Vaalmeeki
Many years ago, a sage lived in the forest. He was called Vaalmeeki. He was very wise. He was not afraid to live alone in the forest. He lived with all kinds of wild animals, lovely birds and many small creatures. He loved them all and treated them very kindly. One day sage Naarada visited him. Vaalmeeki welcomed him and offered him worship. In the course of conversation Vaalmeeki put a question to Naarada, “Sir, is there anywhere on earth a man who is strong, handsome, learned, truthful, kind, heroic, virtuous and pious – perfect in every way, so as to be a blessing to his country and an example to all?” Narada replied, “No, Vaalmeeki. It is very difficult to find all the good qualities in a single person. I know only one man who had all these qualities.” Vaalmeeki became curious and asked, “Who is he? Tell me all about him.” Naarada replied, “It is none other than Sri Raama, the king of Ayodhya.” He then narrated the life story of Raama. Vaalmeeki was very much thrilled. He thanked Naarada heartily. Thinking deeply of Raama, Vaalmeeki went to the nearby river.
He was strolling on its bank. He saw two lovely birds sitting on a tree billing and cooling happily. Suddenly a hunter came there. Noticing the birds, he shot an arrow which hit one of the birds. The poor bird fell down dead. All at once the silent forest was filled with the piteous cries of the other bird. Vaalmeeki was filled with pity at the sight of the lonely bird crying bitterly for its lost mate. He turned to the hunter and said indignantly, “How could you kill that innocent, happy bird?” But the hunter didn’t reply and gone. The sage’s heart was so deeply moved that he began to sing a song of sorrow in metrical verse.
He himself did not know how beautiful his song was. But Lord Brahma did. Brahma, the God of Creation, who heard the verse of Vaalmeeki, appeared on the scene. He consoled Vaalmeeki and said, “O Vaalmeeki, your verse is beautiful. Compose the story of Sri Raama in the same metre. Your poem will be remembered and sung for thousands of years to come.” Vaalmeeki was inspired by these words. He resolved to devote all his time and talent to writing the story of Raama in verse. His great poem is called Vaalmeeki Raamaayana. It is the great epic and the good contribution to world.
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