Balmiki is a religion practiced by some Dalit or Harijan communities of the state of Punjab in India, South India and Pakistan (e.g. Sindh). Balmikis revere Valmiki as the Avatar of Bhagwan. In South Asias caste system, a Dalit; often called an untouchable; is a person of shudra; the lowest of the four castes. ... , This article is about the Indian state of Punjab. ... Valmiki composes the Ramayana Maharishi Valmiki (Sanskrit: वाल्मिकी, vālmikī) is the author of the Hindu epic Ramayana. ... The ten avatars of Vishnu, copyright BBT In Hindu philosophy, an avatar (also spelt as avatara) (Sanskrit: , ), most commonly refers to the incarnation (bodily manifestation) of a higher being (deva), or the Supreme Being (God) onto planet Earth. ... Bhagwan is a Sanskrit word meaning Blessed one. ...

Background

Most Balmikis are from the Chura caste, although through their faith they reject the caste system. Chura is a caste in India whose traditional occupation is sweeping. ... The Indian caste system describes the social stratification and social restrictions in the Indian Subcontinent, in which social classes are defined by thousands of endogamous, hereditary groups often termed as jātis or sub-castes. ...

Valmiki Himself was a Kirata Bhil. Valmiki composes the Ramayana Maharishi Valmiki (Sanskrit: वाल्मिकी, vālmikī) is the author of the Hindu epic Ramayana. ... The Kiratas mentioned in early Hindu texts are the non-Aryan aborigines of the land. ... Bhils are a tribal people of central India. ...

Chura is an occupation and is therefore used as a derogatory term to describe the Valmiki community.

Valmikis is the name given to those devotees that follow the teachings of Valmiki as portrayed in the Yoga-Vasistha and the Ramayana, both works written by Valmiki. Yoga Vasistha or also known as Vasisthas Yoga, is the discourse of the great Sage Vasistha to Prince Rama when he is in a state of dispassion at a young age. ... For the television series by Ramanand Sagar, see Ramayan (TV series). ...

'Balmiki' and not 'Valmiki' is often the preferred way of spelling by people from the state of Punjab.

Today this sect exists mostly in the countries of England,Scotland,Canada,America,France, India and Pakistan.

Followers of Sage Valmiki

Sage Valmiki

Like the Ravidasis (followers of Ravidas) and the Kabirpanthis (followers of Kabir), the Balmikis/Valmikis believe that Valmiki was the avatar of Bhagwan or God, and they uphold his work, the Ramayana and the Yoga-Vasistha as their holy scripture. Image File history File links Balmik. ... Image File history File links Balmik. ... Valmiki composes the Ramayana Maharishi Valmiki (Sanskrit: वाल्मिकी, vālmikī) is the author of the Hindu epic Ramayana. ... Har The members of the Ravidassi religion believe in Guru Ravidas or Raidas as their founding prophet. ... Raidas or Ravidas (c. ... Kabir Panth is the religious tradition based on the teachings of Kabir who lived during 1440-1512, and who is said to have been a disciple of Ramananda. ... Kabīr (also Kabīra) (Hindi: कबीर, Gurmukhī: ਕਬੀਰ, Urdu: ) (1440—1518[1]) (born in 1398 according to some accounts[1][2]) was one of the personalities in the history of Indian mysticism. ... Valmiki composes the Ramayana Maharishi Valmiki (Sanskrit: वाल्मिकी, vālmikī) is the author of the Hindu epic Ramayana. ... The ten avatars of Vishnu, copyright BBT In Hindu philosophy, an avatar (also spelt as avatara) (Sanskrit: , ), most commonly refers to the incarnation (bodily manifestation) of a higher being (deva), or the Supreme Being (God) onto planet Earth. ... Bhagwan is a Sanskrit word meaning Blessed one. ... This article discusses the term God in the context of monotheism and henotheism. ... For the television series by Ramanand Sagar, see Ramayan (TV series). ...

