Valmiki Jayanti 2026: Date, Story & Valmiki Ramayan Bhawan Ayodhya (24,000 Shlokas on Marble)
Valmiki Jayanti 2026 is on 26 Oct. Date, Ratnakar story, Adi Kavi facts & Ayodhya's Valmiki Ramayan Bhawan with all 24,000 shlokas carved on marble.
Last updated: 18 October 2026
Short answer: Maharishi Valmiki Jayanti 2026 is on Monday, 26 October 2026, on Ashwin Purnima. Purnima tithi runs from 11:55 AM on 25 October to 9:41 AM on 26 October. Some calendars mark the Jayanti on 25 October, the same night as Sharad Purnima. In Ayodhya, the best place to honour the Adi Kavi is the Valmiki Ramayan Bhawan at Maniram Das Ki Chhavni, where all 24,000 shlokas of the Valmiki Ramayan are inscribed in order on white marble walls, and Lav-Kush are seated in the sanctum beside a large statue of Maharishi Valmiki. Visit in the morning after the Saryu snan and Ram Mandir darshan.
Every Ram Katha begins with one poet. Before Tulsidas, before any Ramlila or TV serial, Maharishi Valmiki told the story of Shri Ram in Sanskrit verse, and that is why he is called the Adi Kavi, the first poet. His Jayanti is celebrated across India with shobha yatras, Ramayan path and bhajans. Ayodhya has a special place to mark it: a marble hall where his entire Ramayan is written on the walls. This guide covers the date, the story of Valmiki, how the day is celebrated, and a complete visitor's guide to the Valmiki Ramayan Bhawan.
Valmiki Jayanti 2026 at a Glance
| Detail | 2026 |
|---|---|
| Valmiki Jayanti / Pargat Diwas | Monday, 26 October 2026 |
| Tithi | Ashwin Shukla Purnima |
| Purnima begins | 11:55 AM, 25 October 2026 |
| Purnima ends | 9:41 AM, 26 October 2026 |
| Same period as | Sharad Purnima (night of 25 October) and the start of Kartik snan |
| Public holiday | Yes, in several states including Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and Karnataka. Check your state's list |
| Best place in Ayodhya | Valmiki Ramayan Bhawan, Maniram Das Ki Chhavni |
| Also named after him | Maharishi Valmiki International Airport, Ayodhya |
Valmiki Jayanti 2026 Kab Hai: 25 or 26 October?
Valmiki Jayanti falls on Ashwin Purnima. In 2026 Purnima begins at 11:55 AM on Sunday, 25 October and ends at 9:41 AM on Monday, 26 October. Since Purnima is present at sunrise on 26 October, most calendars and holiday lists, including public holiday lists for 2026, mark Valmiki Jayanti on Monday, 26 October. Some temples begin the celebrations on the evening of 25 October along with Sharad Purnima. Shobha yatras, Ramayan path and the main puja are held on 26 October.
For the Sharad Purnima rituals on the same night (kheer, Lakshmi puja, moonrise time), see our Sharad Purnima 2026 guide.
Who Was Maharishi Valmiki? The Story in Short
According to popular tradition, Valmiki was once a forest-dweller named Ratnakar who supported his family by robbing travellers. One day he stopped Devarshi Narad. Narad asked him a simple question: would his family share the sin of his deeds? Ratnakar went home and asked. They said no: the sin was his alone. Shaken, he returned to Narad, who taught him to chant the name of Ram. Unable at first to say "Ram", he chanted "mara, mara", which, repeated, becomes "Rama". He meditated for so long that an anthill (valmika) grew over him. When he emerged, he was given the name Valmiki, "one who came out of the anthill".
This story is why Valmiki Jayanti is also a festival of transformation: no past is too dark for a person to change.
The first shloka: how poetry was born
The Ramayan's opening book (Bal Kand) tells how Valmiki, walking by the river Tamasa, saw a hunter shoot one of a pair of krauncha birds. Moved by the grief of its mate, he spoke a curse that came out in perfect metre: "Ma nishada pratishtham tvam…". It is regarded as the first shloka of Sanskrit poetry. Lord Brahma then asked Valmiki to tell the story of Shri Ram in this same metre, and the Ramayan was born.
The Valmiki Ramayan: Key Facts
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Language | Sanskrit |
| Size | About 24,000 shlokas |
| Books (Kand) | 7: Bal, Ayodhya, Aranya, Kishkindha, Sundar, Yuddh, Uttar |
| Metre | Mostly anushtubh (the shloka metre) |
| Title given to Valmiki | Adi Kavi (the first poet) |
| The Ayodhya connection | The whole second book, Ayodhya Kand, is set in Ayodhya; Lav and Kush, raised in Valmiki's ashram, sang the Ramayan before Shri Ram |
| Later retellings | Ramcharitmanas (Tulsidas, Awadhi), Kamba Ramayanam (Tamil), Krittivasi Ramayan (Bengali), and many more |
Valmiki, Sita and Lav-Kush: Why He Matters to Ayodhya
In the Uttar Kand, when Sita leaves Ayodhya, she finds shelter in Valmiki's ashram. There she gives birth to Lav and Kush, and Valmiki raises them and teaches them the Ramayan. Later, during Shri Ram's Ashwamedha yagya, the two boys sing the Ramayan before the assembled court, and Ram recognises his sons. That is why the Valmiki Ramayan Bhawan in Ayodhya has Lav and Kush in its sanctum, beside their guru.
