Valmiki Jayanti 2023 Date, Time, Story & Rituals
Valmiki Jayanti commemorates the birthday of Maharishi Valmiki, a famous author and sage. According to the traditional Hindu calendar, Valmiki Jayanti is celebrated on Purnima tithi (full moon Day) in the month of Ashwin, whereas it corresponds to September-October in the Gregorian calendar.
Maharishi Valmiki is the author of the Hindu epic Ramayana and is revered as the ‘Aadi Kavi’, or the first poet of Sanskrit Literature. The Ramayana, which tells the story of Lord Ram, was originally composed by him in Sanskrit and consists of 24,000 verses divided into seven ‘Kandas’ (cantos). Valmiki Jayanti is celebrated to honor this revered saint. This day is also known as ‘Pragat Diwas’ and is celebrated with reverence in the northern regions of India.
Valmiki Jayanti Date 2023
Saturday 28, October 2023
Story of Maharshi Valmiki
During his exile, according to legend, Maharishi Valmiki met Lord Rama. After Lord Rama requested that Sita depart the kingdom of Ayodhya, he rescued and sheltered her. In his ashram, she gave birth to twins Luv and Kush. When they were children, the great sage became their teacher and taught them the Ramayana, which contains 24,000 verses (shlokas) and seven cantos (kandas).
Another common belief is that in his youth, Valmiki was a highway robber by the name of Ratnakar. He was born to an ancient Indian sage named Prachetasa on the banks of the Ganges. Ratnakara was his given name at birth. He was discovered as a child lost in the jungle by a hunter, who raised him as his own son. As an adult, he became a hunter like his adoptive father, but he also supplemented his income by robbing people. Eventually, he encountered Maharishi Narada and tries to plunder him. Until he encountered Narad Muni, he was a thief and murderer. Narad Muni converted him into a devout follower of Lord Rama.
After years of meditation, a divine voice pronounced his penance successful and gave him the name Valmiki, which means “one born from anthills.” In recognition of his status as the first poet of Sanskrit literature, he became known as Adi Kavi. Since that time, devotees of Hinduism have continued to recite his works, especially the great epic Ramayana. The date and time of Maharishi Valmiki’s birth are uncertain, but he is believed to have lived around 500 BCE.
Rituals of Valmiki Jayanti
- People offer homage to the celebrated poet and saint Valmiki Jayanti. In several cities and villages, Valmiki’s portrait is carried in procession. On this day, Hindu devotees fervently worship him. In many locations, prayers are offered to his portrait.
- On this day, the Ramayana is recited in Lord Ram temples throughout India. A number of temples in India are dedicated to Maharishi Valmiki.
- On the occassion of Valmiki Jayanti, these temples are elaborately decorated with flowers. Multiple incense sticks are lighted, creating a serene and pristine environment. In these temples, kirtans and bhajans are performed.
- In commemoration of Maharishi Valmiki, many devotees visit Lord Rama temples on this day and recite a few verses from the Ramayana.
- On Valmiki Jayanti, the impoverished and needy receive free food. On this day, philanthropy is viewed as extremely gratifying.
- Hanuman Puja is also practiced in numerous areas of the region. You can also perform Hanuman Puja and recite Sunderkand in the comfort of your own residence.
Significance of Valmiki Jayanti:
Valmiki Jayanti is a day of immense religious significance in Hinduism, commemorating the incomparable contributions of Maharishi Valmiki. He had written some extraordinary works, including the Ramayana, Mahabharata, and several Puranas. Valmiki Jayanti is a tribute to a great saint who overcame his limitations and encouraged the populace to fight against social injustice through the medium of his teachings. He promoted Lord Ram’s values and acknowledged Him as a man of penance and goodness.