Valmiki Jayanti 2024: Date, Time, Significance and Celebration

Valmiki Jayanti is commemorated aa the birth anniversary of Sage Valmikim who was the author of popular Hindu Scripture, Ramcharitmanas. This day is celebrated with immense devotion and deep faith. He was known as popular sage, poet and a great author. People celebrate this day on Purnima Tithi in the month of Ashwina i.e., on October 17, 2024.

Valmiki Jayanti 2024 : Date and Time

Purnima Tithi Begins - October 16, 2024 - 08:40 PM
Purnima Tithi Ends - October 17, 2024 - 04:55 PM

Valmiki Jayanti 2024: Significance

Valmiki Jayanti holds a great religious significance and this day is celebrated to commemorate the birth anniversary of Maharishi Valmiki Ji. He was the one who wrote Hindu epic Ramayana . As per Scriptures, it is believed that he was an ardent devotee of Shri Ram. People should note that there is no correct date of his birth mentioned in scriptures. As per the legend, it is believed that when he was born then he had a full moon glow on his face that's why it is assumed that he was born on the day of Purnima. Maharishi Valmiki once gave shelter of Goddess Sita, when she left Ayodhya and went to the forest. She lived there for so long and even gave birth to Luv and Kush there only. Sage Valmiki was the Guru of Luv Kush and taught them Ramayana. This day is widely celebrated in North India and devotees give tribute to the great sage Valmiki Ji.

Valmiki Jayanti 2024: Story

As per some legend, it is believed that Rishi Valmiki was a robber named as Ratnakar, who was born to sage named Prachetsana. One day he lost his way in jungle, when he was little boy and then he was found by a hunter, who adopted him and raised him like his own son. He also became hunter as his foster father but always followed his Dharma as he was born as Pandit. One day, Narada came to jungle and Ratnakar even tried to rob Narada as he used to rob people. Narada Muni gave him knowledge, showed him the right path and his destiny and then he turned out to be a great devotees of Lord Rama.

He started following the right path and started meditation. After some years of meditation, a divine voice made his penance successful and gave him a name Valmiki. Since he was the first poet in Sanskrit literature, he was known by the popular name Adi Kavi. He is always recited by Hindu believers, especially in the ancient text of Hinduism, the Ramayana.

Valmiki Jayanti 2024: Celebration

The followers of the Valmiki sect celebrate this day with immense devotion as they hold high regards for Maharishi Valmiki Rishi and they consider him as a messenger of God. The shrines honor Valmiki Rishi, they decorate with flowers and lights. Thiruvanmiyur, Chennai is one of the oldest temples of Rishi Valmiki. It is believed that this temple 1300 years old. As per Scriptures, Valmiki Rishi took a nap here after finishing the sacred text Ramayana, and that his followers constructed this shrine afterwards. On this auspicious day of Valmiki Jayanti, devotees feed the underprivileged. Chanting mantras and shlokas from the Ramayana is a common practice on this day. They light diyas and offer prayers to Valmiki Rishi. The entire temple is decked out in lights and flowers. On the day of Valmiki Jayanti, people celebrate this day with great devotion by engaging in kirtan and bhajan.