By iastoppers.com

Interesting facts about the poet-sage Valmiki

Ayodhya airport named after him

Valmiki, known as the Adi Kavi or "first poet," authored the Ramayana, a cornerstone of Indian literature and culture

The Ramayana, dating back to the mid-first millennium BCE, is a sophisticated literary work that profoundly influenced Indian society

In the Ramayana, Valmiki features in the Bala and Uttara Kandas, narrating Lord Ram's story and mentoring his sons, Lava and Kusha

Tulsidas's Ramcharitmanas, written in vernacular Awadhi, surpasses Valmiki's Ramayana in popularity due to its widespread accessibility

The debate over Valmiki's caste reflects India's diverse social history, with multiple communities claiming him as their ancestor

Valmiki's transformation from the bandit Ratnakar to a revered sage demonstrates the themes of redemption and enlightenment in Indian traditions

His encounter with Sage Narada led to Valmiki's spiritual awakening and authorship of the Ramayana, symbolizing the power of penance and devotion