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New Delhi: Maharishi Valmiki, renowned for writing the Hindu epic Ramayana, is one of the most prominent figures in India’s spiritual and literary history. His birth anniversary, celebrated as Valmiki Jayanti, is being observed across the country on October 7 this year. On this occasion, highlighting Maharishi Valmiki’s path to becoming a sage will be inspiring for all of us. The transformational journey of the sage was one of enlightenment and penance. Going through the phases of his life, it is hard to believe that the man who wrote about virtue and righteousness was once a feared bandit.
Maharishi Valmiki was previously known as Ratnakar. And he was born on the full moon day of the Ashwin month into a Brahmin family. During his youthful days, Ratnakar chose robbery as a means to earn money, attacking travellers and stealing their belongings. However, after a fateful encounter with Sage Narad Muni Ratnakar was a changed person. Let’s explore further.
Narad Muni is credited with transforming Ratnakar’s life, while the latter tried to rob the sage. Ratnakar was surprised by the calm and fearless nature of Narad Muni. The bandit was taken aback when, instead of giving in to his demand for valuables, Narad Muni asked him, “For whom do you commit these crimes?” And his reply was, “To feed and care for my family.” Narad Muni further asked him Will his family share the burden of his sins?
Perplexed by those profound questions, Ratnakar left for his home after tying Narad Muni to a tree. At home, he asked his family the same question. To his surprise, he didn’t get an affirmative answer. Both his father and wife said that he alone would bear the consequences of his karma or actions.
Ratnakar felt utterly disheartened and remorseful. He returned to Narad Muni and confessed that he was wrong in committing robbery. Sage Narad directed him to chant Lord Rama’s name with devotion and to renounce his life of crime. He then began deep meditation and penance, repeating the divine name of Lord Rama for years. Owing to his intense dedication, ants formed a mound around him. Emerging from it, Ratnakar was reborn as Maharishi Valmiki, the sage of wisdom and poetry.
Lord Brahma, impressed by Valmiki’s devotion, asked him to write about Lord Rama’s life. Hence, Valmiki created the epic Ramayana, a scripture of more than 24,000 verses that continues to enlighten humanity with spiritual wisdom and morals. Valmiki even offered shelter to Mata Sita in his ashram when she took refuge during her exile. There, her sons Lava and Kusha were born and educated by him.
Maharishi Valmiki’s inspirational tale is a powerful example of humans’ capacity for spiritual awakening and change. From a life of a sinner to one of a divine creator, Valmiki’s journey reminds us that real change starts with self-realisation. Maharishi Valmiki’s life continues to teach that redemption, devotion, and truth can illuminate even the darkest path, inspiring millions!
