Maharshi Valmiki

महर्षिः वाल्मीकिः

Maharshi Valmiki is revered as the Adi Kavi — the first poet of Sanskrit literature. He is the author of the Valmiki Ramayana, the original Sanskrit retelling of Rama's life in 24,000 shlokas. According to tradition, he was moved to compose the Ramayana upon hearing the cry of a grief-stricken bird (krauncha) — giving birth to the shloka metre itself. Works: Valmiki Ramayana (7 Kandas).