Valmiki Jayanti

Valmiki Jayanti marks the birth anniversary of Maharishi Valmiki, and it is observed on the full moon of Ashwina masa. Valmiki is the great saint and one of the first Sanskrit poets who penned the Indian epic Ramayana. In the Gregorian calendar this day occurs in the months of September or October. This festival is celebrated as Pragat Diwas in Rajasthan, North India.

Valmiki Jayanti 2023

Maharishi Valmiki is revered as the Adi Kavi translated to Adi-first, Kavi- poet of Sanskrit literature. It is said that Valmiki composed the first ever poem or kavya in Sanskrit. He was a great saint and the author of the epic Ramayana, an extensive Sanskrit poem of 24,000 verses and 7 cantos (Kandas) including the Uttara canto. As per Ramayana, Lord Rama met sage Valmiki during His period of exile in the forest. It is also said that Valmiki gave shelter to Sita Devi in his holy hermitage when Rama banished her after the return from Lanka. It is said that Kusha and Lava was well taught by the sage. Rishi Valmiki propagated the great values of Lord Ram and recognized Him as a man of penance and benevolence through establishing His glory through Ramayana.

Rituals of Valmiki Jayanthi

On this day, people organise great processions called “Shobha Yatras” and a parade dressed as Valmiki rishi, dressed in saffron-coloured robes with plume and paper in his hands. Some also try and enact the significant scenes from the Ramayana and recite verses from Ramayana. this is an important festival in the states of Rajasthan, Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, also the cities of Chennai – Tiruvanmiyur. Sanctums of Maharishi Valmiki in the temples are decorated with flowers and lights, and the devotees organize food donation and recite prayers. Recitations of Holy Ramayana are held in temples of Lord Rama or lord Vishnu all over India on Valmiki Jayanthi.

Sloka

Tapaswadhyaya niratham,
Thapaswee vag vidhamvaram,
Narada pariprucha,
Valmikir muni pungavam!

Important Timings On Valmiki Jayanti

Valmiki Jayanti festival dates between 2020 & 2030

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