VALMIKI
With less than a month to go for the grand opening of the Ayodhya Ram Temple, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the newly built Maharishi Valmiki Airport in Ayodhya on Saturday (December 30 2023).
The airport is named after Maharishi (great sage) Valmiki, hailed as the author of the oldest version of Ramayana — the story of Lord Ram. Here are 5 interesting facts about the legendary poet-sage
2. Who is Valmiki?
- Valmiki is a revered figure in Hindu mythology and literature, credited as the author of the ancient Indian epic, the Ramayana. He is often considered the Adi Kavi, or the first poet, due to his significant contribution to Sanskrit literature. Valmiki is believed to have composed the Ramayana, which narrates the life and adventures of Lord Rama, his wife Sita, and his loyal companion Hanuman.
- Legend has it that Valmiki was originally a highway robber named Ratnakara before transforming into a sage through a spiritual awakening.
- He is highly regarded for his wisdom, teachings, and the composition of the Ramayana, which holds immense cultural and religious importance in Hinduism. The epic is not only a story of heroism but also embodies moral and ethical teachings that are widely cherished and followed in various cultures across South and Southeast Asia
- Valmiki holds the title of Adi Kavi, or the "first poet" in Sanskrit, largely because he's attributed to composing the Ramayana, believed to be the initial epic poem in the Sanskrit literary tradition.
- Nevertheless, scholarly investigation suggests that the Mahabharata, ascribed to the sage Vyasa, might predate it. Valmiki's Ramayana comprises seven sections, called cantos or kandas, each depicting a distinct segment of Lord Ram's narrative. Valmiki himself appears within the Bala and Uttara Kandas, the opening and concluding chapters of the epic.
- The Bala Kanda commences with Valmiki inquiring of sage Narada about the existence of a righteous individual in the world, to which Narada identifies Ram.
- Valmiki then initiates his storytelling. In the Uttara Kanda, following Lord Ram's exile of his wife Sita, she seeks refuge in Valmiki's hermitage.
- It's there that she gives birth to twin sons, Lava and Kusha, who subsequently become Valmiki's disciples. In the Bala Kanda, the tale of the Ramayana is framed as Valmiki narrating it to Lava and Kusha
- Valmiki, often referred to as the Adi Kavi or the "first poet," is credited with composing the Ramayana, one of the most celebrated ancient Indian epics. The Ramayana chronicles the life, adventures, and moral journey of Lord Rama, his wife Sita, and his loyal devotee Hanuman.
- This epic is divided into seven sections, known as kandas, and each section focuses on different stages of Lord Rama's life and the challenges he faces. Valmiki's authorship of the Ramayana is esteemed not only for its literary excellence but also for the ethical and moral teachings embedded within the narrative.
- Valmiki's own story is one of transformation. He was believed to have been a highway robber named Ratnakara before a profound spiritual experience led him to become a sage. It's said that upon witnessing a divine moment in nature, Valmiki uttered the verse that led to his transformation.
- He is highly revered for his wisdom, teachings, and the creation of the Ramayana, which has transcended time and culture, influencing literature, art, and philosophy across the Indian subcontinent and beyond
The Ramayana, originally authored by Valmiki, has inspired numerous adaptations and retellings across various cultures and regions. Some notable versions of the Ramayana include:
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Tulsidas's Ramcharitmanas: Tulsidas, a 16th-century saint-poet, wrote the Ramcharitmanas in Awadhi, a dialect of Hindi. It's a devotional retelling of the Ramayana, emphasizing Lord Rama's devotion to duty, devotion, and righteousness.
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Kamban's Ramavataram: Kamban, a Tamil poet, penned the Ramavataram in the Tamil language, presenting a poetic rendition of the Ramayana with rich literary embellishments and cultural nuances.
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Ramanand Sagar's Ramayan: A popular televised adaptation in the form of a series aired in the 1980s, directed by Ramanand Sagar, brought the Ramayana to millions of households across India.
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Rajagopalachari's Ramayana: Written by C. Rajagopalachari, a prominent Indian politician and writer, this version offers a concise and simplified retelling of the epic, making it accessible to a broader audience.
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Thai Ramakien: The Ramayana influenced Thai culture and literature, leading to the creation of the Ramakien, the Thai version of the epic, with its unique cultural adaptations.
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Indonesian and Javanese Versions: The Ramayana has profoundly influenced Indonesian and Javanese cultures, inspiring various adaptations in their literature, dance, and arts, such as the Kakawin Ramayana
- The caste of Sage Valmiki has sparked a contentious debate. Several scheduled castes across the country claim lineage to Valmiki, while some scriptural sources identify him as a Brahmin.
- In 2016, due to the uproar caused by Kannada writer KS Narayanacharya's book "Valmiki Yaru?" (Who is Valmiki?), which asserted Valmiki's Brahmin identity, the Karnataka government formed a 14-member committee to investigate Valmiki's caste. This book faced criticism from the Navik (boatmen) community, who assert Valmiki belonged to their community.
- Competing versions exist regarding Valmiki’s caste and origins. As noted by author and social commentator Priyadarshan in a 2016 piece for Forward Press, seeking Valmiki's caste leads to encounters with legends and myths rather than historical facts.
- The contested identity of Valmiki stems partly from his popular origin story. Known as Ratnakar before becoming a sage, he was once a feared dacoit and hunter.
- Some versions suggest he was born to a Brahmin family but was lost in the forest and raised by a hunter couple.
- However, alternative accounts, more aligned with subaltern narratives, claim he was born to a Bhil king. Regardless, he sustained himself by robbing villagers and travelers.
- His life took a turn when he encountered Sage Narada, who, unlike others, didn't fear him. Narada's gentle approach made Ratnakar realize his wrongdoing and seek redemption. Ratnakar prayed for forgiveness and guidance. Narada provided him with a simple mantra—the name of Lord Ram
