How Thief Ratnakar Became Rishi Valmiki

Rishi Valmiki is the renowned creator of the Ramayana.

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However, before he achieved this, he was not a rishi. He was, in fact, a common thief named Ratnakar. Some stories refer to him as Balya Bhil or Lohajangha. He used to rob travellers passing through dense forests. One day, he saw Devrishi Narada travelling, who was playing music on his veena.

Ratnakar demanded all his valuables. Having looted many people, he had seen others either flee or fight when stopped. For the first time, he saw someone like Narada, who continued playing his veena even after seeing Ratnakar.

Ratnakar was surprised.