Tulsidas facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Goswami Tulsidas |
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Tulsidas composing the Ramcharitamanas
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| Birth Date | c. 1511 As many as three places are mentioned as his birthplace, most scholars identify the place with Rajapur, a town of Chitrakoot district, Uttar Pradesh, India. |
| Died on | 1623 (aged 111–112) Assi Ghat, Benares, Oudh Subah, Mughal Empire (present-day Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India) |
| Birth name | Rambola Dubey |
| Guru/teacher | Naraharidāsa |
| Philosophy | Vishishtadvaita |
| Titles/honors | Gosvāmī, Sant, Abhinavavālmīki, Bhaktaśiromaṇi |
Tulsidas (born Rambola Dubey; also known as Goswami Tulsidas; around 1511–1623) was a very famous Hindu saint and poet. He was known for his deep devotion to the deity Rama. Tulsidas wrote many popular works in Sanskrit and Awadhi languages.
His most famous works are the Hanuman Chalisa and the epic Ramcharitmanas. The Ramcharitmanas is a retelling of the ancient Sanskrit Ramayana story. It focuses on the life of Rama and is written in the everyday language of Awadhi.
Tulsidas spent most of his life in the cities of Varanasi and Ayodhya. The Tulsi Ghat on the Ganges River in Varanasi is named after him. He also started the Ramlila plays, which are folk theater shows based on the Ramayana.
Many people consider Tulsidas one of the greatest poets in Hindi and Indian history. His works have had a huge impact on art, culture, and society in India. You can still see his influence today in language, Ramlila plays, and music.
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Who Was Tulsidas?
Tulsidas's full Sanskrit name is Tulasīdāsa. The name is a mix of two Sanskrit words: Tulasī and Dāsa. Tulasī is a type of basil plant that is special to followers of Vaishnavism (devotees of god Vishnu and his forms like Rama). Dāsa means "servant" or "devotee." So, Tulsidas means "devotee of Tulasi" or "servant of Tulasi."
Ancient Stories About His Life
Tulsidas himself shared only a few details about his life in his writings. For a long time, the main stories about him came from two old books. One was the Bhaktamal by Nabhadas, written between 1583 and 1639. The other was a commentary on Bhaktamal called Bhaktirasbodhini by Priyadas, written in 1712.
Nabhadas was alive at the same time as Tulsidas. He wrote that Tulsidas was like a new version of the ancient poet Valmiki. Priyadas's book, written about 100 years after Tulsidas died, added stories about seven miracles or spiritual experiences from Tulsidas's life.
Later, more old writings about Tulsidas were found. These books helped modern scholars learn more about his life.
Believed to Be Valmiki's Rebirth
Many people believe Tulsidas was a rebirth of Valmiki. Valmiki was the original writer of the Ramayana in Sanskrit. In an old Hindu scripture called Bhavishyottar Purana, the god Shiva tells his wife Parvati that Valmiki would be reborn in the future. This rebirth would happen in the Kali Yuga (the current age). Valmiki would then sing the glory of Rama in a local language.
The Ramanandi group of followers believes that Valmiki himself came back as Tulsidas in the Kali Yuga.
One traditional story says that Hanuman asked Valmiki many times to sing the Ramayana. But Valmiki refused, saying Hanuman, being a monkey, was not worthy. After Rama won against Ravana, Hanuman went to the Himalayas. There, he wrote his own version of the Ramayana using his nails on rocks. When Valmiki saw Hanuman's work, he worried it would be more famous than his own. Hanuman, being a true devotee without wanting fame, threw all the rocks into the ocean. After this, Hanuman told Valmiki to be reborn as Tulsidas and write the Ramayana in a common language.
Tulsidas's Early Life
His Birth
Tulsidas was born on the seventh day of the bright half of the Hindu month of Shraavana (July–August). This was around August 1, 1511. While three places are mentioned as his birthplace, most experts agree it was Sookar Kshetra Soron in Kasganj, Uttar Pradesh, near the Ganga river. In 2012, the government of Uttar Pradesh officially declared Soron as his birthplace. His parents were Hulsi and Atmaram Dubey.
There is some disagreement about his exact birth year. Many sources say he was born in 1497 CE. However, others, like Sir George Grierson, say it was 1511 CE. If he was born in 1497, he would have lived to be 126 years old, which some find unlikely. But others believe such a long life is possible for a great spiritual leader.
His Childhood
Legend says Tulsidas was in his mother's womb for twelve months. When he was born, he had all thirty-two teeth and looked like a five-year-old. He did not cry at birth. Instead, he said "Rama." Because of this, he was named Rambola, meaning "he who uttered Rama."
