Who is Sage Valmiki?

Sage Valmiki is revered as the Adi Kavi (first poet) in Hindu tradition. He is credited with authoring the epic Ramayana, one of the oldest surviving pieces of literature in the world.

Legend has it that Valmiki was originally a dacoit named Ratnakar. He underwent a spiritual transformation after encountering the sage Narada and chanting the name of Rama. He eventually became a sage and composed the Ramayana, narrating the life and deeds of Lord Rama.