VALMIKI - THE FIRST POET OF SANSKRIT LITERATURE

Maharishi Valmiki, is one of the most revered sage of India. He lived during the time of Lord Rama around 5th century BCE.

He was born as Agni Sharma to a Brahmin family. According to the legend, he met sage Narada once and discussed about his duties and dharma in life. Moved by Narada's discourse, he did penance for several years and chanted the word 'Mara' which overtime became 'Rama.'

As he continued his penance, huge ant hill formed around him and became known as Valmiki, which means Ant-Hill. He learned the scriptures from Narada and became an ascetic.

Their is a story how he composed his first verse in sanskrit, he was going to river ganges for daily ablutions, when he came across a stream of water. Impressed by the clarity of the water just like the mind of good man, he decided to bathe there. As he was looking to step into the stream, he saw a crane couple mating. Valmiki was very pleased to see the happy birds. Suddenly an arrow shot the male crane dead, filled with sorrow its mate screamed in agony and also died of shock. Valmiki's heart melted at this pitiful sight. He saw the hunter with bows and arrows and angrily said

मां निषाद प्रतिष्ठां त्वमगमः शाश्वतीः समाः।

यत्क्रौंचमिथुनादेकम् अवधीः काममोहितम्॥

Translated it means

You will find no rest for the long years of Eternity
For you killed a bird in love and unsuspecting

These verses are his first shloka in Sanskrit Literature, which Valmiki said out of grief and rage. He was the first poet of Sanskrit literature. His contribution to vedic literature is unparalleled. He was the author of the great hindu epic Ramayana, which has 24000 verses in 7 chapters. He was a contemporary of Rama and gave shelter to Sita when she was asked to leave the kingdom by Rama and live in the forest. Staying in his ashram Sita gave birth to Lava and Kush, who later became Valmiki's disciples.

Later Valmiki wrote several other Puranas. He was a great sage who conquered his limitations and inspired others through his teachings. He encouraged the masses to fight against social injustice and preached the values of Rama.

Valmiki Jayanti is celebrated as his birth anniversary on every full moon night of Sharad Purnima. This year it was on 5th October. It is said that people desirous of gaining knowledge should worship Valmiki as he was an incarnation of Lord Brahma. This is mentioned in Vishnudharmottara Purana.

Valmiki Jayanti is dedicated to Adi Kavi, - the first poet of Sanskrit literature. It is celebrated as Pragat Diwas in north India with much reverence. People recite Ramayana, chant bhajans, take out processions and do charity.

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