Happy Valmiki Jayanti 2021

Valmiki Jayanti, also known as Pragat Diwas is celebrated every year on the full moon day of Shukla Paksha in the Ashwin month, as per the Hindu Lunar calendar.

It's said that Maharishi Valmiki was born on Ashwin Purnima as per the Hindu lunar calendar. So, this day commemorates the birth anniversary of Maharishi Valmiki, who composed the Ramayana in Sanskrit language. On this day, devotees of Saint Valmiki carry out Shobha Yatras or processions and sing devotional songs and bhajan.

Maharishi Valmiki is also called the Adi Kavi i.e., the first poet in the Sanskrit language. He wrote the first-ever Sanskrit shlokas. 

Puja timings

Valmiki Jayanti is celebrated today, October 20, 2021. The Valmiki Jayanti Purnimatithi begins at 7:03 PM on October 19, 2021 and ends at 8:26 PM on October 20, 2021.

History

Maharishi Valmiki is believed to have transformed from a dacoit to a saint. He lived in Treta Yug.  According to Hindu mythology, Valmiki once came across Narad Muni. The meeting was a life-changing event for him. He decided to worship Lord Rama and sat in meditation for years. His devotion was so unflinching that an anthill formed over him. Hence he was given the name Valmiki, which means anthill in Sanskrit. It is believed that he received enlightenment and came to be known as Brahmarishi. He was then blessed with a vision from Lord Brahma that inspired him to write the Ramayana.

Significance

This day is celebrated to commemorate the birth anniversary of Maharshi Valmiki by his devotees. Valmiki is revered as the first poet to have penned the verses in the Ramayana. One of the largest celebrations of Valmiki Jayanti takes place in Thiruvanmiyur, Chennai, which has a temple dedicated to the sage.