Tulsidas, believed to be born around 1543 in Rajapur, India, and passing away in 1623 in Varanasi, was a devoted poet immersed in the Vaishnavite tradition, expressing his love and devotion to Rama, a beloved avatar of Vishnu. His masterpiece, the Hindi Ramcharitmanas, beautifully narrates the story of Rama and has captured the hearts of countless enthusiasts. Tulsidas, while ardently devoted to Rama, embraced a broad-minded Smarta Vaishnavite approach, aligning with the broader Hindu customs rather than a rigid sectarian stance. This inclusive outlook allowed him to garner widespread support for Rama’s worship in northern India. Notably, the success of the Ramcharitmanas played a pivotal role in shifting the religious landscape, making Rama the predominant influence over Krishna in the region.

Biography of Tulsidas

Goswami Tulsidas, the incredible composer of the original Ramayana in Sanskrit, called Varanasi home until his last breath. The Tulsi Ghat stands as a tribute to his legacy. More than just the greatest poet in Hindi literature, Tulsidas was a saint, reformer, and philosopher, leaving a lasting impact with his popular works. His devotion to Lord Rama is evident in the timeless epic, the Ramcharitmanas. Regarded as a reincarnation of Valmiki, the original composer of the Ramayana, and the mastermind behind the Hanuman Chalisa, Tulsidas spent his entire life in the enchanting city of Banaras, where he founded the Sankat Mochan temple. His story concludes in the same city that inspired his lifelong work and devotion.

History

Tulsidas, a remarkable figure in history, is said to have entered the world on the seventh day of the month of Shraavana, bathed in the gentle light of the lunar cycle. Born in Rajapur, nestled along the Yamuna river in Uttar Pradesh, his parents, Hulsi and Atmaram Dubey, welcomed this extraordinary child, although the exact birth date remains a matter of debate among scholars. Some argue for the year 1554, while others lean towards 1532. Legends surround his birth, claiming he took an astonishing 12 months to emerge, already possessing 32 teeth and emitting the serene aura of a five-year-old. Rather than crying, he began chanting the name of Rama, earning him the endearing name Rambola.

Tragedy struck early when his father passed away on the fourth night after his birth, and Tulsidas recounted in his works how he faced abandonment by his parents. Raised by Chuniya, his mother’s maid, in Haripur, he lived a meager existence, even begging for sustenance door to door. His life, as portrayed in his works and chronicled by ancient sources like Bhaktamal and Bhaktirasbodhini, unveils a journey marked by spiritual experiences and miracles. Other biographies, such as Mula Gosain Charit and Gosain Charit, penned by Veni Madhav Das and Dasanidas, respectively, provide further insights into the life of this extraordinary soul.

Incarnation of the Valmiki

Legend has it that Tulsidas, the revered poet, is thought to be the reincarnation of Valmiki, as per the Hindu scripture Bhavishyottar Purana. The story goes that Lord Shiva, in a conversation with his wife Parvati, foretold the incarnation of Valmiki in the Kal Yuga. According to sources, it’s believed that Hanuman would visit Valmiki to delight in the rendition of the Ramayana. Even after the victorious saga of Lord Rama defeating Ravana, Hanuman continued to offer his devotion to Rama in the serene Himalayas.

Learning

Once upon a time, in the enchanting town of Ayodhya, a young soul named Rambola embarked on a fascinating journey of self-discovery. At the tender age of 7, he underwent the sacred Virakta Diksha, a transformative Vairagi initiation, earning him the heartfelt name Tulsidas. His initiation was a remarkable beginning, blessed by Narharidas in a ceremony that felt like the universe itself was smiling upon him.

Tulsidas delved into the ocean of knowledge at Ayodhya, where the roots of his wisdom began to take hold. His insatiable curiosity and thirst for learning led him to the luminous city of Varanasi at the age of 15–16. Here, at the Panchaganga Ghat, he found a mentor in Shesha Sanatana, who imparted the secrets of Sanskrit grammar, Hindu literature, philosophy, the four Vedas, six Vedangas, and the mystical art of Jyotisha.

Marriage History

He was married to Ratnavali (the daughter of Dinbandhu Pathak of Mahewa village and Kaushambi district) on the 13th of Jyeshta month (May or June) in the year 1583. After some years of marriage, he had a son named Tarak who died in his toddler state. Once upon a time, his wife went to her father’s home when Tulsidas had gone to the Hanuman temple. When he returned home and did not saw his wife, he swam along River Yamuna in order to meet his wife.

Ratnavali was very upset with his activity and blamed him. She remarked that he should become a true devotee and should focus on God. He then left her wife and went to the holy city of Prayag (where he renounced the stages of Grihastha’s life and became a Sadhu). According to some authors, he was unmarried and Sadhu from birth.

How Tulsidas met the Lord Hanuman

• Tulsidas, deeply moved by devotion, encountered Lord Hanuman during a Katha (religious discourse).
• Overwhelmed, he prostrated at Hanuman’s feet, declaring he recognized the divine presence and pleaded not to be left behind.
• Hanuman, benevolent, blessed Tulsidas and guided him to witness Lord Rama in Chitrakuta.

How Tulsidas met the Lord Rama

• Following Hanuman’s advice, Tulsidas resided at Ramghat in Chitrakuta.
• During a circumambulation of Kamadgiri Mountain, he glimpsed two princely figures on horseback, later revealed to be Rama and Lakshman by Hanuman.
• Disheartened at not recognizing them initially, Tulsidas followed Hanuman’s guidance to observe Rama and Lakshman more closely.
• The next day, Tulsidas, engrossed in devotion, saw Rama making sandalwood paste.
• Overjoyed, he forgot to apply the paste as Rama Himself took the tilak and applied it on Tulsidas’s forehead and his own.
• Tulsidas, filled with happiness, experienced a profound connection with Lord Rama.

Literary Journey

• Tulsidas, after constructing the Tulsi Manas Mandir, received divine guidance to compose poetry in the vernacular language.
• Lord Shiva and Parvati blessed him, directing him to go to Ayodhya and write in Awadhi instead of Sanskrit.
• Initiated the writing of Ramcharitmanas in Ayodhya on Ramnavami, Chaitra month, in 1631.
• Completed this epic endeavor in two years, seven months, and twenty-six days in 1633 on Vivaha Panchami (Rama and Sita’s marriage) in Margashirsha.
• Tulsidas delivered the completed Ramcharitmanas to Lord Shiva and Mata Parvati at Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Varanasi.

Death of Tulsidas

• Tulsidas erected a statue at Tulsi Manas Mandir in Chitrakuta, signifying his deep connection with Lord Rama.
• Tulsidas peacefully passed away on the banks of the Ganges at Assi Ghat in the month of Shraavan (July or August) in 1623.
• His legacy endures through the timeless verses of Ramcharitmanas.

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