"Valmiki Jayanti"- Celebrating the Sage Who Penned the Epic Ramayana

"Valmiki Jayanti", marking the divine birth of Sage Valmiki or Balmiki celebrated annually, falls on the Purnima tithi (full moon day) in the month of Ashvin as per the Hindu lunar calendar. According to the Gregorian Calendar, it falls in the month of either September or October.

This year, "Valmiki Jayanti" is on the 17th of October ‘24.

As per Drik Panchang, the “tithi” for "Valmiki Jayanti" in ‘24 is as follows:

• Valmiki Jayanti on Thursday, 17th of October ‘24
• Purnima Tithi Begins - 20:40 on 16th of October ‘24
• Purnima Tithi Ends - 16:55 on 17th of October ‘24

This day is also known by the name "Pragat Diwas" in many regions.

Significance of "Valmiki Jayanti":

As this day commemorates and pays tribute to the unparalleled contribution of the very divine Rishi Valmiki, this auspicious occasion of "Valmiki Jayanti'' holds numerous importance in Hindu Dharma.

Rishi Valmiki, hailed as the "Adi Kavi" or the inaugural poet in Sanskrit literature, stands as a revered sage and the brilliant mind behind the epic Ramayana. As the Adi Kavi, Valmiki's contribution to the world of literature transcends time and cultural boundaries, establishing him as a luminary whose poetic brilliance continues to illuminate the corridors of Sanskrit literary heritage.

The Ramayana, Valmiki's magnum opus, is a timeless epic narrating the life and adventures of Lord Rama, his wife Sita, and his loyal companion Hanuman. Comprising 27,000 verses divided into seven books or Kandas (cantos), it not only provides a moral and ethical framework but also serves as a source of spiritual guidance.

Apart from Ramayana, he had also authored some incredible works like Mahabharata & some Puranas that serve as a medium of his teachings today.

Hindu Shastras mention that Rishi Valmiki is ancient India's first both Sanskriti & Tamil scholar.

Legend of "Maharishi Valmiki":

There are very popular legends related to Rishi Valmiki. One of them says that:

Maharishi Valmiki encountered Lord Rama during the prince's exile. Sheltering Sita Mata after her exile from Ayodhya, Valmiki became a guardian to her and the twins, Luv and Kush, who were born in his ashram. Acting as their teacher, he imparted the profound wisdom embedded in the Ramayana, a monumental epic comprising 24,000 verses and seven cantos.

There's another story about Maharishi Valmiki which mentions that:

Long ago, before Maharishi Valmiki became wise, he was called Ratnakar born to Sage Prachetasa on the Ganges' banks. He was initially lost in the jungles and adopted by a hunter.

Eventually, he was married into a hunter's family & had children.

As the responsibilities of a growing family pressed upon him, Ratnakara, now a father to many, reluctantly turned to robbery to sustain them.

One day, he saw Narada Muni passing by his place. He tried to rob him as well. But he was confronted by Narada Muni. To this, Narada Muni asked him the reason to rob people. Ratnakar responded that he was doing all this to sustain his family. Then, Narada Muni suggested that he go and ask his wife & children if they would be happy learning about his bad deeds for the sustainment of the whole family.

Disheartened by his family's unwillingness to bear the burden, Ratnakara sought guidance from Narada on the path to redemption. Narada advised him to chant "Rama" naam. But Ratnakar was so much adorned with his performed sins that he wasn't even able to utter a single "Rama" word from his mouth. Then, Narada suggested that he try saying "Mara, Mara" which would ultimately result in "maRAMaRAM…."

While Ratnakar spent years in chanting the same & meditating, ants covered his body with mud to build their nest. This caught the attention of Lord Brahma. Bestowing his blessings, Lord Brahma named him Valmiki. Thus, the once-robbing hunter transformed into the revered sage Valmiki, a testament to the profound journey of spiritual awakening and redemption.

Rituals & Observances on "Valmiki Jayanti":

In order to pay reverence to Maharishi Valmiki, people participate in large processions called 'Shobha Yatras' offering prayers to the portraits of Sage Valmiki.

The devotees and scholars engage in recitations of the Ramayana, bhajans, and prayers dedicated to Maharishi Valmiki. Temples dedicated to Sage Valmiki witness increased footfall, with special events and discourses organized to highlight the teachings of the Ramayana.

Hanuman Puja & Sunderkand Path are also held at many places.

On Valmiki Jayanti, followers of the Balmiki sect express their deep reverence for Maharishi Valmiki, considering him a divine incarnation. "Balmiki Sect", mostly prevalent in the states of Gujarat, Punjab & Rajasthan, is a name given to the group of people who consider Rishi Valmiki as their ancestor & God.

Temples dedicated to Valmiki, adorned with vibrant flowers, become symbols of honor and devotion across India.

Among these, the renowned 1,300-year-old temple in Thiruvanmiyur, Chennai, holds special importance. This sacred place gains significance as the spot where Valmiki is believed to have rested upon completing the Ramayana. Over time, the temple was constructed, and it now stands proudly in Valmiki Nagar along the East Coast road.

This Valmiki temple is overseen by the Marundeeswarar temple located in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, a significant religious site built during the Chola dynasty. According to local beliefs, Sage Valmiki visited the Marundeeswarar temple to offer prayers to Lord Shiva. This sacred act led to the naming of the area as Thiruvalmikiyur, a name that transformed over time into Thiruvanmiyur. The intertwining of these religious narratives adds a layer of historical and spiritual richness to the region.

Learnings from "Valmiki Jayanti":

Path of Dharma (Righteousness):

Rishi Valmiki advocates for the Path of Dharma, underscoring the significance of ethical and moral conduct. According to him, upholding righteousness forms the bedrock of a meaningful and harmonious life.

Karma & its consequences:

Rishi Valmiki imparts profound wisdom on karma, stressing that every action carries consequences. He suggests that guilt, arising from bad karma, serves as a conscience's signal, offering an opportunity for reflection and transformative change.

Service to Others (Seva):

Valmiki underscores the significance of selfless service to others. Engaging in acts of kindness and service not only benefits society but also purifies the heart, fostering a sense of fulfillment and interconnectedness.

Forgiveness and Compassion:

Valmiki teaches the transformative power of forgiveness and compassion. He highlights that harboring resentment and anger only hinders personal growth, and true strength lies in the ability to forgive, fostering inner peace.

Devotion and Surrender to the Divine:

The sage encourages a deep connection with the divine through devotion and surrender. Valmiki's own transformation from a hunter to a sage underscores the potential for spiritual evolution through sincere devotion.

Conclusion:

As the auspicious day of Valmiki Jayanti draws to a close, the echoes of ancient wisdom and the resonance of timeless tales linger in our hearts. Maharishi Valmiki's transformative journey from Ratnakar to the revered Adi Kavi, the first poet of Sanskrit literature, continues to inspire generations. This celebration is not just a tribute to a sage but a reminder of the profound teachings encapsulated in the Ramayana. As we bid farewell to Valmiki Jayanti, let us carry forward the spirit of righteousness, compassion, and devotion into our lives, drawing strength from the epic narrative that transcends time and touches the very essence of human existence.