His birth was believed to be unlucky for his father. So, his parents left him on the fourth night after he was born. He was given to a female servant named Chuniya. Chuniya took the child to her village and cared for him for five and a half years until she died. Rambola then became an orphan and had to beg for food. It is said that the goddess Parvati herself took the form of a woman and fed him every day.
Learning from His Guru
When Rambola was six years old, he was adopted by Narharidas. Narharidas was a holy man from the Ramananda group. Rambola was given a new name, Tulsidas. Tulsidas later wrote about his first meeting with his guru in his book Vinayapatrika.
When he was seven, Narharidas performed his sacred thread ceremony (Upanayana) in Ayodhya. Tulsidas began his studies there. Later, Narharidas took him to a holy place called Varaha Kshetra Soron. There, Narharidas first told Tulsidas the story of the Ramayana. Tulsidas mentions this in his Ramcharitmanas.
Tulsidas then went to the holy city of Varanasi. He studied Sanskrit grammar, the four Vedas, and other Hindu philosophies for 15–16 years. His teacher was Shesha Sanatana, a well-known scholar.
Marriage and Becoming a Monk
There are two different stories about whether Tulsidas was married. Some say he married Ratnavali in 1532 CE. They had a son named Tarak, who died as a baby. One day, Tulsidas swam across a river at night to meet his wife. Ratnavali scolded him, saying if he loved God even half as much as he loved her, he would be saved. Tulsidas immediately left her and went to the holy city of Prayag. There, he gave up his householder's life and became a Sadhu (Hindu monk).
Other people believe Tulsidas was a bachelor his whole life. They say he was a Sadhu from childhood and that the marriage story was added later.
Life as a Saint
His Travels
After becoming a monk, Tulsidas spent most of his time in Varanasi, Prayag, Ayodhya, and Chitrakuta. But he also traveled to many other places across India. He met saints, meditated, and learned about different people. Stories say he visited the four main Hindu pilgrimage sites and even the Manasarovar lake in Tibet. There, he is believed to have seen Kakabhushundi, a crow who tells stories in the Ramcharitmanas.
Seeing Hanuman
Tulsidas hinted in his writings that he had met Hanuman and Rama in person. Detailed stories of these meetings are found in Priyadas's book. One story says Tulsidas would offer water to a tree after his morning routine. This helped a thirsty ghost (Preta) who then offered Tulsidas a wish. Tulsidas wanted to see Rama. The ghost said he could not help directly but could lead Tulsidas to Hanuman, who could grant the wish. The ghost told Tulsidas that Hanuman came to his talks every day, disguised as a leper.
That evening, Tulsidas saw an old leper arrive first and sit at the back. After the talk, Tulsidas followed the leper into the woods. At the spot where the Sankat Mochan Temple now stands, Tulsidas fell at the leper's feet. He said, "I know who you are! You cannot escape me!" The leper first pretended not to know. But Tulsidas did not give up. Then, the leper showed his true form as Hanuman and blessed Tulsidas. When Tulsidas asked to see Rama, Hanuman told him to go to Chitrakuta. There, he would see Rama with his own eyes.
Seeing Rama
Following Hanuman's advice, Tulsidas went to live in an Ashram at Ramghat in Chitrakoot Dham. One day, Tulsidas was walking around the Kamadgiri mountain. He saw two princes, one dark and one fair, riding horses. Tulsidas was amazed but did not recognize them. He looked away. Later, Hanuman asked Tulsidas if he saw Rama and his brother Lakshmana on horses. Tulsidas was sad that he had not recognized them. Hanuman promised Tulsidas would see Rama again the next morning.
The next morning, Rama appeared to Tulsidas again, this time as a child. Tulsidas was making sandalwood paste when a child came and asked for a sandalwood Tilaka (a mark on the forehead). This time, Hanuman gave Tulsidas a hint, and he saw Rama clearly. Tulsidas was so charmed that he forgot about the sandalwood. Rama took the paste and put a Tilaka on his own forehead and Tulsidas's before disappearing. This famous event is remembered in a popular verse.
Miracles Attributed to Tulsidas
Many stories about Tulsidas are passed down by word of mouth. It is hard to know which ones are true. Priyadas's book says Tulsidas could perform miracles. In one story, he is said to have brought a dead Brahmin back to life. As the Brahmin was being taken for cremation, his widow bowed to Tulsidas. Tulsidas called her Saubhagyavati, meaning "a woman whose husband is alive." The widow told him her husband had just died. Tulsidas said his words would come true. He asked everyone to close their eyes and said the name of Lord Rama. The dead Brahmin then came back to life.
Tulsidas was also believed to be the writer of the Hanuman Chalisa. This is a very popular prayer dedicated to Hanuman.
