Valmiki Jayanthi 2026

Valmiki Jayanthi: Honouring the Adi Kavi

Valmiki Jayanthi is observed on Ashwayuja Pournami. It honours Maharshi Valmiki, the Adi Kavi (first poet) who composed the Ramayana. This full moon after Dasara is also known as Sharad Pournami.

The Story of Valmiki

According to the popular story, Valmiki was once called Ratnakara and lived by robbing travellers in the forest. When he stopped Sage Narada, the sage asked him to find out whether his family would share the burden of his sins. When the family refused, Ratnakara was transformed. On Narada's advice he meditated on Rama's name for many years, until an anthill (valmikam) grew around him, which is how he came to be called Valmiki. The story is told in several versions.

The Birth of the First Shloka

On the banks of the Tamasa river, a hunter shot one of a pair of krauncha birds. In his grief, a verse flowed spontaneously from Valmiki; because it was born of shoka (sorrow), it came to be called a shloka. Inspired by Lord Brahma, he composed the 24,000-verse Srimad Ramayana in the same metre. It was in Valmiki's ashram that Sita Devi found shelter and Lava and Kusha were educated.

How to Observe the Day

• Bathe in the morning, light a lamp and remember Sri Rama's family and Maharshi Valmiki.
• Read a part of the Ramayana, such as the opening sargas of Bala Kanda or the Sundara Kanda.
• Tell children the stories of Valmiki and Rama.
• Many places hold processions and gatherings with Valmiki's portrait.
• Offer annadanam as you are able.

Significance

Valmiki's life shows that anyone, whatever their past, can become a great sage through good company, tapas and devotion. His Ramayana has guided people on the path of dharma for thousands of years.

Valmiki's work also inspired Telugu Ramayanas such as the Ranganatha Ramayanam and Molla Ramayanam, which makes this day special for Telugu readers.

May the blessings of Adi Kavi Valmiki keep Rama's name ever alive in your home.