Tulsidas Jayanti

Tulsidas Jayanti is celebrated to honor the birth of one of the greatest poets and saints in Indian history, Goswami Tulsidas. Renowned for his devotional works dedicated to Lord Rama, Tulsidas is most famous for composing the "Ramcharitmanas," a retelling of the Sanskrit epic Ramayana in Awadhi, a dialect of Hindi. Tulsidas Jayanti is observed on the seventh day (Saptami) of the Shukla Paksha (waxing moon) in the Hindu month of Shravan, which usually falls in July or August.

About Tulsidas

1. Early Life:Tulsidas was born in 1532 CE in Rajapur, a village in present-day Uttar Pradesh, India. According to tradition, his birth was marked by several miraculous events. It is believed that Tulsidas was born after twelve months in the womb and spoke the name of Lord Rama immediately after birth. His parents named him Rambola.

2. Spiritual Journey:Tulsidas's early life was filled with hardships. After losing his parents at a young age, he wandered as an orphan until he was adopted by a saint named Narharidas, who initiated him into the spiritual path. Under the guidance of Narharidas, Tulsidas became deeply devoted to Lord Rama and began studying the Ramayana and other scriptures.

3. Literary Contributions:Tulsidas is best known for his magnum opus, the "Ramcharitmanas," written in the Awadhi language. This work made the story of Lord Rama accessible to the common people who did not understand Sanskrit. The "Ramcharitmanas" is revered in North India and is considered one of the greatest works of Indian literature. Apart from the "Ramcharitmanas," Tulsidas wrote several other devotional hymns, including the "Hanuman Chalisa," "Vinay Patrika," and "Dohavali."

4. Legacy and Influence:Tulsidas is credited with popularizing the worship of Lord Rama and Hanuman in North India. His works emphasize the importance of bhakti (devotion) and righteous living. Tulsidas's teachings continue to inspire millions of devotees, and his compositions are sung in temples and households across India.

History of Tulsidas Jayanti

The celebration of Tulsidas Jayanti began as a way to honor the immense contributions of Tulsidas to Indian spirituality and literature. The festival is observed primarily in North India, particularly in Uttar Pradesh, where Tulsidas spent most of his life. On this day, devotees and scholars reflect on the life and teachings of Tulsidas, recite his works, and engage in acts of devotion.

Tulsidas's impact on Indian culture is profound, and his works have played a crucial role in shaping the religious practices of Hindus. The "Ramcharitmanas" has been instrumental in spreading the story of Lord Rama and fostering a deep sense of devotion among the masses. Tulsidas Jayanti serves as a reminder of his enduring legacy and the values he espoused.

His Works:

Ramcharitmanas
It is the most long and earliest work of Tulsidas. 'Ramcharitmanas' literary means 'The Holy Lake of Acts of Lord Rama'. It is written in Awadhi language. Tulsidas to compose this work drew sources from Ramayana of Valmiki, the Adhyatma Ramayana, the Prasannaraghava and Hanuman Nataka. Ramcharitamanas occupies a couple of beautiful numbers called 'chaupai' completely devoted to Lord Rama separated by Doha. This long epic includes around 12,800 lines divided into 1073 stanzas. It is divided into seven books or kandas. Ten Sanskrit metres and eight Prakrit metres are used in the composition of the epic. They are Anushtup, Shardulvikridit, Vasantatilaka, Vamshashta, Upajati, Pramanika, Malini, Sragdhara, Rathoddhata and Bhujangaprayata, Soratha, Doha, Chaupai, Harigitika, Tribhangi, Chaupaiya, Trotaka and Tomara.

The first two books of Ramcharitmanas are titled Bala kanda and Ayodhya kanda that make up more than half of the work. The remaining five books are Aranya kanda, Kishkindha kanda, Sundara kanda, Lanka kanda and Uttara kanda.

Vinaya Patrika
Composed in Braj Bhasa it includes 279 stanzas. The first 43 stanzas comprise hymns dedicated to the several deities and the courtiers of Lord Rama. The remaining hymns are dedicated to Lord Rama. This is believed to be the second best work of Tulsidas after Ramcharitmanas.

Hanuman Chalisa
This work is a prayer to lord hanuman consisting 40 Chaupies and two Dohas. It is a short text and considered as a religious one in the Northern India. It is believed to have been uttered by Tulsidas in a state of Samadhi at the Kumbh Mela in Haridwar. As per belief Hanuman Chalisa should be recited on Tuesdays and Saturdays.

Dohavali
This is a collection of 573 Dohas or short verses written mainly in Braj and Awadhi languages. The subjects of the Dohas are related to political wisdom, righteousness and the purpose of life.

Kavitavali
It is a collection of Kavitas including 325 verses composed entirely in metres of the Kavitta family - Kavitta, Savaiya, Ghanakshari and Chhappaya. It is also divided into seven kands like Ramcharitmanas but it is a completely different work.

Gitavali
It is a collection of songs all are set to raagas of classical music. It consists of 328 songs divided into seven Kandas.

Krishnavali
It is a collection of 61 songs dedicated to Lord Krishna. 32 songs are devoted to the childhood sports and Rasalila of Krishna while 27 songs form the dialogue between Krishna and Uddhava. Remaining two songs describe the episode of disrobing of Draupadi.

