Tulsidas - A Great Indian Poet and Saint and Philosopher

  

Tulsidas, also known as Goswami Tulsidas, was a 16th-century Indian poet, saint, and philosopher, who is best known for his epic work, the Ramcharitmanas, which narrates the story of Lord Rama, the seventh avatar of Lord Vishnu. Tulsidas was born in 1532 CE in the town of Rajapur, near the city of Varanasi, in Uttar Pradesh, India. His life and works continue to inspire and guide millions of people in India and around the world.

Tulsidas was born into a Brahmin family, and he was named Rambola. His parents died when he was still young, and he was raised by his maternal uncle. He received a traditional education in Sanskrit and Hindu scriptures, and he showed an early talent for poetry and music. However, his uncle disapproved of his artistic pursuits and forced him to marry at a young age. Tulsidas felt unhappy in his marriage and longed for a deeper spiritual meaning in his life.

In his late thirties, Tulsidas met the saint and poet, Narahari Das, who initiated him into the worship of Lord Rama and encouraged him to write the Ramayana in the vernacular language, Hindi. Tulsidas took up the challenge and began composing the Ramcharitmanas, which is considered to be one of the greatest works of Hindi literature.

The Ramcharitmanas, also known as the Tulsi-krita Ramayana, is a retelling of the Ramayana in the form of a devotional poem. It consists of 7 books and 20,000 verses, and it is divided into chaupais (quatrains) and dohas (couplets). The poem tells the story of Lord Rama, his wife Sita, his brother Lakshmana, and his faithful devotee Hanuman, and their triumph over the demon king Ravana.

The Ramcharitmanas has been widely read and revered by Hindus for centuries, and it has had a profound impact on Indian culture and spirituality. It is considered to be a source of inspiration, guidance, and devotion for millions of people, and it has been translated into many languages around the world.

Apart from the Ramcharitmanas, Tulsidas also wrote several other works, such as the Vinaya Patrika, the Hanuman Chalisa, and the Kavitavali. The Vinaya Patrika is a collection of devotional poems addressed to various deities, while the Hanuman Chalisa is a hymn in praise of Lord Hanuman, the monkey-god who helped Lord Rama in his battle against Ravana. The Kavitavali is a collection of poems on various themes, such as love, devotion, and social justice.

Tulsidas was not only a poet but also a spiritual master and a social reformer. He advocated the worship of Lord Rama as a means of attaining salvation and liberation, and he preached the ideals of love, compassion, and humility. He also stood against caste discrimination and social injustice and promoted the idea of unity and brotherhood among all people.

Tulsidas passed away in 1623 CE in the town of Assi, near Varanasi. His legacy continues to live on through his works and teachings, which have inspired generations of people to live a life of devotion, wisdom, and service. His contribution to Hindi literature and Hindu spirituality is immeasurable, and he remains one of the greatest poets and saints in Indian history.