Several places in India are traditionally linked with Valmiki's ashram, including Bithoor near Kanpur, Lalapur near Chitrakoot and Valmiki Nagar in Bihar. Each has its own local tradition. See our Ayodhya to Chitrakoot tour if you want to add Chitrakoot to your trip.
Valmiki Ramayan Bhawan, Ayodhya: Complete Visitor Guide
The Valmiki Ramayan Bhawan, also called Valmiki Bhawan, is one of Ayodhya's most remarkable but least-known sights. Most visitors walk past it on the way to bigger temples. On Valmiki Jayanti it is the one place in the city you should not miss.
What makes it special
- The entire Ramayan on marble: all 24,000 shlokas of the Valmiki Ramayan are inscribed on the white marble walls of the hall, arranged Kand by Kand in order.
- Lav and Kush in the sanctum, with a large statue of Maharishi Valmiki.
- A marble hall resting on about a dozen pillars, cool and quiet even when Ayodhya is crowded.
- A living place of study: Sanskrit scholars and devotees come to read the shlokas, and resident saints often explain the verses to visitors.
History
Construction began in 1965 at Maniram Das Ki Chhavni, inspired by Mahant Nritya Gopal Das, now president of the Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust. It took about ten years to complete, according to the Chhavni's own account reported by Amar Ujala.
Location and how to reach
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | Maniram Das Ki Chhavni, Chhoti Chhavni Road, Ayodhya |
| Nearest landmark | Inside the Maniram Das Ki Chhavni complex, facing the main Chhavni temple |
| From Ayodhya Dham Junction | About 4 km, 10–15 minutes by e-rickshaw |
| From the airport | About 10 km. See airport pickup |
| Timings | Generally open from morning to evening (about 9 AM – 6 PM reported). Confirm locally on festival days |
| Entry fee | No ticket is generally required |
| Time needed | 30–45 minutes; longer if you want to read the shlokas |
For the last stretch, an e-rickshaw is the easiest way to move between the temples. See our e-rickshaw service and the Ayodhya local sightseeing taxi.
Visitor tips
- Go in the morning, when the hall is quiet and the light on the marble is best for reading.
- Dress modestly and remove footwear where asked.
- Ask before photographing inside the hall and sanctum, as rules can vary.
- Find your favourite verse: ask a resident saint to show you the start of the Ayodhya Kand or the Sundar Kand.
- Combine it with the Maniram Das Chhavni temple in the same complex, known for its Ram Darbar and large daily bhandara for sadhus and visitors.
Maharishi Valmiki at Ram Mandir: The Sapt Mandir
Inside the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi complex is the Sapt Mandir, seven shrines dedicated to figures closely linked with Shri Ram: Maharishi Vashishtha, Maharishi Vishwamitra, Maharishi Agastya, Maharishi Valmiki, Devi Ahalya, Nishadraj Guha and Mata Shabari. Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the Sapt Mandir on 25 November 2025, before the flag-hoisting at the Ram Temple. Access arrangements for devotees can change, so ask at the temple on the day of your visit and follow the official notices on srjbtkshetra.org.
For Ram Lalla's darshan, book the free Sugam Darshan pass on online.srjbtkshetra.org. See Ram Mandir online pass kaise banaye, check the darshan timing, and keep phones in the free locker.
How Valmiki Jayanti Is Celebrated
- Shobha Yatra: processions carry portraits of Maharishi Valmiki through the streets with bhajans and kirtan. These are especially big in Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, Himachal Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh, where the Balmiki community celebrates the day as Pargat Diwas.
- Ramayan path: temples and homes recite chapters of the Valmiki Ramayan, often the Bal Kand story of the first shloka.
- Puja at Valmiki temples: devotees offer flowers, light diyas and decorate the sage's image.
- Seva and daan: langar, food distribution and donations, in the spirit of Valmiki's transformation.
- In schools and colleges: talks and essay competitions on the Adi Kavi and the Ramayan.
Simple puja at home
- Bathe early, ideally before Purnima ends at 9:41 AM on 26 October.
- Place a picture of Maharishi Valmiki, or of the Ram Darbar, on a clean cloth.
- Offer flowers, sandalwood, a ghee diya and fruit.
- Read a few shlokas of the Ramayan or the story of the krauncha birds.
- Donate food or books, and share prasad with the family.
