Learn the divine story behind Maharshi Valmiki Jayanti, celebrating the life and teachings of the sage who composed the Ramayana and guided generations through dharma.
Before becoming a sage, Valmiki was known as Ratnakar, a man who robbed people to support his family. One day, he encountered Narad Muni in a deserted forest and tried to rob him. Narad Muni questioned Ratnakar about why he committed such acts. Ratnakar replied that he did it to provide for his family. Narad then asked him if his family would share the burden of his sins. To find out, Ratnakar tied Narad to a tree and went home. He was shocked to learn that his family refused to take responsibility for his sins. Realizing his mistake, Ratnakar returned and fell at Narad Muni's feet. Narad introduced him to the truth and asked him to chant the name "Ram." However, Ratnakar couldn't pronounce "Ram." Narad then cleverly instructed him to chant "Mara-Mara" (meaning "dead"), which eventually transformed into "Ram" through continuous repetition. Through this dedicated chanting, Ratnakar attained enlightenment and became Maharshi Valmiki.
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