Valmiki in his earlier life was known as Ratnakara – a highway robber. It is said that he attained knowledge by repeating the name of Sri Rama in the reverse – MARA. The story narrates the glory of the name Rama. Ratnakara used to loot the people who used to travel through the forest. Ratnakara once attacked the group of seven saints who had nothing to offer to the robber other than the name of Rama. The seven sages told about the glory of the name Rama and the treasure it can unfold. The told him that the name is the key to the true treasure. Ratnakara was completely immersed in practicing Adharma that he was unable to utter the word ‘Rama.’ The sages then as a solution asked him to repeat the name in the reverse order. Thus Ratnakara started chanting the name in reverse order: Mara Mara…Mara…Mara soon became Rama… Rama…Rama. In course of time Ratnakara became so fond of repeating the name that he became a pious saint. Note – another story suggests that

In Hindu religion, upvaas, or fasting, dedicated to Lord Hanuman is very popular. Devout Hindus observe various Hanuman Vrats to get over difficulties, for peace and to achieve success in life. In a week , Tuesday is dedicated to Lord Hanuman and devotees offer special prayers at temples and observe fast. Fasting on Tuesday dedicated to Lord Hanuman is popular in North India . Another day that is dedicated to Lord Hanuman in a week is Thursday. This is more popular in South India . Some devotees also observe Hanuman Vrat on Saturday. People who are under the bad influence of Lord Shani observe fast on Saturday. It is believed that Lord Shani does not trouble those people who are worshipers of Lord Hanuman. In a year, Hanuman Vrat is observed mainly on Hanuman Jayanti day which falls on the full moon day in Chaitra month (April – May), especially in North and Western parts of India . In Andhra Pradesh, Hanuman Jayanti is marked by a 41-day deeksha which b