New Delhi: Maharishi Valmiki, the author of the epic Ramayana, was a famous yogi and poet who is also regarded as Adi Kavi, the first poet of Sanskrit. Maharishi Valmiki's birth anniversary is marked every year on the day of the full moon in the month of Ashwin. This year it is being celebrated on October 9. The day is also known as Pargat Diwas. The Ramayana, a Sanskrit work that recounts the life of Lord Ram, has 24,000 poems split into seven "Kandas" (cantos).
Valmiki Jayanti 2022: Story of Maharshi Valmiki
Maharishi Valmiki is said to have been born into a Brahmin household, according to Hindu scriptures. But he turned into a dacoit and killed and looted many innocent people. He had a change of heart when he met Narada Muni. He then vowed to adhere to Ram Bhakti's ideals. He suffered severe penance for a long period of time in an attempt to change this predisposition.
According to the stories shared, a supernatural voice pronounced his penance effective after he had meditated for years, and it gave him the name Valmiki—the one who was created from anthills. He wrote 24,000 poems and accompanying khandas for the epic Ramayana under the direction of Narada Muni.
Since that time, Ramayana, the ancient epic, has continued to be recited by Hindu devotees. Maharishi Valmiki was born at an unknown period and date, but he is thought to have lived in the year 500 BC.
Valmiki Jayanti 2022: Significance
Hindu devotees gives special religious significance to Valmiki Jayanti to honour Maharishi Valmiki's immeasurable contributions. The Ramayana, the Mahabharata, and countless Puranas are only a few of his incredible literary creations. The commemoration of Valmiki Jayanti honours a great saint who overcame his disabilities and through his teachings, motivated the populace to struggle for social justice. He preached Lord Ram's principles and praised Him for being a kind and forgiving person.
The Ramayana is a sacred text that provides guidance on how to live a moral life. The tale of Lord Ram saving his wife Sita from the clutches of the demon king Ravana is told in the old Sanskrit epic. Lord Vishnu took the form of Lord Ram to reinstate the dharma. In addition, his brother Lakshmana is regarded as Sheshnag's manifestation. His other two brothers, Bharata and Shatrughna, are said to be the manifestations of the conch shell and the Sudarshan-chakra, respectively.
It's interesting to note that Ravana wanted to die at the hands of Lord Rama in order to find moksha. It is said that Lord Ram left Earth by taking jal samadhi in the river Saryu. Goddess Sita had gone back beneath the Earth at the time of agni pariksha.
Valmiki Jayanti 2022: Celebrations
In several cities and towns across India, religious activities are held to commemorate this day. On this day, people take part in Shobha Yatras, which are enormous procession events when they carry a saffron-robed priest holding a paper and a plume through the streets of the Valmiki region to the accompaniment of devout singing. The temples of the sage are decorated with flowers and lights, and devotees donate free food and repeat prayers there.
The Uttar Pradesh government has organised a lavish celebration for the anniversary this year. The Ramayana will be continuously recited in all of the state's temples dedicated to Lord Ram and Lord Hanuman as part of programmes run by the Yogi Adityanath administration.