Tulsidas was a 16th-century Hindu poet-saint, famous for composing Ramcharitmanas, a vernacular version of the Ramayana in Awadhi. He played a major role in spreading Rama Bhakti (devotion to Lord Rama) during the Bhakti Movement.
Basic Information on Tulsidas
- Full Name: Goswami Tulsidas
- Born: 1532 CE (Approximate)
- Birthplace: Rajapur, Uttar Pradesh, India
- Philosophy: Rama Bhakti, Bhakti Movement, Vaishnavism
- Religious Tradition: Saguna Bhakti (Worship of God with form)
- Major Influence: Ramananda, Bhakti Saints
- Main Themes: Lord Rama’s life and teachings, Dharma, Bhakti (devotion)
- Sacred Texts: Ramcharitmanas, Hanuman Chalisa, Vinay Patrika, Kavitavali
- Death: 1623 CE (Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh)
Early Life of Tulsidas
- Born in Rajapur, Uttar Pradesh, into a Brahmin family.
- According to legends, he was abandoned at birth and raised by a saint.
- Married Ratnavali, but later renounced family life after she inspired him to devote himself to Lord Rama.
- Traveled across India preaching Rama Bhakti and writing devotional poetry.
Philosophy and Teachings of Tulsidas
1. Rama Bhakti (Devotion to Lord Rama)
- Considered Rama as the Supreme God (Saguna Bhakti).
- Described Rama as an ideal king, son, husband, and warrior.
2. Bhakti as the Path to Liberation
- Taught that devotion to God is superior to rituals and knowledge.
- Rejected blind faith and caste-based discrimination.
3. Importance of Dharma (Righteousness)
- His works emphasize following Dharma (duty, righteousness) in life.
- Believed in truth, morality, and ethical living.
4. Use of Vernacular Language (Awadhi & Hindi)
- Wrote in Awadhi (Ramcharitmanas) and Braj Bhasha (other works).
- Made Ramayana accessible to the common people.
5. Hanuman as the Ideal Devotee
- Promoted Hanuman Bhakti as an example of selfless devotion to Lord Rama.
- Composed Hanuman Chalisa, which remains widely recited today.
Major Works of Tulsidas
| Work | Description |
|---|---|
| Ramcharitmanas | A devotional retelling of Valmiki’s Ramayana in Awadhi, written in seven Kands (sections). |
| Hanuman Chalisa | A 40-verse hymn in praise of Hanuman, recited by millions. |
| Vinay Patrika | Collection of prayers and devotional songs. |
| Kavitavali | Focuses on Rama’s divine nature and Bhakti philosophy. |
| Dohavali | A collection of moral and devotional couplets. |
Ramcharitmanas – The Most Famous Work of Tulsidas
- Written in Awadhi to make the Ramayana accessible to common people.
- Divided into seven sections (Kands), similar to Valmiki’s Ramayana.
- Describes Rama’s birth, exile, battles, and return to Ayodhya.
- Emphasizes Dharma, Bhakti, and ideal human values.
- Used by Vaishnavites and Ramanandi sects for daily worship.
Famous Quotes from Tulsidas’s Works
- “राम नाम मनि दीप धरु, जीह देहरी द्वार। तुलसी भीतर बाहेरहुँ, जौं चाहसि उजियार।।”
- Meaning: Keep the lamp of Rama’s name at the doorstep of your tongue, and it will bring light inside and outside.
- “तुलसी इस संसार में, सबसे मिलिए धाय। ना जाने किस रूप में, नारायण मिल जाय।।”
- Meaning: Be kind to everyone, as God can come in any form.
- “भय बिनु प्रीति न होई गोपाला।”
- Meaning: Without respect and discipline, love cannot exist.
Tulsidas and the Bhakti Movement
- Spread Rama Bhakti across India.
- Opposed meaningless rituals and caste discrimination.
- Inspired many devotional poets and saints.
- His works became a central part of Hindu religious traditions.
Comparison: Tulsidas vs Surdas
| Feature | Tulsidas | Surdas |
|---|---|---|
| Main Theme | Rama Bhakti | Krishna Bhakti |
| Sacred Text | Ramcharitmanas | Sur Sagar |
| Worship Style | Bhakti (Rama as Ideal King) | Bhakti (Krishna’s Love & Playfulness) |
| Philosophy | Saguna Bhakti (Rama’s Maryada Purushottam Ideal) | Pushtimarg (Krishna as Child) |
| Language Used | Awadhi | Braj Bhasha |
Major Temples Associated with Tulsidas
- Kashi Vishwanath Temple (Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh)
- Tulsidas lived in Varanasi, near this temple.
- Tulsi Manas Temple (Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh)
- Dedicated to Tulsidas and his Ramcharitmanas.
- Ayodhya Ram Temple (Uttar Pradesh)
- Follows the Rama Bhakti tradition of Tulsidas.
- Hanuman Garhi (Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh)
- Hanuman Chalisa is regularly recited here.
Key Facts for Quick Revision
- Born In: Rajapur, Uttar Pradesh
- Philosophy: Rama Bhakti, Saguna Bhakti
- Main Teachings: Bhakti, Dharma, Devotion to Lord Rama
- Sacred Texts: Ramcharitmanas, Hanuman Chalisa, Vinay Patrika
- Guru: Inspired by Ramananda
- Famous Poems: Verses on Rama’s Life, Hanuman’s Devotion
- Death Place: Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
MCQs on Tulsidas
1. What was the main theme of Tulsidas’s poetry?
A) Krishna Bhakti
B) Rama Bhakti
C) Shaivism
D) Buddhism
✅ Answer: B) Rama Bhakti
2. What is the name of Tulsidas’s most famous book?
A) Sur Sagar
B) Ramcharitmanas
C) Bhagavad Gita
D) Kabir Ke Dohe
✅ Answer: B) Ramcharitmanas
3. Which language did Tulsidas use for writing Ramcharitmanas?
A) Sanskrit
B) Awadhi
C) Braj Bhasha
D) Persian
✅ Answer: B) Awadhi
4. Who is the divine hero of Tulsidas’s Ramcharitmanas?
A) Krishna
B) Shiva
C) Rama
D) Vishnu
✅ Answer: C) Rama
5. What is the name of the famous hymn written by Tulsidas in praise of Hanuman?
A) Hanuman Ashtak
B) Hanuman Stotra
C) Hanuman Chalisa
D) Bajrang Baan
✅ Answer: C) Hanuman Chalisa
Subjective Questions for Further Revision
Short Answer Questions (2-5 Marks)
- Who was Tulsidas, and what were his main teachings?
- What is Ramcharitmanas, and why is it important?
- How did Tulsidas contribute to the Bhakti Movement?
- Name any two famous works of Tulsidas.
- What was Tulsidas’s view on Rama Bhakti?
Long Answer Questions (8-15 Marks)
- Discuss the role of Tulsidas in the Bhakti Movement.
- Explain the themes of Rama Bhakti in Tulsidas’s poetry.
- Compare Tulsidas and Surdas in their devotional teachings.
- How did Tulsidas’s works influence Hindu traditions?
- What are the main teachings of Tulsidas on Dharma and Bhakti?