Valmiki Jayanti is celebrated to honor Maharishi Valmiki. Maharishi Valmiki is known as the Adikavi, or the first poet, in Indian culture. He is famous for writing the great epic Ramayana, which has a deep influence on Indian society and teaches us important lessons about truth, duty, and righteousness. Valmiki Ji was not just a poet but also a saint, philosopher, and a guide for society.
In this article we will learn about the Story of Valmiki Ji and the importance of Valmiki Jayanti.
Table of Contents
Early Life of Valmiki Ji
Valmiki Ji’s original name was “Ratnakar.” In the beginning, he led a normal life but resorted to robbing people to support his family. It is believed that Sage Narada’s guidance changed his life. After long meditation and penance, Ratnakar transformed into Valmiki, a wise sage. He then dedicated his life to helping people and spreading spiritual knowledge.
The Story of the Saras Birds
A famous incident from Valmiki Ji’s life is related to a pair of Saras birds. One day, while Valmiki Ji was meditating near the river Ganga, he saw two Saras birds flying together in love. Suddenly, a hunter shot down the male bird with an arrow. The female bird cried out in pain and sorrow, as she lost her mate.
This tragic scene deeply moved Valmiki Ji, and filled with sadness, he spontaneously spoke the following verse:
“Maa Nishada Pratishtham Tvamagamah Shashvatih Samah,
Yat Krauncha Mithunadekam Avadhi Kamamohitam”
In simple words, Valmiki Ji cursed the hunter by saying, “O hunter, you will never find peace, because you have killed one of the birds who was in love.”
This verse became the first ever poem in Sanskrit, and this event is considered the moment when poetry was born. Inspired by this, Valmiki Ji went on to compose the epic Ramayana.
The Writing of the Ramayana
Valmiki Ji’s greatest contribution is the epic Ramayana, which tells the life story of Lord Rama, his struggles, and his devotion to righteousness (dharma). The Ramayana teaches important lessons about how to live a good and moral life. It is not only read and respected in India but all over the world. Valmiki Ji, through this epic, taught the values of truth, duty, and love for one’s family and country.
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The Importance of Valmiki Jayanti
Valmiki Jayanti is celebrated to honor the birth of Maharishi Valmiki. This day is observed on the full moon day (Purnima) of the Ashwin month and is also called “Prakat Diwas.” It is a day to remember Valmiki Ji’s teachings and his contributions to society. Special prayers and readings from the Ramayana are held in temples and ashrams, and people pay tribute to his life and wisdom.
In 2024, Valmiki Jayanti will be celebrated on 17th October.
Why Do We Celebrate Valmiki Jayanti?
The purpose of celebrating Valmiki Jayanti is to remember and share the great work Valmiki Ji did for literature, spirituality, and society. His life teaches us that no matter how hard or wrong our past may be, we can always choose the right path and improve ourselves. Valmiki Ji’s story is one of transformation, and his epic, Ramayana, continues to show people the way to live a righteous life.
Maharishi Valmiki Ji was a great figure who contributed immensely to literature and the values of society. His teachings and the lessons from the Ramayana still guide people on how to live with truth and justice. Valmiki Jayanti is a day to remember his life and contributions, and to inspire ourselves to follow the path of truth and righteousness that he showed the world.
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