Besides these major works the minor works of Tulsidas include Barvai Ramayana, Parvati Mangal, Janaki Mangal, Ramalala Nahachhu, Ramagya Prashna and Vairagya Sandipini.

Temples Associated with Tulsidas

Several temples across India are associated with Tulsidas and his devotion to Lord Rama and Hanuman. These temples are often visited by devotees on Tulsidas Jayanti to seek blessings and offer prayers.

1. Tulsi Ghat, Varanasi:

Tulsi Ghat in Varanasi is one of the most significant places associated with Tulsidas. It is believed that Tulsidas composed the "Ramcharitmanas" at this very ghat. There is a temple dedicated to Tulsidas on the ghat, and it attracts a large number of devotees, especially on Tulsidas Jayanti.

2. Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple, Varanasi:

Tulsidas is credited with establishing the Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple in Varanasi. This temple is one of the most revered Hanuman temples in India. It is believed that Hanuman appeared to Tulsidas at this site. The temple witnesses grand celebrations on Tulsidas Jayanti, with special prayers and recitations of the "Hanuman Chalisa."

3. Ramcharitmanas Temple, Chitrakoot:

Chitrakoot, a place closely associated with the Ramayana, houses the Ramcharitmanas Temple. This temple is dedicated to Tulsidas and the "Ramcharitmanas." Devotees visit this temple to pay homage to Tulsidas and participate in the recitation of his works.

4. Rajapur, Uttar Pradesh:

Rajapur, the birthplace of Tulsidas, is home to a temple dedicated to him. The temple is a pilgrimage site for devotees who wish to connect with the early life of Tulsidas. On Tulsidas Jayanti, the temple organizes special events, including readings of the "Ramcharitmanas" and discourses on Tulsidas's life.

Some Interesting Facts About Goswami Tulsidas

1. He was acclaimed to be a reincarnation of Maharishi Valmiki.

2. The famous Tulsi Ghat in Varanasi is named after the Hindu poet.

3. The popular Sankatmochan Temple is believed to have been founded by Tulsidas Ji.

4. It is believed that he took 12 months to come out of his mother’s womb and has had 32 teeth since birth.

5. At the time of his birthday, Tulsidas Ji did not cry but uttered the name Ram, which earned him the nickname Rambola.

6. It is also believed that it was Gowasmi Tulsi who wrote the Hanuman Chalisa.

7. Some of his other well-known works include Ramlalla Nahachhu, Barvai Ramayan, Ramagya Prashna, Parvati Mangal, and Janaki Mangal.

8. In many of his writings, Tulsidas has claimed to have had direct ‘darshan’ (glimpses) of Lord Ram, Lord Hanuman, and even Shiva-Parvati.

9. According to legends, he died at the Assi Ghat in Varanasi.

10. His parents died at a very young age, leaving him as a poor, young orphan.

Mantras and Prayers on Tulsidas Jayanti

Chanting mantras and prayers dedicated to Tulsidas and Lord Rama is a common practice on Tulsidas Jayanti. Here are some of the mantras and prayers that devotees recite on this auspicious day:

1. Tulsidas Vandana:

गोस्वामी तुलसीदास वन्दनाश्रीरामचरणं वन्दे रामचन्द्रं जगद्गुरुम्।भक्तेभ्यो मतिदातारं तुलसीदासं नमाम्यहम्॥

(Shri Ram Charanam Vande Ramachandram Jagadgurum,Bhaktebhyo Matidataram Tulsidasam Namamyaham)

Meaning: I bow to the feet of Lord Rama, the teacher of the world. I also bow to Tulsidas, who grants wisdom to the devotees.

2. Hanuman Chalisa:

The "Hanuman Chalisa," composed by Tulsidas, is one of the most revered hymns dedicated to Lord Hanuman. Reciting the "Hanuman Chalisa" on Tulsidas Jayanti is considered highly auspicious. The hymn is believed to bestow strength, courage, and protection from evil.

3. Ramcharitmanas Chaupais:

Devotees often recite chaupais (quatrains) from the "Ramcharitmanas" on Tulsidas Jayanti. These verses are filled with devotion and describe the virtues of Lord Rama. Some popular chaupais include:

श्रीराम जय राम जय जय रामश्रीराम जय राम जय जय राम॥

(Sri Ram Jai Ram Jai Jai RamSri Ram Jai Ram Jai Jai Ram)

Meaning: Glory to Lord Rama, the victorious one.

4. Rama Bhajans:

Devotional songs and bhajans dedicated to Lord Rama and composed by Tulsidas are sung in temples and homes. These bhajans express the deep love and devotion that Tulsidas had for Lord Rama.

Tulsidas Jayanti is a day of reverence and devotion, honoring the life and contributions of Goswami Tulsidas. Through his works, particularly the "Ramcharitmanas," Tulsidas made the divine story of Lord Rama accessible to millions, spreading the values of devotion, righteousness, and love. The temples associated with Tulsidas serve as important centers of worship and pilgrimage, where his legacy is kept alive. On Tulsidas Jayanti, devotees engage in prayer, recitation of mantras, and reading of his works, seeking to imbibe the spiritual wisdom that Tulsidas imparted through his life and writings.