Another story by Priyadas says that the Mughal Emperor Akbar heard about Tulsidas bringing a dead man to life. Akbar called Tulsidas to his court. Tulsidas refused to go, saying he was busy writing. But he was forced to come before Akbar. Akbar asked him to perform a miracle. Tulsidas refused, saying, "It's a lie, all I know is Rama." The emperor then put Tulsidas in prison.
Tulsidas refused to bow to Akbar. He wrote a prayer to Hanuman and chanted it for forty days. Suddenly, an army of monkeys came down on the city of Fatehpur Sikri. They caused chaos everywhere, entering homes and scratching people. An old wise man told the emperor that this was the miracle of the imprisoned holy man. The emperor fell at Tulsidas's feet, released him, and apologized. Tulsidas stopped the monkeys and asked the emperor to leave the city. Akbar agreed and moved back to Delhi. After this, Akbar became a friend of Tulsidas. He also ordered that followers of Lord Rama, Lord Hanuman, and other Hindus should not be troubled in his kingdom.
His Literary Works
Tulsidas began writing poetry in Sanskrit in Varanasi. But a story says that all the verses he wrote during the day would disappear at night. This happened for eight days. On the eighth night, Shiva appeared to Tulsidas in a dream. Shiva told him to write poetry in a local language instead of Sanskrit. Tulsidas woke up and saw both Shiva and Parvati, who blessed him. Shiva told Tulsidas to go to Ayodhya and write in Awadhi. Shiva also said that Tulsidas's poetry would be as great as the Samaveda.
Tulsidas is also known for many wise sayings and short poems called dohas. These often contain lessons for life. One famous doha says:
आवत ही हरसय नहीं, नैनन नहीं सनोह । तुलसी वहाँ न जाइये, चाहे कञ्चन बरसे मेर ॥ This means: "Do not go to a place where people are not happy to see you, and where their eyes show no affection, even if a mountain of gold is showered there."
Writing the Ramcharitmanas
In 1575 CE, Tulsidas began writing the Ramcharitmanas in Ayodhya. He started on a Sunday, on Ramnavami (Rama's birthday). He worked on this epic poem for two years, seven months, and twenty-six days. He finished it in 1577 CE.
Tulsidas then went to Varanasi and read the Ramcharitmanas to Shiva and Parvati at the Kashi Vishwanath Temple. A popular story says that the Brahmins (priests) of Varanasi did not like that Tulsidas wrote the Ramayana in Awadhi instead of Sanskrit. They decided to test his work. They placed his Ramcharitmanas manuscript at the bottom of a pile of Sanskrit scriptures in the temple overnight. The doors were locked. In the morning, when the doors were opened, the Ramcharitmanas was found on top of the pile! The words Satyam Shivam Sundaram (meaning "truth, auspiciousness, beauty") were written on it, with Shiva's signature. Everyone present also heard these words.
Some Brahmins were still not happy. They sent two thieves to steal the manuscript. The thieves tried to break into Tulsidas's home. But they were stopped by two guards with bows and arrows, one dark and one fair. The thieves had a change of heart. In the morning, they asked Tulsidas who the guards were. Tulsidas realized they must have been Rama and Lakshmana guarding his home. He was sad that the gods had to protect his book. He sent the manuscript to his friend Todar Mal, a minister of Emperor Akbar, and gave away all his money. The thieves changed their ways and became devotees of Rama.
His Last Works
Around 1607 CE, Tulsidas suffered from severe pain in his body, especially his arms. He then wrote the Hanuman Bahuk, describing his pain and suffering. After writing it, his pain eased.
The Vinaya Patrika is thought to be one of Tulsidas's last works. In this book of 279 hymns, he asks Rama for devotion (Bhakti) and to accept his prayers. Tulsidas says that Rama himself signed the manuscript of this work.
His Death
Tulsidas died at the age of 91 on July 31, 1623. He passed away at Assi Ghat on the bank of the Ganga river. Just like his birth year, the exact date of his death is debated among historians.
Tulsidas's Main Works
Twelve works are widely believed to have been written by Tulsidas. Six are major works, and six are minor. They are written in two languages:
- Awadhi works – Ramcharitmanas, Ramlala Nahachhu, Barvai Ramayan, Parvati Mangal, Janaki Mangal, and Ramagya Prashna.
- Braja works – Krishna Gitavali, Gitavali, Sahitya Ratna, Dohavali, Vairagya Sandipani, and Vinaya Patrika.
Besides these, four more works are commonly thought to be by Tulsidas: Hanuman Chalisa, Hanuman Ashtak, Hanuman Bahuk, and Tulsi Satsai.