Valmiki Jayanti Day Plan in Ayodhya (26 October 2026)
| Time | What to do |
|---|---|
| 5:00 – 6:30 AM | Saryu snan at Ram Ki Paidi or Naya Ghat (Purnima snan, start of Kartik snan) |
| 7:30 – 10:00 AM | Ram Mandir darshan with a free Sugam pass |
| 10:30 – 11:30 AM | Valmiki Ramayan Bhawan and Maniram Das Chhavni |
| 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM | Kanak Bhawan and Hanuman Garhi. See the Hanuman Garhi guide |
| 1:00 – 4:00 PM | Lunch and rest. See the Ayodhya food guide |
| 5:00 – 6:30 PM | Saryu Aarti. See the Saryu Aarti guide |
If you arrive on 25 October, spend the evening on the ghats for Sharad Purnima. For a full two-day plan, see the 2 day Ayodhya itinerary. With elderly parents, see the Ram Mandir wheelchair facility.
Valmiki Jayanti and the Ayodhya Festival Season 2026
| Date | Festival |
|---|---|
| 20 October (Tue) | Dussehra. See Dussehra 2026 in Ayodhya |
| 25 October (Sun) | Sharad Purnima night: kheer and Lakshmi puja |
| 26 October (Mon) | Valmiki Jayanti, Purnima snan, Kartik snan begins |
| 7 November (Sat) | Ayodhya Deepotsav. See the Deepotsav 2026 guide |
| 8 November (Sun) | Diwali |
Plan Your Visit
Stay close to Ram Path to walk to the ghats and temples. See hotels near Ram Mandir. Coming by train? Book on IRCTC. We arrange cabs and hotels and help with the free darshan pass. We never sell darshan passes. Read Ram Mandir VIP darshan: real or fake. See our Ram Mandir tour package and Ayodhya cab service.
FAQ: Valmiki Jayanti 2026
When is Valmiki Jayanti 2026?
Maharishi Valmiki Jayanti 2026 is on Monday, 26 October 2026, on Ashwin Purnima. Purnima tithi runs from 11:55 AM on 25 October to 9:41 AM on 26 October.
Valmiki Jayanti 2026 kab hai, 25 ya 26 October?
Valmiki Jayanti 2026 Somvar, 26 October ko hai, kyunki suryoday ke samay Purnima tithi 26 October ko hai. Kuch mandiron me utsav 25 October ki shaam Sharad Purnima ke saath shuru ho jata hai.
What is Valmiki Ramayan Bhawan in Ayodhya?
Valmiki Ramayan Bhawan is a white marble hall at Maniram Das Ki Chhavni, Ayodhya, where all 24,000 shlokas of the Valmiki Ramayan are inscribed on the walls in order. Lav and Kush are seated in its sanctum beside a large statue of Maharishi Valmiki.
Where is Valmiki Bhawan in Ayodhya?
It is at Maniram Das Ki Chhavni on Chhoti Chhavni Road, Ayodhya, about 4 km from Ayodhya Dham Junction and about 10 km from the airport. An e-rickshaw is the easiest way to reach it.
What are the timings of Valmiki Bhawan Ayodhya?
It is generally open from morning to evening, with about 9 AM to 6 PM reported. Timings can change on festival days, so confirm locally. No entry ticket is generally required.
Who built Valmiki Ramayan Bhawan?
Construction began in 1965 at Maniram Das Ki Chhavni, inspired by Mahant Nritya Gopal Das, and took about ten years to complete.
Why is Valmiki called Adi Kavi?
Valmiki is called Adi Kavi, the first poet, because the first shloka of Sanskrit poetry came from him when he saw a krauncha bird killed by a hunter. He then composed the Ramayan in the same shloka metre.
What is the story of Valmiki and Ratnakar?
Tradition says Valmiki was once Ratnakar, who robbed travellers. After a meeting with Devarshi Narad he chanted Ram's name in deep meditation until an anthill (valmika) covered him. He emerged as Valmiki, the sage who wrote the Ramayan.
How many shlokas are there in the Valmiki Ramayan?
The Valmiki Ramayan has about 24,000 shlokas in 7 Kands: Bal, Ayodhya, Aranya, Kishkindha, Sundar, Yuddh and Uttar.
Is Valmiki Jayanti a public holiday?
Valmiki Jayanti is a public holiday in several states, including Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and Karnataka. Holiday lists differ by state, so check your state government's list.
Is there a Valmiki temple in the Ram Mandir complex?
Yes. The Sapt Mandir inside the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi complex includes a shrine of Maharishi Valmiki, along with Vashishtha, Vishwamitra, Agastya, Ahalya, Nishadraj Guha and Mata Shabari. Ask at the temple about access on the day of your visit.
Why is Ayodhya airport named after Valmiki?
Ayodhya's airport is named Maharishi Valmiki International Airport in honour of the author of the Ramayan, the epic of Shri Ram of Ayodhya.
Visiting Ayodhya for Valmiki Jayanti, Sharad Purnima or Deepotsav? Tell us your dates and group size, and we'll plan your cab, hotel and darshan timing. Send an enquiry and we'll reply on WhatsApp.
Ayodhya-based travel writer and Ministry of Tourism (India) certified guide. 12+ years guiding pilgrims across the Ayodhya–Varanasi–Prayagraj Holy Triangle. Every guide is fact-checked against current temple timings and local transport before publishing.
