An Ode to One of the Greats

The name Tulsidas holds a prominent place in Hindu literature. His profound impact on the cultural framework of the country during and after his lifetime is widely recognised. Every year, his birth is celebrated as Tulsidas Jayanti.

Tulsidas I Source: HerZindagi

Across the country, there are numerous dedications to the saint Tulsidas. From the Tulsi Ghat in Varanasi to the various depictions of his work in mainstream media, he is deeply integrated into the culture of the subcontinent. It is fitting, then, that his birth anniversary be celebrated in the country.

Tulsidas Jayanti is celebrated in August each year. Although it has no fixed date in the Gregorian calendar, it is observed on the seventh day (Saptami) of the Shukla paksha in the Shravan month of the Hindu calendar. It is a way to remember one of the greatest saint poets to have lived in India, every year.

His birth is believed to have taken place in the Soron region of Uttar Pradesh. Numerous many legends surround the circumstances of his birth. Tulsidas was born to Hulsi Devi and Atmaram. According to some accounts, he remained in his mother's womb for a whole year. There are stories claiming that he had a full set of thirty-two teeth from birth, while others believe his first word was an utterance of Rama, the Hindu God.

The reverence of Lord Rama remained an important theme in Tulsidas' works.

It is said that he was born under an inauspicious star and was sent away from his parents' care soon after his birth. He was raised by a maid for a few years, but even she passed away. Tulsidas was then adopted by Narharidas, who facilitated his spiritual learning. He later moved to the city of Varanasi to further his education and the Tulsi Ghat is believed to be the birthplace of some of his most prominent works.

Tulsidas remains one of the most eminent figures in Indian literature to this day. He wrote in the Awadhi and Braj languages. His most notable works include the Ramcharitmanas, Dohavali, Gitavali, and several others. He made significant contributions to Hindu literature, and it is even said that due to his virtues, the Gods Rama and Hanuman themselves graced him with their presence. Many of the landmark events in his lifetime became subjects in his writings. He is celebrated even in global literature for the quality and impact of his words.

'Tulsi' kaya khet hai, mansa bhayo kisan

Paap-punya dou beej hain, buve so lune nidan.

Tulsidas worked to make the erstwhile Sanskrit works accessible to a broader audience familiar with local dialects such as Awadhi. He is also credited with composing the Hanuman Chalisa, which has since become a prominent part of Hindu traditions. He established several temples in various regions to spread the message of religion and spirituality. He was a poet who endeavoured to bring literature within reach of those who had been excluded.

Tulsidas Jayanti is more than just an ode to the birth of this great figure. It is a message about the path of spiritual existence and helping common people, principles that the saint himself lived by. Many people visit the temples he established to pay their respects. So, use this day as an opportunity to acquaint yourself with one of the most significant figures in Indian, and international, literature.