Story of Valmiki
Once upon a time, thousands of years ago, there lived a notorious highway robber by name Ratnakar. He had chosen robbery as his profession to financially support his family. He was cruel, ruthless and merciless person. His modus operandi was to first prey upon and kill the travelers and then rob them of their belongings and wealth. He continued with his gruesome ways for many years and his notoriety spread far and wide. People became scared of travelling and if it was absolutely essential to travel, they started traveling in groups to avoid being attacked by Ratnakar.
One day as Ratnakar was waiting for a victim, hiding behind the trees on the side of a road, he saw an unusual traveler pass by. The traveler was walking alone, wearing a dhoti and playing a musical instrument Veena and singing the glories of God.
As soon as the traveler walked in front of Ratnakar, Ratnakar suddenly appeared from behind the trees and landed himself in front of the traveler. The traveler was none other than the great saint Narad. Sage Narad did not flinch at the sight of the robber. Instead he stood there calmly and in a very kind voice addressed the robber, saying, "Brother! I do not have anything that would be of interest to you".
Ratnakar had no idea that he was standing face-to-face with a great saint. But he was certainly very surprised by the traveler's even disposition and could not help asking the traveler, "I am Ratnakar, the notorious robber and a merciless killer. Aren't you scared of me?"
Sage Narad replied, "No, I am not scared of you. I do not have any treasures on me that you'd want to kill me for. Yet, if it gives you pleasure to kill me, then go ahead and make yourself happy. But before you do so, do tell me the purpose behind this senseless killing of innocent people."
Ratnakar replied, "I have a big family to support. I use the money that I collect from robbing people to feed my family and look after them."
Out of his boundless mercy, the great sage Narad, decided to grace the sinner Ratnakar. Sage Narad told Ratnakar that livelihood earned by sinful means was a grave sin. He further asked Ratnakar, if his family members, for whom he was amassing such sins would be willing to partake a share of his sins. Ratnakar very confidently replied, "Why not? I do all this, only for their sake." Narad ji suggested that he go and confirm his understanding with his family.
Ratnakar though almost positive that his assumption was correct, decided to go home to re-confirm his assumption with his family, but before that he decided to tie up the traveler with a rope, lest he escape. Upon reaching home, he posed the question to each member of his family --- father, mother, wife and children, "Are you all willing to partake in the sins that I accumulate as a result of killing and robbing people to support each one of you." He was shocked to hear their unanimous response. None of them were willing to accept the consequences of his sinful actions. They told him very clearly, that it was his choice whether he wanted to support them through pious and virtuous means or sinful means. In either case he was responsible to bear the fruits of his good or bad actions.
Ratnakar was stunned. He could not believe that his family, who he worked so hard for and supported in every way would be so selfish and uncaring towards him. He realised the selfish nature of the world and instantly became completely disenchanted and indifferent towards everyone. He decided to come back to see the traveler who he had left on the side of the road tied to a tree with ropes. He untied Narad Muni, begged his forgiveness and thanked him for opening his eyes. Furthermore, he requested him to accept him as his disciple and guide him on the right path.
Narad Muni then instructed Ratnakar to chant the name of Lord "Rama" constantly. Being a great sinner, Ratnakar was unable to utter the name of the Lord. But saints have their mysterious ways of gracing great sinners. Narad ji suggested him to repeat the word "Mara" since after pronouncing this word once, he would naturally pronounce "Rama" in rotation. Ratnakar started pronouncing Mara Mara. Narad ji instructed him to continue chanting Mara Mara till such time as he came back.
So strong was his renunciation and so firm was his faith in the words of his Guru, that questions such as when would my Guru come back, how long should I chant Mara Mara etc. did not cross his mind. He continued to chant for many years. During this time, termites made his body their home.
After chanting for years, Mara became Rama and all his sins were washed away. Narad ji was immensely pleased with his devotion. He enlightened him, restored his body back to its original form and granted him a new name Valmiki (home of termites). Narad Muni also bestowed on him an exclusive title of Brahma Rishi (one who has highest divine knowledge).
Valmiki was the composer of the first Sanskrit poem (Adikavya) known the world over as the epic Ramayana (Story of Lord Rama), hence he is called the Adikavi or First Poet.
