Maharishi Valmiki Jayanti 2024: Maharishi Valmiki composed the Sanskrit epic Ramayana. The Ramayana written by him is today known as Valmiki Ramayan. Besides, Maharishi Valmiki is also considered to be the first poet of Sanskrit language. According to religious belief, he was born on the full moon date of Ashwin month.
Therefore, the full moon day of Shukla Paksha of Ashwin month is celebrated as Valmiki Jayanti. On this day, bhajans and kirtans are sung in temples, cultural programs are organized and Amrit Kalash procession is taken out.
When is Valmiki Jayanti (When Is Valmiki Jayanti 2024)
According to Panchang, Valmiki Jayanti falls on Ashwin Purnima. Purnima Tithi has started on 16th October 2024 at 08:40 PM and will continue till 04:55 PM on 17th October. In such a situation, Valmiki Jayanti will be celebrated today, Thursday, 17 October 2024, since Udayati is valid.
In Hindu religion, the day of Ashwin Purnima is considered auspicious from religious point of view. Besides, the importance of this day increases further due to it being the birth anniversary of Ramayana author Maharishi Valmiki. But do you know that Valmiki, who was called a devotee of Lord Ram and composed the Sanskrit Ramayana, used to be a dacoit in his early life and his name was Ratnakar. Let us know how Maharishi Valmiki became dacoit Ratnakar by getting absorbed in devotion to Ram.
How the dacoit Ratnakar became Maharshi Valmiki
Astrologer Anish Vyas tells that, according to mythology, Valmiki’s initial name used to be Ratnakar. He was born in a Brahmin family of Angira Gotra. It is said that Ratnakar was kidnapped by a Bhilani in his childhood and she brought him up. Just as Bhils used to rob people for their livelihood, Ratnakar also started the same work.
Due to this incident, Ratnakar became a bandit and a saint.
Once Ratnakar also tried to rob Narada Muni in the forest. When Narad Muni said, why are you committing this crime? Then Ratnakar said that this work is what sustains me and my family. Narad ji told Ratnakar about his deeds and said that by doing the work by which you are supporting your family, will he be ready to become a partner in your sins along with you? Then Ratnakar tied Narad ji to a tree and went to his home to know the answer to this question.
He asked his family members, are you all ready to become partners in his sin and suffer the punishment for it. Then no member of the family agreed to be a partner in his sin. Ratnakar went back to the forest, freed Narada Muni and asked for forgiveness. Then Narad ji advised him to chant the name of Ram and follow the right path.
Valmiki became a devotee of Ram while chanting ‘Mara-Mara’
When Ratnakar wanted to chant Ram-Ram, the words ‘mara-mara’ were coming out of his mouth. Seeing him chanting Ram’s name in reverse, Narad Muni told him to chant ‘Mara-Mara’ only and you will surely meet Ram. Similarly, while chanting the name of Lord Ram, Ratnakar became engrossed in penance and termites formed anthills on his body. He became so engrossed in penance that he lost track of days, nights, months and years.
This is how Maharishi Valmiki got his name
Pleased with Ratnakar’s penance, Lord Brahma appeared. A mountain of termites formed on Ratnakar’s body. Therefore he named Ratnakar as Valmiki, because the house of lamps is called Valmiki. Besides, Brahmaji also inspired Ratnakar to compose Ramayana. After this Ratnakar is known as Valmiki. In this way, by chanting the name of Ram, the dacoit Ratnakar became Maharishi Valmiki.
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