Valmiki Jayanti or Pargat Diwas

The Yoga Vasistha is credited to Maharishi Valmiki. He is the author of the Hindu Epic Ramayana. He is believed to give shelter to Sita in his own ashram and Luv- Kush were also born and brought up here. Valmiki is honoured as the first poet, or Adi Kavi, and the Ramayana, the first kavya. His first disciples to whom he taught the Ramayana were Kusa and Lava, the sons of Rama. Emerging spontaneously from his rage and grief, the following was the first śloka in Sanskrit literature.

“मां निषाद प्रतिष्ठां त्वमगमः शाश्वतीः समाः। यत्क्रौंचमिथुनादेकम् अवधीः काममोहितम्॥'”

The above sloka means that “You will find no rest for the long years of Eternity; For you killed a bird in love and unsuspecting“. This śloka is honoures as the “first śloka” in Hindu literature. Maharshi Valmiki Jayanti (Balmiki Jayanti) was celebrated on October 11, 2011 with great zeal all through the nation. It falls on the full moon day (Purnima) in the month of Ashwin. This day is particularly admired in the Northern India and is recognized as “Pargat Diwas”.

Month: Current Affairs - December, 2011