In his early life, Valmiki, the author of Ramayana, was a hunter! One day, on his hunting expedition, he saw the Seven Great Sages. He asked them for wealth. The Sages told him that he was committing a sin and asked him to ask his family if they are ready to partake in his sin. Valmiki then went home and asked his wife and son if they are ready to partake in his sin. Both of them replied they would not. Valmiki was shocked to hear this reply from his family and returned to the Sages. He fell at their feet and asked for redemption. The Sages took pity on him and asked him to sit in one place and recite "Ma-Ra" till they return. Valmiki obeyed their command and did this for many years! Soon, an anthill covered him completely. At that time, the Sages returned and asked him to come out. The anthill burst open and he came out. Since he came out of a Valmik (anthill), he got the name "Valmiki". Soon, he had many followers with whom he shared his knowledge. Once, Narada visited him and told him the story of Rama. Valmiki remembered every incident of the story very well. He then went to the river Tamasa to take a bath. At that time, he saw two birds sitting on the branches of a tree. While, he was watching them, soon a hunter shot those birds and they fell dead! Valmiki, who saw this, immediately cursed the hunter in Sanskrit. But, his curse came out with melody and rhythm! He was amazed at this! This was the first stanza and since it came out of Shoka (grief), it was called "Shloka". He then visited Lord Brahma who asked him to write the story of Rama. Hence, Valmiki became the author of Ramayana.
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