki Jayanti is the birthday of the sage Valmiki, who wrote the Ramayana. The Ramayana narrates the tale of Lord Rama, his wife Sita, and Hanuman. In the Hindu tradition, Valmiki is considered one of the greatest sages.
Every year, the birth of Maharishi Valmiki is celebrated on a full moon (Purnima) in the Ashwin month. This year, Valmiki Jayanti will be observed tomorrow, Thursday, October 17. The day is also known as Pargat Diwas. On Valmiki Jayanti, individuals engage in recitations of poetic verses from the Ramayana, reflecting on the profound lessons and timeless ideals encapsulated within this epic. This day serves as a tribute to the virtues of morality, wisdom, and the enduring teachings of the Ramayana.
The celebrations include:
- Spiritual discussions.
- Reading or listening to the Ramayana.
- Various cultural events showcase the significance of Valmiki’s literary and spiritual contributions.
On Valmiki Jayanti, let us look at lesser-known facts about Mahrishi Valmiki.
Valmiki plays a role in the epic by providing shelter to Rama’s wife, Sita, in his hermitage and teaching the Ramayana to Rama and Sita’s twin sons, Kusha and Lava (Photo credit: Wikimedia Commons)
Valmiki Jayanti 2024: Lesser-known facts about Maharishi Valmiki
- Maharishi Valmiki, originally named Ratnakara, was born to sage Prachetasa.
- As a child, he wandered into the forest and became lost. Fortunately, a kind-hearted hunter discovered him and provided shelter and care.
- Ratnakara, a young man raised by a hunter as his foster father, honed his hunting skills and eventually married. With the responsibilities of a growing family, he resorted to robbery to provide for them. One day, he attempted to rob the revered sage Narada Muni, who, instead of reacting with anger, compassionately urged Ratnakara to contemplate the repercussions of his criminal actions.
- For many years, Maharishi Valmiki meditated, and eventually, Narada Muni returned to find him transformed.
- Ratnakara was renamed Valmiki and became a respected sage.
- Valmiki once had the privilege of hosting Lord Rama and his family at his ashram. Following this divine encounter, Maharishi was given the task to compose the Ramayana.
- Valmiki reincarnated during the Treta Yuga as an incarnation of Brahma, and it is believed that during this yoga, he composed the Ramayana, as per the Vishnudharmottara Purana.
- Later, Valmiki was reborn as Tulsidas, who wrote the Ramcharitamanas, an Awadhi-Hindi version of the Ramayana.
- It is also believed that Valmiki may have authored the Yoga Vasistha.
- People who want to gain knowledge should worship Valmiki.
