Goswami Tushi Das Ji gave new dimensions to literature
Gosvami Tulsidas, one of the greatest poets and saints of India, holds a revered place in the cultural and spiritual history of the country. His life, dedicated to the worship and glorification of Lord Rama, was marked by deep devotion, literary brilliance, and a profound understanding of human values. Tulsidas's journey, from a challenging childhood to becoming the composer of the immortal Ramcharitmanas, is an inspiring tale of spiritual transformation and literary achievement.
Early Life and Childhood
Tulsidas was born in the 16th century, in 1532 (some sources suggest 1511 or 1497) in Rajapur, a village in the Banda district of Uttar Pradesh, India. He was born into a Brahmin family, and his parents were Atmaram Dubey and Hulasi. However, his early life was far from ordinary or peaceful. According to tradition, Tulsidas was born after 12 months of gestation and was an inauspicious child, as he was born with all 32 teeth. His birth was said to be a bad omen, and his mother died shortly after his birth. Rejected by his father, Tulsidas was left in the care of his maid Chuniya, who looked after him until she too passed away when he was just five years old. These early misfortunes left Tulsidas alone and destitute, shaping the initial part of his life with immense suffering.
Despite the hardships, Tulsidas exhibited extraordinary intelligence and spiritual inclination from a young age. It is believed that his first words were the name of Lord Rama, which he pronounced clearly, surprising everyone around him. This early sign of his spiritual destiny hinted at his future devotion to Lord Rama.
Spiritual Awakening
Tulsidas's spiritual journey began in earnest when he was placed under the care of Narharidas, a saint belonging to the Ramanandi sect. Narharidas was a disciple of Ramananda, a famous 14th-century Vaishnava saint. Under Narharidas's guidance, Tulsidas studied various religious texts, including the Vedas, Upanishads, Puranas, and especially the Ramayana. The Ramayana, the epic narrative of Lord Rama's life, left a profound impact on Tulsidas, and it became the central focus of his spiritual life.
Tulsidas's life took a significant turn when he married Ratnavali, a woman of exceptional beauty and intelligence. Deeply in love with her, Tulsidas became increasingly attached to worldly life, temporarily losing sight of his spiritual path. However, Ratnavali’s strong sense of detachment and devotion to God ultimately guided Tulsidas back to the spiritual path. According to popular legend, when Tulsidas once crossed a river during a storm to meet his wife, Ratnavali rebuked him, saying, "If you had even a fraction of the love for Rama that you have for this body of mine, you would have been freed from the cycle of life and death." These words had a profound effect on Tulsidas, leading to his renunciation of worldly life and a deeper commitment to spiritual pursuits.
Literary Contributions and the Ramcharitmanas
After renouncing worldly life, Tulsidas embarked on a pilgrimage across India, visiting holy places associated with Lord Rama. His devotion deepened, and he eventually settled in Varanasi, where he composed numerous works dedicated to Lord Rama.
The most famous of these works is the *Ramcharitmanas*, an epic poem that narrates the life and deeds of Lord Rama. Composed in Awadhi, a dialect of Hindi, the *Ramcharitmanas* brought the story of the Ramayana to the masses, who could not understand the original Sanskrit version by Valmiki. The work is divided into seven books or kands mirroring the structure of the original Ramayana. Each "kand" covers a different phase of Rama’s life, from his birth to his eventual return to Ayodhya after defeating Ravana.
The *Ramcharitmanas* is not just a retelling of the Ramayana; it is a deeply philosophical and devotional work that reflects Tulsidas's understanding of Bhakti (devotion) and Dharma (righteousness). The poem emphasizes the importance of devotion to God, the virtues of humility, love, and righteousness, and the ultimate goal of liberation from the cycle of life and death. The *Ramcharitmanas* became immensely popular, and its verses are still recited and sung in temples and homes across India, especially during the festival of Ram Navami.
Tulsidas’s other notable works include the *Hanuman Chalisa*, a 40-verse hymn in praise of Hanuman, the monkey god who played a crucial role in the Ramayana. The *Hanuman Chalisa* is one of the most widely recited prayers in Hinduism, believed to bring strength, courage, and protection from evil. Tulsidas also composed *Vinaya Patrika*, a collection of devotional songs and hymns, and *Kavitavali*, a poetic work that delves into the philosophy of Bhakti.
Later Life and Legacy
Tulsidas spent his later years in Varanasi, continuing his literary and spiritual work. He is said to have had several mystical experiences during this time, including visions of Lord Rama and Hanuman. According to legend, Tulsidas was once visited by Hanuman himself, who blessed the poet for his unwavering devotion to Lord Rama. This encounter further strengthened Tulsidas’s faith and inspired his composition of the *Hanuman Chalisa*.
Tulsidas passed away in 1623 (some sources suggest 1624) in Varanasi, leaving behind a legacy that has endured for centuries. His works, particularly the *Ramcharitmanas*, have had a profound impact on Indian culture, religion, and literature. The *Ramcharitmanas* not only brought the story of Rama to the common people but also became a spiritual guide, teaching values of devotion, humility, and righteousness.
Tulsidas's influence extends beyond religious and literary circles. His works have inspired countless people, including leaders of the Indian independence movement, who found in his writings a source of moral strength and inspiration. Mahatma Gandhi, for instance, was deeply influenced by the *Ramcharitmanas* and often referred to it in his speeches and writings.
The popularity of Tulsidas’s works continues to this day. The Ramcharitmanas is recited in temples, homes, and public gatherings, and its teachings remain relevant to people of all ages. Tulsidas’s emphasis on the universal values of love, devotion, and righteousness transcends religious boundaries, making his works a valuable treasure of world literature.