Biography

Tulsidasji is believed to be the paramount saint, poet, philosopher and more importantly an unwavering devotee of Lord Ram born in the 15th century. His universally renowned Ram Charit Maanas is beleived to be the saviour of the Hindu Dharma at a time when humanity was faced with great distress. His own life, though full of dejection and sorrow, was full of humility and was simple. He is one of those poets whose creations and devotion command respect and the following is just a brief and humble attempt to reveal his life. Tulsidasji was born in Rajapur, in the district of Banda in Uttar Pradesh on the 9th day of the holy month of Shravan, Samvant 1554 (1497AD).

He was born to Atmaram Shukla Dube (Father) and Hulasi (Mother). By birth he was a Sariyuparina Brahmin and due to the unique cosmic confluence at the time of his birth; he was born at gestation period of 12 months with a full set of teeth and a body of a 5 year old. He was given the name of Rambola. Due to being considered inauspicious, he endured separation from his parents from birth and was raised by Chuniya, his maid until the age of five.From early childhood, he came in to contact with sadhus and saints who guided him towards the devotion of Lord Ram. He met his guru Shri Naraharidasji in Sukarksethra, and through his spiritual encouragement, guidance and narration, he understood the Ramayana and became a deep devotee of Lord Ram.

Tulsidasji married a girl named Ratnavali (Buddhimati) in Samvant 1583. He was deeply affectionate and passionately attached to his wife. It is said that one day Ratnavali went to her father?s house, and Tulsidasji, unable to bear one night?s separation from his wife, clandestinely went to see her at night, enduring a fierce storm and in the process used a corpse for a boat and a snake for a rope. Ratnavali was intensely disturbed by such action and admonished Tulsidasji. She made him realise that infatuation and lust for the human body was only a superficial desire, and that immortal bliss could only be attained by deep devotion and love for the Almighty lord. Thus Tulsidasji renounced all materialism and became an ascetic ? this was the biggest turning point in his life. He spent fourteen years in visiting various sacred places of pilgrimage and in Samvant 1607 he attained darshan of Lord Ram in Chitrakoot.

Tulsidasji had realised that many of society?s problems lay instilled in how the masses were illiterate and were unable to understand the true meaning of the Holy Scriptures. Thus Tulsidasji wrote his scriptures in the simple Braja-Bhasha, which the people understood. He visited Ayodhya where he wrote the most famous scripture the Ram Charit Maanas in Samvant 1631, while being narrated to by Lord Shiva. He wrote 16 scriptures in total (some say 22) including, the Vinay Patrika, Dohavali, Kavitavali and Hanuman Chalisa. Tulsidasji retired in Kashi and attained param moksha on the 3rd day of Shravan Maas, Samvant 1680 (1623AD) at the age of 126 at Asee Ghat on the banks of the river Ganges.