The Ramcharitmanas
The Ramcharitmanas (written 1574–1576) is Tulsidas's longest and most famous work. It is a retelling of the Ramayana story in Awadhi. It uses ideas from many sources, including Valmiki's Ramayana. The book has about 12,800 lines and is divided into seven sections, just like Valmiki's Ramayana. It is often called Tulsikrit Ramayana, meaning "The Ramayana composed by Tulsidas." This work is seen as a very important part of Indian culture and a guide to the Hindu faith in Northern India.
Other Important Works
Here are five other major works by Tulsidas:
- Dohavali (1581): This is a collection of 573 short verses (Dohas and Sorthas). They offer wise sayings about life, wisdom, and good behavior.
- Sahitya Ratna (1608–1614): This is a version of the Ramayana in Braja language, written in a specific poetic style.
- Gitavali: This is a collection of songs about the Ramayana in Braja. The songs are meant to be sung and are set to classical Indian music.
- Krishna Gitavali (1607): This book has 61 songs praising Krishna in Braja. Many songs are about Krishna's childhood and playful activities.
- Vinaya Patrika: This work has 279 hymns. It is a humble request to Rama asking for devotion. Many people consider it Tulsidas's second-best work after the Ramcharitmanas.
Popularly Known Works
The following four works are widely believed to be by Tulsidas:
- Hanuman Chalisa: This is a short prayer of 40 verses dedicated to Hanuman. Millions of Hindus recite it, especially on Tuesdays and Saturdays.
- Sankatmochan Hanumanashtak: This has eight verses dedicated to Hanuman, asking him to remove troubles. It is often published with the Hanuman Chalisa.
- Hanuman Bahuka: This work of 44 verses is believed to have been written by Tulsidas when he was suffering from severe arm pain. He describes his pain and prays to Hanuman for relief.
- Tulsi Satsai: This collection contains 747 verses (Dohas) in both Awadhi and Braja languages.
Tulsidas's Teachings
Tulsidas's ideas and beliefs are found throughout his writings. They are especially clear in a conversation between Kakbhushundi and Garuda in the Ramcharitmanas. Tulsidas's teachings combine different ideas and cultures within Hinduism. He said his work followed various Hindu scriptures like the Puranas, Vedas, and Tantra.
God with and Without Qualities
Tulsidas believed that God, whether seen as having qualities (Saguna Brahman) or without qualities (Nirguna Brahman), is the same. Both are beyond words, endless, and unique. He said that a devotee's love (Bhakti) makes the formless God take on a form. He used the example of water, snow, and hail. They are all the same substance, but water can become solid snow or hail, which have forms.
Tulsidas also compared Nirguna Brahman to a lake with just water. Saguna Brahman is like the same lake, but filled with beautiful blooming lotuses. Even though he saw both aspects of God as equal, he preferred the Saguna (with qualities) form.
The Power of Rama's Name
At the beginning of the Ramcharitmanas, Tulsidas praises the name of Rama. He believed that simply repeating Rama's name is the best way to reach God in the current age (Kali Yuga). He said that other methods like meditation or rituals are not as effective now. In his Kavitavali, he stated that his own salvation came from the power and glory of Rama's name.
Tulsidas believed that the name of Rama is even greater than both the formless and formed aspects of God. He said it controls both and lights them up, like a translator who understands two languages.
Rama as the Supreme God
In many of Tulsidas's works, Rama is shown as being higher than Vishnu. This is different from the common belief that Rama is just an avatar (incarnation) of Vishnu.
For example, in the Ramcharitmanas, the goddess Sati sees many forms of Shiva, Brahma, and Vishnu serving Rama and bowing to him. When Manu and Shatarupa pray, they want to see the Supreme Lord from whom many Shivas, Brahmas, and Vishnus come. They are only satisfied when Rama appears.
Tulsidas believed that Rama is not just an avatar, but the source of all avatars. He even said that Krishna is also an avatar of Rama. So, Tulsidas clearly saw Rama as the supreme God.
Views on Other Gods
Tulsidas believed that being devoted to Rama and being devoted to Shiva were not in conflict. He saw his Guru as an incarnation of Shiva. A large part of the Ramcharitmanas tells stories about Shiva, like the marriage of Parvati and Shiva. Tulsidas also respected all other Hindu gods. His Ramcharitmanas begins by honoring Ganesh, Sarasvati, Parvati, Shiva, his Guru, Valmiki, and Hanuman.
Bhakti (Devotion)
The main goal of Tulsidas's writings was to teach Bhakti, or devotion, to Rama. He believed that devotion was the best way to achieve salvation and freedom from the cycle of birth and death. He stressed that this salvation was open to everyone, no matter their social class.
See also
In Spanish: Tulsidas para niños
- Hanuman Chalisa
- Ramcharitmanas
- Shri Ramachandra Kripalu
- Thumak Chalat Ram Chandra
- Bhakti movement
