Valmiki Jayanti, also known as Pragat Diwas, is an auspicious day celebrated in honor of Maharishi Valmiki, the revered sage who authored the epic Hindu scripture, the Ramayana. Falling on the full moon day of the Hindu month of Ashwin, which typically aligns with September-October in the Gregorian calendar, Valmiki Jayanti for the year 2023 is observed on October 28th, a Saturday.
Understanding Pragat Diwas:
Valmiki Jayanti is also referred to as “Pargat Diwas,” where “Pargat” signifies birth. This occasion is dedicated to paying homage to Maharishi Valmiki and his teachings on values and social justice. While the exact date of Valmiki’s birth remains unknown, he is believed to have lived around 500 BC.
History and Significance:
The history of Valmiki Jayanti is intertwined with the legendary sage’s significant contributions to Hindu mythology. According to folklore, Maharishi Valmiki had a profound connection with Lord Rama. During Rama’s exile, Valmiki met him and later provided shelter to Sita, who was banished from the kingdom of Ayodhya. It was within Valmiki’s ashram that Sita gave birth to her twin sons, Luv and Kush. Maharishi Valmiki played a pivotal role in their upbringing, imparting the teachings of the Ramayana, which consists of 24,000 verses (shlokas) and seven cantos (kandas).
An alternative belief regarding Valmiki’s early life suggests that he was a highway dacoit named Ratnakar. Engaged in robbing and killing, his life took a transformative turn when he encountered Narad Muni. Narad Muni’s influence converted him into a devoted follower of Lord Rama. After years of meditation, Valmiki’s penance was acknowledged by a divine voice, and he was bestowed with the name “Valmiki.” He earned the title of “Adi Kavi,” signifying the first poet of Sanskrit Literature. His works, especially the monumental Ramayana, continue to be recited by Hindu devotees.
Valmiki’s contributions to Indian literature extend to both the Ramayana and the Mahabharata. In the Ramayana, Valmiki’s account features the triumph of Lord Rama over Ravana, celebrated as Dussehra, as well as Lord Rama’s return from exile, marked by Diwali. Valmiki also figures in the Mahabharata, where he imparts wisdom to Yudhishthira, highlighting the benefits of praying to Lord Shiva, which include the expiation of sins.
One of Valmiki’s notable distinctions is being acknowledged as “Adi Kavi” or the first poet. He authored the first-ever shloka and poem, “Ramayana,” containing 24,000 verses. His initial shloka, written in grief and anger upon witnessing a hunter kill a crane couple, is famous:
“मा निषाद प्रतिष्ठां त्वमगमः शाश्वतीः सम