Balmikism or Valmikism is a Hindu sect that reveres the sage Valmiki (also known as Bala Shah or Lal Beg) as an ancestor and patron saint.[1] Followers hold that Valmiki was an avatar of God and regard his works, the Ramayana and the Yoga Vasistha, as their holy scripture.[2] Balmiki is traditionally depicted wearing red clothing, which accounts for the epithet Lal Bhekh (meaning "red-garbed"), sometimes rendered as Lal Beg.[3]
Valmiki mandirs (temples) are open to all. The most widely observed festival among Valmiki Hindus is Valmiki Jayanti, also known as Pargat Diwas, which is celebrated on the full moon of the Hindu month of Ashvin and marks the birth anniversary of Valmiki.[4] Many worshippers at Valmiki temples are Dalits, especially those belonging to the Chuhra community, though adherents from other castes also attend and patrons of Valmiki temples come from diverse backgrounds.[5][6]
In 2016, the Bhagwan Valmiki Tirath Sthal in Amritsar, formerly known as Ram Tirath, was renamed and a large statue of Valmiki was installed at the site following a campaign by members of the Valmiki community.[7]
References
edit- ↑ Kananaikil, Jose (1983). Scheduled Castes and the Struggle Against Inequality: Strategies to Empower the Marginalised. Indian Social Institute. p. 17.
- ↑ Kananaikil, Jose (1983). Scheduled Castes and the Struggle Against Inequality: Strategies to Empower the Marginalised. Indian Social Institute. p. 17.
- ↑ Leslie, Julia (22 November 2017). Authority and Meaning in Indian Religions: Hinduism and the Case of Valmiki. Routledge. p. 51. ISBN 978-1-351-77299-0.
- ↑ Dalal, Roshen (18 April 2014). Hinduism: An Alphabetical Guide. Penguin Books. ISBN 978-81-8475-277-9.
- ↑ Berti, Daniela; Jaoul, Nicolas; Kanungo, Pralay (29 November 2020). Cultural Entrenchment of Hindutva: Local Mediations and Forms of Convergence. Taylor & Francis. ISBN 978-1-000-08368-2.
- ↑ "Finally, Bhagwan Valmiki's idol reaches temple". The Tribune. 29 November 2016. Retrieved 20 November 2020.
- ↑ Duggal, Koonal (1 April 2025). "Between Blasphemy and Martyrdom: The Formation of the Ravidassia Religion in Punjab". In Rawat, Ramnarayan S.; Satyanarayana, K.; Mohan, P. Sanal (eds.). Dalit Journeys for Dignity: Religion, Freedom, and Caste. State University of New York Press. ISBN 9798855802627.
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