Valmiki composes the Ramayana

Sage Valmiki is also known as "Adi-Kavi" meaning prime poet. Image File history File linksMetadata Valmiki_ramayan. ... Image File history File linksMetadata Valmiki_ramayan. ...

Balmiki Beliefs

• There is only one God, called Maharishi Valmik.

• Rejection of the caste system.

• All human beings are equal.

• The centrality of the Ramayana, which is not just a story but illustrates several ideals of human behaviour.

• The Ramayana is a scripture in it’s own right.

• Rama was the ideal King putting his duty to the people of his kingdom before his responsibility to his family.

• Sita was the ideal wife, remaining faithful to her husband.

• Lakshmana was the ideal brother, supporting his brother without question, even at great loss to himself.

• Hanuman was the ideal devotee.

• Evil, as illustrated in the form of Ravana, can have no power over those who are dutiful, faithful and obedient.

• Dharma - the path of duty or right action and is the fulfillment of one’s domestic responsibilities attached to one’s role in life; only if this is carried out mindfully and with dedication can it be effective.

• Karma - the theory that there are equal and opposite reactions for every action or that as you sow, so shall you reap.

• Respect for the animal kingdom is as important as respect for one’s fellow human-being. The Ramayana taught the importance of man’s kinship with the animal Kingdom as characterized by Hanuman a warrior from the monkey tribe. Valmiki is seen as Lord of the Animals.

Caste systems are traditional, hereditary systems of social restriction and social stratification, enforced by law or common practice, based on endogamy, occupation, economic status, race, ethnicity, // 1555, a race of men, from L. casto chaste, from castus pure, cut off, separated, pp. ... For the television series by Ramanand Sagar, see Ramayan (TV series). ... Rama ( in IAST, in Devanāgarī) or Ramachandra is a legendary or historical king of ancient India. ... Lord Rama (center) with wife Sita, brother Lakshmana and devotee Hanuman. ... Lakshaman (far left) with Rama (centre), Sita (far right) and Hanuman (kneeling) - Bhaktivedanta Manor Hare Krishna temple, Watford, England Lakshmana (Sanskrit: लक्ष्मण; IAST Lakṣmaṇa) was the brother and close companion of Rama, and himself a hero in the famous epic Ramayana. Within Hindu tradition Lakshmana is considered to be... This article is about a divine entity in Hinduism. ... A depiction of Ravana, Hindu rakshasa King of Lanka In Hinduism, Ravana; sometimes transliterated as Raavana or Ravan or Revana) is the principal antagonist of Rama in the Hindu epic, the Ramayana. ... For the television series by Ramanand Sagar, see Ramayan (TV series). ... This article is about a divine entity in Hinduism. ... Valmiki composes the Ramayana Maharishi Valmiki (Sanskrit: वाल्मिकी, vālmikī) is the author of the Hindu epic Ramayana. ...

Festivals

Procession of Balmiki's image on Pargat Diwas

• Divali is celebrated in November. The word Divali means group of lights. It signifies the return of King Rama to his kingdom of Ayodha after his banishment. Divali is celebrated by displaying lights in and around the house and fireworks are let off. Celebrations may also be dramatized by enacting the Ramayana.

• Raksha Bandhan or Sister's Day is celebrated in August. Sisters tie a thread around their brothers' wrists and wish them a long and successful life, in return the brothers give their sisters presents and promise to protect them. The thread is meant to represent the special bond between brothers and sisters.

• The Flag Ceremony takes place once a year. During this ceremony devotees take down the old flag or Nishan Sahib and replace it with a new one, while other devotees sing hymns and chant prayers. Basically this ceremony denotes the renewal of one’s faith in Valmiki.

• Pargat Diwas.

