Valmiki Jayanti 2024 Date: Every year Maharishi Valmiki's birth anniversary is celebrated on the full moon day of Ashwin month. Maharishi Valmiki's birth anniversary is celebrated with great enthusiasm all over India. This time Valmiki Jayanti is on 17 October 2024. The important epic of Hinduism, Ramayana, was composed by Maharishi Valmiki. Ramayana written by Valmiki in Sanskrit language is considered to be the oldest. Maharishi Valmiki is also called Adi Kavi due to composing the first epic of Sanskrit language. On the birth anniversary of Maharishi Valmiki, religious programs are held at many places across the country, tableaux are taken out and Valmiki ji is worshiped in temples. The story of the name of Maharishi Valmiki ji and his becoming Maharishi is very interesting. Let us know some important information related to Valmiki ji.
The mystery behind the name of Valmiki
Pandit Rajesh Parashar told that according to Narada Purana, Maharishi Valmiki's meeting with Narada Muni became a life-changing event for him. After this, he decided to worship Lord Ram and remained absorbed in penance for many years. His devotion was so strong that termites made a mound on his body. Which means Valmiki in Hindi. He got this name after this incident.
Why do we celebrate Valmiki Jayanti?
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The birthday of Maharishi Valmiki, who is credited with writing the mythological Indian epic Ramayana, is celebrated as Valmiki Jayanti. In Hindu tradition, Valmiki is considered one of the greatest poets and sages. One of his works, Ramayana, tells the story of Lord Rama, his wife Sita, and their companion Hanuman. With reverence, devotees celebrate Valmiki Jayanti, a day to pray, read poems from the Ramayana, and reflect on the lessons and ideals taught by the epic. It is a celebration of wisdom, morality, and the eternal lessons taught by the Ramayana.
According to the Hindu lunar calendar, Valmiki Jayanti generally falls on the full moon day of the month of Ashvin. Celebrations include satsangs (spiritual discussions), reading or listening to the Ramayana, and many cultural events that emphasize the significance of Valmiki's contributions to literature and spirituality.
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History of Maharishi Valmiki
- According to religious texts, Maharishi Valmiki's name was earlier Ratnakara. He used to rob to support his family. Once he met Narad Muni in a deserted forest.
- When Ratnakara tried to rob him, he asked Ratnakara - why do you do this work? Then Ratnakara replied - to support his family.
- Narad asked whether your family members will support you in bearing the punishment for the sin that you will commit as a result of this work? Ratnakara went to his home to know the answer to Narad Muni's question.
- He asked his family members - will you support me in bearing the punishment for the sin that I will get as a result of my work? Everyone refused after listening to Ratnakara.
- Ratnakara came back and told this to Narad Muni. Then Narad Muni said that if the people for whom you do bad deeds do not want to be a partner in your sins, then why do you do these sins?
- After listening to Narad Muni, he developed a sense of detachment in his mind. On asking for the means of his salvation, Narad Muni told him to chant the name of Ram. Ratnakara sat in a secluded place in the forest and started chanting Ram-Ram.
- After many years of rigorous penance, termites made a nest on his entire body, due to which he was called Valmiki. Later, Maharishi Valmiki composed the epic Ramayana.
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