The ‘Adikavi’ of Sanskrit is Maharshi Valmikiji. He was born on the full moon day of Shukla Paksha of Ashwin month. On this day, the temples perform special puja of Maharshi Valmiki and wish for the welfare of the world.
Maharshi Valmiki was the first to compose Sanskrit shlokas and he also composed the epic Sanskrit Ramayana, which is why he has the title of ‘Adikavi’ of Sanskrit. Let us know when Valmiki Jayanti is this year, what is the Muhurat of Puja?
Valmiki Jayanti 2021 Date
Valmiki Jayanti is observed on the day of Ashwin Purnima of the Shukla Paksha. This year, Maharishi Valmiki Jayanti will be observed on October 20. This day is also referred to as Pragati Diwas.
Maharishi Valmiki Jayanti History
The legend behind this day has its roots back when Maharishi Valmiki met Lord Rama during his exile. He is also believed to rescue Sita after Lord Rama had banished her from his kingdom of Ayodhya.
And it was in the Ashrama that he provided her that Sita gave birth to her twins, Luv and Kush. The Maharishi was their teacher in their childhood. He taught them Ramayana that consisted of 24000 shlokas, and 7 Kandas.
Another legend is that Valmiki was first actually a highway dacoit, Ratnakar. He killed and robbed many people until he met Narad Muni, who changed him into a good man and a devotee of Lord Rama.
After years and years of meditation, he was incarnated with the name Valmiki. He was also referred to as Adi Kavi later on as he was the first Sanskrit poet. He was believed to be born around 500 BC.
Maharishi Valmiki Jayanti Significance
There are many different beliefs about the birth of Maharshi Valmiki, who is believed to have been born to Varun, the 9th son of Maharshi Kashyap and Goddess Aditi, and his wife Charshini. It is also believed that it was Maharishi Valmiki who composed the first shloka in this world.
There is also a popular belief in Valmiki’s name. It is said that Maharishi Valmiki’s meditation power was so wonderful that once he was so absorbed in meditation that the termite built his house over his body, but Maharshi’s attention was still not disturbed.
It was only when Maharishi’s practice was completed that he removed the termite from his body. Perhaps from then on, Termite’s house has also been called Valmiki.
This day is celebrated to honor the great sage who penned the epic Ramayana. It is celebrated as the birth anniversary of Maharishi Valmiki.
How is Maharishi Valmiki Jayanti Celebrated?
This day is celebrated enthusiastically by Hindu devotees. It is observed with Shobha Yatras and meetings. The devotees help poor people by offering them food to mark this day. They chant prayers as well. The temples of Maharishi Valmiki across the globe are decorated with flowers and colors.
Maharishi Valmiki’s largest temple is located in Thiruvanmiyur, Chennai. The temple is said to be 1300 years old. Maharishi Valmiki also was rested in this location after he penned the Ramayana. Marundeeswarar Temple is also devoted to Maharishi Valmiki.
Maharishi Valmiki Jayanti Shubh Muhurata
On Valmiki Jayanti, on October 20, the Rahu Kaal is scheduled from 12.06 pm to 01.31 pm. This is not considered to be the auspicious time for worship. The best time for worshipping is during Amrit Kaal, which is from 11.27 am to 01.10 pm, and during the Vijaya Muhurata, which is from 01.59 pm to 02.45 pm.
