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Chances are you’ve come across the renowned sage, Maharshi Valmiki. He’s the mastermind behind the famous Hindu epic, Ramayana, and holds the title of ‘Adi Kavi,’ the very first poet in Sanskrit literature. Now, let’s delve into the intriguing life of Maharshi Valmiki.
Valmiki Birth
Valmiki’s exact birth date remains uncertain, but it is traditionally believed that he was born on an autumn full moon day in the Bengali month of Ashwin, into a Brahmin family. While we know his father’s name was Pracheta, there is no available information regarding his mother’s name. Valmiki, also known as Maharshi Valmiki, is a prominent figure in history.
Valmiki Early Life
Maharshi Valmiki, originally known as Ratnakar, had a remarkable transformation in his life. He was once a notorious robber. However, a significant event changed his path. When he was young, Ratnakar got lost in a dense forest. His concerned parents searched for him but, sadly, assumed he was lost to a wild animal and returned home.
Fortunately, a kind hunter discovered Ratnakar in the forest and took him in. Raised by the hunter, Ratnakar later got married. This event marked the beginning of his journey to becoming the revered sage Valmiki.
Valmiki Family
Over time, Valmiki’s family faced worsening financial troubles, making it increasingly challenging for him to provide for his wife and the rest of the family. Consequently, he resorted to unlawful activities like theft and robbery to support his loved ones.
Valmiki’s Life Story
When Ratnakar found no other options, he resorted to attacking the people of neighboring villages, including his own, and robbing those who passed by. If anyone attempted to intervene during these robberies, Ratnakar didn’t hesitate to take their life. This ruthless behavior allowed him to accumulate wealth, which he used to support his family.
You might be curious about how this bandit Ratnakar became known as Valmiki and who bestowed this name upon him. To uncover the full story, continue reading below.
Valmiki and Narada Muni
One day in the jungle, there was a man named Ratnakar, who, like any other day, was hiding and waiting to steal from anyone who passed by. After some time, he noticed a sage approaching the forest, chanting “Narayana, Narayana.”
Unaware that the sage was Narada Muni himself, Ratnakar decided to rob him immediately. He confronted the sage and threatened to harm him if he didn’t hand over his belongings.
Surprisingly, Narada Muni remained calm and even offered Ratnakar his musical instrument (khartal) and veena. This puzzled Ratnakar, as most people were terrified by his reputation, but this sage seemed untroubled.
Narada Muni then asked Ratnakar why he resorted to robbery and theft. Ratnakar, with pride, explained that he did it to support his family.
Narada Muni’s Questions To Ratnakar
Narada Muni once more inquired of Ratnakar if he had ever discussed his actions with his family, to check if they approved of his deeds or were willing to bear the consequences.
Ratnakar replied that his family would undoubtedly support his actions and none of them would refuse to share in his wrongdoings.
In response, Narada suggested that Ratnakar should ask his family for their opinion first. Until then, Narada Muni would wait for him in the forest. Following Narada’s advice, Ratnakar returned home.
After questioning his wife and other family members about the matter he had heard from Narada Muni, they all made it clear that none of them would take responsibility for his sins.
Ratnakar’s Surrender To Narada Muni
Upon hearing Narada’s advice, Ratnakar rushed to him, tears welling up in his eyes. He humbly implored Narada to guide him towards the path of righteousness.
Narada Muni, in response, instructed Ratnakar to remember Lord Rama, one of Vishnu’s ten incarnations, and fervently repeat His name. However, when Ratnakar attempted to do so, he couldn’t utter “Rama” because his violent nature caused it to morph into “Mara Mara” in his mind.
Puzzled by this, Ratnakar approached Narada and shared his predicament. Narada then advised him to continue chanting “Mara Mara,” assuring him that with time, it would naturally transform into “Rama.”
Ratnakar followed Narada’s counsel, meditating and diligently repeating “Mara Mara.” He became so engrossed in his meditation that he lost interest in food and drink, and years passed unnoticed. Eventually, ants built a nest around him, covering his entire body as he continued his devoted practice.
Narada’s Presence Near The Mound
Years later, Narada Muni ventured into the jungle once more. During his journey, he heard a persistent chant of “Rama, Rama” coming from a mound of mud. To his surprise, the voice belonged to Ratnakar himself, and no one else.
Narad compassionately approached the mound, carefully uncovering the soil to rescue Ratnakar. When the soil was finally removed, he addressed Ratnakar by name.
This incident occurred in Jhargram, West Bengal, India, at an ant mound. Ratnakar, after his intense penance, eventually opened his eyes. However, Narada sensed a profound transformation in him, as his closed eyes and serene demeanor revealed a newfound divine character.
Ratnakar humbly bowed to Narada Muni, and Narada, filled with affection, lifted him from the ground, embracing him.
Who gave the name Valmiki?
Narada informed Ratnakar that since he had been reborn from an ant mound, he would now be called “Maharshi Valmiki,” and his wisdom would guide others’ lives. It’s important to note that the place where Maharshi Valmiki and Narada Muni met was named Tapovan, located in the Jhargram district of West Bengal, India.
So, we now recognize the former bandit Ratnakar as Maharshi Valmiki, the author of the renowned epic, Ramayana. Valmiki’s most famous work, the Ramayana, tells the story of Lord Rama in epic form, making it the world’s first epic of its kind.
Mata Sita at Valmiki Ashram
According to the legend, when Rama parted from Sita, she was expecting a child. Sita found refuge in the hermitage of Maharshi Valmiki. During her stay there, she gave birth to two sons, whom she named Luv and Kush.
Valmiki Death
Determining the exact lifespan of Maharshi Valmiki remains uncertain, but it is believed that he lived for over a hundred years.
FAQs on Valmiki Biography
Who was Maharshi Valmiki?
Maharshi Valmiki is a revered sage in Hindu mythology and is known as the author of the epic poem, the Ramayana. He is also referred to as the 'Adi Kavi,' the first poet in Sanskrit literature.
When and where was Maharshi Valmiki born?
The exact birth date of Maharshi Valmiki is uncertain, but it is traditionally believed that he was born on an autumn full moon day in the Bengali month of Ashwin, into a Brahmin family.
What is the other name of Valmiki?
Originally known as Ratnakar, Maharshi Valmiki had a transformation in his life. He was once a notorious robber but had a change of heart after a significant event. He was found in the forest by a kind hunter and eventually became a revered sage.
How did Valmiki's encounter with Narada Muni change his life?
Valmiki tried to rob the sage Narada Muni but was met with a calm response. Narada Muni questioned Valmiki's actions, and this led to a series of events that eventually transformed Valmiki into a sage.
What is Maharshi Valmiki's most famous work?
Maharshi Valmiki is best known for his epic poem, the Ramayana, which narrates the story of Lord Rama and is considered the world's first epic of its kind.
