Goswami Tulsidas Jayanti

Goswami Tulsidas is a respected figure in Hindi literature and one of the important pillars of the Bhakti movement. He is still remembered today with deep devotion as the ‘Poet of Lord Ram’. His life story is marked by extraordinary devotion and transformation. Through his retelling of the Ramayana in the Awadhi language, he left a lasting impact on the hearts of the people.

The Life of Tulsidas

Saint Tulsidas is believed to have been born on Shrawan Shukla Saptami in the year 1611 B.S. (1554 A.D.) in Rajapur, Banda district which is in present-day Uttar Pradesh, India. His birth name was Ram Bola, and his parents were Atmaram Dubey and Hulsi. He was born into a very poor Brahmin family and he lost both his parents at a young age. He was raised and educated under the care of his guru, Narhari Baba.

It is said that Tulsidas was deeply attached to his wife, Ratnavali. This attachment eventually became catalyst in changing his life. He once traveled through heavy rains in the middle of the night to see his wife at her parental home. But, she scolded him harshly, saying, “If you had the same devotion toward Lord Ram as you have for this mortal body of mine, you would have attained salvation by now.” These words pierced his heart and sparked a transformation. He then, renounced his worldly attachments, Tulsidas chose the path of renunciation and spiritual devotion.

He passed away in 1680 B.S. (1623 A.D.) in Rajapur, Banda. 

Ramcharitmanas: The Story of Lord Ram in the Language of the People

Tulsidas’ most important work is Ramcharitmanas, a retelling of Valmiki’s Sanskrit Ramayana in Awadhi, the language of the common people. Not only is this work of immense religious value, but it also holds great cultural and social significance. Written in a style and language that is accessible and relatable to the masses, Ramcharitmanas continues to live in the hearts of millions even today.

Other Notable Works

Tulsidas authored a total of 39 works throughout his lifetime. Some of the most famous among them include:

• Ramcharitmanas
• Hanuman Chalisa
• Vinay Patrika
• Kavitavali
• Gitavali
• Janaki Mangal
• Parvati Mangal
• Vairagya Sandipani
• Dohavali
• Chudamani Ramayana

His works reflect themes of devotion, moral values, social awareness, and deep reverence for Lord Rama.

Social and Religious Contributions

Tulsidas was not just a poet, but also a reformer. He spoke out on issues such as the Varna system, Saguna (personal) devotion, the ideal of Ramrajya (the rule of Ram), and the preservation of Sanatan Dharma. He strongly opposed religious corruption, social injustice, and divisions due to the sects. His writings also promoted fraternity, harmony, and righteousness.

Through his spiritual teachings and literary contributions, he helped. Therefore, he is held in high regard within the traditions of Adi Shankaracharya and the Ramanuja-inspired Ramananda sect. Tulsidas’ legacy remains deeply rooted in the spiritual and cultural fabric of India and the Hindu world.