Perhaps the greatest poet India has ever had, the life history of
Valmiki is a roller-coaster ride. The variations that this saint has had
in life are beyond anyone's imagination. Born in the Naga clan, the
details of Valmiki's life are not very clear as there no written
records. He was the author of Ramayana, one of the greatest epics of
India. The Ramayana tells the story of Prince Rama of Ayodhya who always
stuck to his morals and emerged triumphant in the battle fought with
demon king Ravana. The biography of Valmiki is an intriguing one and the
exact dates of existence aren't known.
Valmiki
was not always a saint. He was an infamous bandit who killed many people
by the time he reached his 30's. One day, he was touched by an act of
love between two birds and that transformed his personality drastically.
He realized the power of speech he had in him and the ability to create
rhythmic verses. He then had a divine vision of Brahma, who urged
Valmiki to use this potential to the maximum and write the story of
Ramayana. Thus began the preparation of one of the most sacred and
revered epics of India. The poetry and language used in Ramayana is
commendable and unmatched.
It is said that Valmiki taught the Ramayana to the sons of Rama, Luv
and Kush. He is also said to have given shelter to Sita after she was
banished from the kingdom. The Ramayana is sung rather than just
recited. Those who have read the Ramayana have bowed to Valmiki with
great respect. It is said that when Luv and Kush were singing the
Ramayana in their sweet voices in front Rama, he himself was unaware of
the fact that they were his own sons! Though the epic is still there,
there are no written records of Valmiki and his period of existence.