Perhaps the most important event of the year for Balmikis is the birthday celebrations of Valmiki. This tends to take place during October, the actual date of the birthday celebration varies from year to year and is determined by astrological configurations. Image File history File links Balmik. ... Image File history File links Balmik. ... Diwali taking place in a rural area Dīpãvali (also transliterated Deepavali; Sanskrit: row of lights) or Diwãli (contracted spelling) is the Hindu festival of lights, held on the final day of the Vikram calendar, one type of a Hindu calendar that is followed by North Indians. ... Rama ( in IAST, in DevanāgarÄ«) or Ramachandra is a legendary or historical king of ancient India. ... Raksha bandhan or Rakhi is a Hindu festival to signify and extend the brother-sister relationship. ... The Nishan Sahib is a Sikh holy flag made of cotton or silk cloth and is triangular in shape. ...

The Ashram

A Balmiki Ashram

A Balmiki temple is called an Ashram, which means a hermitage or monastery. It is the communal house for Balmikis. The function of the Ashram is to serve as a center for building up the commitment of devotee’s and for transmitting the Ramayana's message, and the focal point for the whole community to preserve their culture and traditions. Image File history File links No higher resolution available. ... Image File history File links No higher resolution available. ... For the television series by Ramanand Sagar, see Ramayan (TV series). ...

The Ashram is open to all who wish to enter, anyone who goes to the Ashram is welcome to stay as long as they wish and are welcome regardless of race, gender, caste or creed.

In Britain, Ashrams come in various sizes. Some tend to be specially constructed, whilst others tend to be renovated buildings designed to enable the purpose of worship.

All Balmiki Ashram's have a special flag, called a Nishan Sahib outside to show that it is a place of worship. The bow and arrows represent Valmiki’s disciples Lav and Kush. Lava and his twin brother Kusha are the children of the Hindu God Rama and his wife Sita Devi, whose story is told in the Ramayana. ... Kusha (Sanskrit: कुश), in Hindu mythology, was one of the twin sons of Lord Rama and Sita (the other being Lava). ...

For Balmikis communal prayer is not restricted to the confines of the Ashram, but can in fact take place anywhere as long as The Ramayana is present. However, when an Ashram is not within traveling distance many Balmiki families will have a copy of the Ramayana in a special room at their house which can be used for worship.

When an Ashram is not available Balmikis will hire a public building or use an individual’s house as an Ashram.

All Balmiki Ashram's have common features. For instance, the place of worship is always in a special room and there are a number of other rooms set-aside for special purposes. There is a Langar hall where all the devotees congregate for a meal, the community kitchen where devotees help to prepare food for the Langer. A classroom and library where the Ramayana is stocked for study and is used for teaching young children. For the Sufi practice of Langar, see Langar (Sufism). ...

A music room where musical instruments such as the Tabla are taught and hymns are practiced for worship. Finally, there is a special area for shoes and washing. All Balmikis follow certain rules of conduct and before entering the worship room everyone is expected to remove their shoes as a sign of respect but also for general cleanliness. A typical set of Tabla. ...

Furthermore, devotees may not enter the Ashram if they are carrying alcohol, drugs, or meat. As devotee enter the worship room they approach the Ramayana which is covered with a embroidered cloth and is kept on a platform covered with a special canopy. For the television series by Ramanand Sagar, see Ramayan (TV series). ...

Each devotee kneels before the Ramayana and makes their offering of prayer and money. It is not essential that devotees offer money and some may wish to donate food towards the Langar. The devotees then retreat to find a place to sit down. Usually a picture of Valmik is placed in front of the Ramayana to help focus concentration and incense sticks are lit to purify the air.

Everyone sits on the floor to show that everyone is equal in the eyes of God, regardless of whether they come from a rich or poor background. However, it is usually found that men and women sit separately. The women tend to sit on the left side of the room whilst the men sit on the right. There is no Balmiki religious significance for this except for Sikh traditional influence on the community. Religions Sikhism Scriptures Guru Granth Sahib Languages English, Punjabi] A Sikh (English: or ; Punjabi: , , IPA: ) is an adherent to Sikhism. ...

