Goswami Tulsidas was a legendary poet-saint, philosopher, and devotee of Lord Rama. His name is synonymous with the epic “Ramcharitmanas”—a spiritual and literary masterpiece in Awadhi language. Born in the 16th century, Tulsidas’s life is a compelling story of transformation from worldly attachment to spiritual brilliance.
Early Life and Childhood
Tulsidas was born in Rajapur, Uttar Pradesh, to Atmaram Dubey and Hulsi Devi. Legend says he was born with all 32 teeth and spoke “Ram” at birth. After being orphaned early in life, he was raised by a spiritual guru named Narharidas, who introduced him to Ramayana and spiritual teachings.
His original name was Rambola, and he showed exceptional devotion to Lord Rama from a young age.
Tulsidas’s Marriage and Turning Point
Tulsidas was married to Ratnavali, also known as Buddhimati. He was deeply attached to her, often unable to bear separation. One day, Ratnavali left to visit her parental home, prompting Tulsidas to swim across a river at night just to be with her.
Moved by his obsession, Ratnavali said, “Had you shown this kind of love and dedication to Lord Rama, you would have been liberated by now.” Her words triggered a spiritual awakening in Tulsidas. He left his family life and embarked on a path of renunciation.
Spiritual Journey and Devotion to Lord Rama
Following his awakening, Tulsidas became an ascetic and began composing devotional works in praise of Lord Rama. He traveled extensively, visiting holy sites like Chitrakoot, Ayodhya, and Varanasi. It is believed that he had darshan (divine vision) of Lord Hanuman and received blessings for his writings.
His most celebrated work, Ramcharitmanas, narrates the story of Lord Rama in a language accessible to the common people. Unlike Valmiki’s Sanskrit Ramayana, this version captured the hearts of millions.
Other Literary Contributions
- Hanuman Chalisa: A popular hymn dedicated to Lord Hanuman.
- Vinaya Patrika: A heartfelt appeal to God for protection against life’s sufferings.
- Dohavali and Vairagya Sandipani: Philosophical and devotional writings.
Tulsidas’s work laid the foundation for the Bhakti Movement in North India and continues to be revered in households, temples, and spiritual discourses.
Interesting Facts About His Wife
- Ratnavali, though not widely known beyond her famous quote, played a crucial role in Tulsidas’s transformation.
- Her statement reflects the deep wisdom and spiritual inclination that profoundly impacted Tulsidas’s destiny.
- Despite being left behind, she is remembered as the one who sparked one of the greatest spiritual journeys in Indian history.
Legacy and Influence
Tulsidas’s contributions transcend literature. His writings shape the moral, cultural, and religious values of Indian society. His poems are recited in temples, schools, and homes, often bringing comfort and spiritual guidance.
His work also helped make Hindu scripture more accessible, bringing divine stories into the hearts of people who didn’t understand Sanskrit.
Conclusion
Goswami Tulsidas’s life is a testament to the power of transformation and devotion. From a deeply attached husband to one of the greatest saints of India, his journey was inspired by love, guided by spirituality, and immortalized through his poetic legacy. His wife’s profound words remain a catalyst that changed not only his life but the spiritual trajectory of millions.