Tulsidas

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Tulsighat

Srisita ram laxman hanuman manor

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A Prince Visits the Poet Tulsidas

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Gosvami Tulsidas

Tulsidas Home in Varanasi

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Tulsi Das Home from the Ganga River near Hanuman Ghat, Varanasi

Tulsidas (1532–1623) was a Hindu Vaishnava saint and poet, renowned for his devotion to Rama, a major deity in Hinduism. He is best known for his epic Awadhi poem Ramcharitmanas, a retelling of the Sanskrit epic Ramayana based on the life of Rama. Tulsidas' works are considered pivotal in Bhakti literature, emphasizing the importance of love and devotion towards God.

Life

Tulsidas was born in Rajapur, in the Uttar Pradesh region of India, during the reign of Mughal Emperor Akbar. His birth name was Rambola. Orphaned at a young age, he was raised by a Hindu ascetic. Tulsidas' life was marked by his intense devotion to Rama, which is evident in his writings and teachings. He spent most of his life in the city of Varanasi, where he composed many of his works.

Works

The Ramcharitmanas, Tulsidas' magnum opus, is written in Awadhi, a dialect of Hindi. It made the story of Rama accessible to the common people, transcending the scholarly barriers imposed by the Sanskrit language of the original Ramayana. Besides Ramcharitmanas, Tulsidas wrote several other works, including Vinay Patrika, Dohavali, Kavitavali, and Hanuman Chalisa, a popular hymn dedicated to Hanuman, the divine monkey companion of Rama.

Legacy

Tulsidas' impact on Hindu culture and society is profound. His works have not only contributed to the religious and philosophical literature of India but have also played a significant role in the cultural integration and unity of the diverse Indian populace. His rendition of the Ramayana is celebrated annually in the festival of Ram Navami and his hymns are sung in temples and homes throughout India.

Philosophy

Tulsidas was a proponent of the Bhakti movement, which advocated a personal, direct path to God through devotion. He emphasized the importance of Bhakti (devotion) over Jnana (knowledge) or Karma (action), promoting the idea that love for God leads to liberation. His teachings and writings stress the accessibility of God to all, regardless of caste or social status.

Influence

Tulsidas' influence extends beyond religion to the realms of culture, music, and literature. His works have inspired countless subsequent poets, musicians, and artists. The Ramcharitmanas has been translated into numerous languages and is a foundational text in North Indian culture.

Criticism and Controversy

While Tulsidas is revered by many, his works have not been without criticism. Some scholars argue that his writings reflect the social norms and values of his time, including the patriarchal views prevalent in 16th-century India. However, his devotees and many scholars defend his works as expressions of his deep devotion and spiritual insights.