There is no special day for worship during the week, but since work restricts one’s availability for worship, most Balmiki’s attend the Ashram on Sundays. Devotees are at liberty to come and go at any time during the Pooja service, which usually lasts about three hours. Pooja can mean: In Hinduism, a pooja or puja is a form of worship. ...

The Pooja begins by everyone standing up to say a prayer which is called the Ardas,' then the Poojari (Preist) begins to read sections of the Ramayana. Pooja can mean: In Hinduism, a pooja or puja is a form of worship. ...

At short intervals reading from the Ramayana will stop and devotees will be called to the platform to preach and sing hymns. At the end of the Pooja the whole congregation will stand and say a prayer called the Arthi.

The Arthi is followed by the distribution of Karah Prashad, which is made from flour, sugar, butter and water. Karah Parshad is given to each devotee who has come to hear the Ramayana. The food is taken from one bowl only and is a symbol of unity. Kara Parshad is a sweet flour based oily vegetarian food which is offered to all visitors to the Darbar Sahib in a Gurdwara. ...

Eventually, all the devotees will congregate in the Langar hall, for a meal, for which no one has to pay. All are welcome to share the Langar, which is always vegetarian. Sharing of food together is designed to unite people from all sections of the society and to promote equality between all human beings.

In some Ashrams, a Guru Granth Sahib is kept alongside the Ramayana and Mazhabi Sikhs worship together with Balmikis. The Shri Guru Granth Sahib (Punjabi: , ) is the 11th Guru of Sikhism, the holy book of Sikhism, which is revered as a living Guru by the Sikhs. ... A Mazhabi person is one belonging to the Dalit population of Punjab and Haryana in Northern India. ... A Sikh man wearing a turban The adherents of Sikhism are called Sikhs. ...

Ardas

The Balmiki Ardas is read standing facing the Ramayana. Translation as follows: For the television series by Ramanand Sagar, see Ramayan (TV series). ...

Oh Lord we stand before you and prey, we beg for your protection. Bless us to call upon you with every breath we take and beg you to protect us from all sins, guide us so that we always prey to you. Bless us so that we always do good deeds Oh Lord and Creator of all things. Bless us with peace of mind and infinite wisdom, show us the way of righteousness so our soul be cleansed. Bless us so that we never forget you teaching Oh Lord and that we shall sing you praises, light candles and incense, Oh Lord those who prey to you with all their heart shall go and meet you in heaven. Oh Lord those who read and listen to your holy scriptures, you are so merciful upon them. Oh Lord we beg you to show us the way so that we can be spared from evil.

Aarti

The Balmiki Aarti is read at the end of the reading of the Ramayana. Translation as follows: Priest performing navami arati in front of a golden statue of Durga slaying Mahisasur. ... For the television series by Ramanand Sagar, see Ramayan (TV series). ...

Praise Valmiki, praise Lord Valmiki, praise Valmiki Lord of truth, Creator and Provider of the universe (Chorus) Praise Valmiki------- (Chorus) Lord of infinite wisdom, Creator of all worlds, architect of all things. Praise Valmiki------- (Chorus) Lord Valmiki, you are the beginning, you are eternity, Oh Lord my provider you are perfection. Praise Valmiki------- (Chorus) Oh merciful Lord, you are the lealer of all ills. Rama preys to you always. Praise Valmiki------- (Chorus) Oh Lord you wrote yoga Vasistha and the Ram Charitar (Ramayana) by your holy hands for the world to listen and rid of all its troubles. Praise Valmiki------- (Chorus) Lord those who sings your praise and hymns daily, you will give them all their hearts desire. Praise Valmiki------- (Chorus)

See also

• List of Hindu saints

Below is a list of Hindu saints. ...

Videos

Devotional Balmiki Video http://www.youtube.com/v/W1QopbrQuZI

External links

• The Balmiki of Pakistan

• Pakistani Hindu temple faces demolition

• http://www.bhagwanvalmiki.com/

• http://www.valmikiramayan.net/