Tulsidas Jayanti is celebrated to commemorate the birth anniversary of a great poet and saint. This year Tulsidas ji’s 527th birth anniversary will be celebrated. Tulsidas ji is known for his great poem Ramcharitmanas which is an epic based on the life of Lord Rama. This Jayanti is celebrated on the Saptami Tithi of Shravan month according to the Hindu calendar which usually falls in the month of July or August.
Biography of Tulsidas ji:-
Tulsidas ji was born in the year 1532 in Soro Etah district of Uttar Pradesh. His father’s name was Atmaram Dubey and mother’s name was Hulsi. Tulsidas ji’s childhood name was Rambola. It is said that he used to pronounce Ram from the time of birth. Many miraculous events happened in his life which led him on the spiritual path. Tulsidas ji composed many important texts which mainly include Ramcharitmanas. Ramcharitmanas is the most famous work of Tulsidas ji which is written in Awadhi language. It mainly describes the story of the life of Lord Rama. Hanuman Chalisa is a very famous composition of Tulsidas ji in which Lord Hanuman ji has been praised. Kavitavali, Dohavali, Vinay Patrika, Ramlala Nahchu are also his major works.
Significance of Tulsidas Jayanti:-
Talking about the importance of Tulsidas Jayanti, this day is to remember the life and works of Saint Tulsidas ji and follow his teachings. On this day all the devotees recite the compositions of Tulsidas ji, especially Ramcharitmanas and Hanuman Chalisa. Special worship of Tulsidas ji is done in temples, as well as bhajan-kirtan is also organized. Sermons and satsangs are also organized at many places where light is thrown on the life and teachings of Tulsidas ji.
Some important points related to Tulsidas ji:-
Tulsidas ji composed Ramcharitmanas which is a great book of Hindi literature. In this, the story of Lord Rama’s life has been presented in simple and easy language so that the common people can understand it easily.
Hanuman Chalisa is also the composition of Tulsidas which is written in praise of Lord Hanuman and even today crores of people read it with devotion.
Tulsidas ji gave a new dimension to the Bhakti movement. Through his compositions, he spread the devotion of Lord Rama to the people and inspired them to follow the path of religion and devotion.
Tulsidas ji wrote in Awadhi language which led to the development of Hindi literature. His compositions are the heritage of Hindi language and literature and are a source of inspiration for the coming generations.
His compositions are full of religious and moral teachings. Ramcharitmanas describes the ideals of Lord Rama, his duties, dignity and virtues, which inspires us to follow the right path.
Tulsidas ji raised his voice against the evils and superstitions prevalent in the society through his writings. He taught people the true religion and morality.
On the day of Tulsidas Jayanti, special rituals, puja, havan and bhajan-kirtan are organized. And on this day people worship the idols or pictures of Tulsidas ji and recite his compositions.
The compositions of Tulsidas ji give the message of social unity and goodwill. They inspire us to live life with love, compassion, and empathy.
On the occasion of Tulsidas Jayanti, special workshops, discourses and seminars related to his life and works are organized where his teachings and thoughts are explained in the modern context.
On this day, excerpts from Ramcharitmanas are recited and discourses are given on the life of scholar and saint Tulsidas ji and the teachings given by him.
At many places, religious pilgrimages and fairs are also organized on the occasion of Tulsidas Jayanti where people participate in large numbers.
How did Tulsidas ji die?
According to ancient stories and beliefs, he died a natural death due to natural causes. Tulsidas ji spent most of his life in Varanasi (Kashi) and it was there that he said goodbye to the world while meditating on Lord Rama peacefully even in his last moments.
Tulsidas ji died of natural causes. He accepted his death very peacefully and immersed in devotion to God.
It is believed that he died in Varanasi where he spent most of his life and created many important works.
Tulsidas ji died in Vikram Samvat 1680 in 1623.
Some important statements related to death:-
The last time of Tulsidas ji’s life was spent immersed in the devotion of Lord Rama. He chanted the name of Ram even in his last moments and gave up his life while walking on the path of devotion.
Even at the time of his death, a unique example of his devotion and faith was seen where he gave up his life peacefully.
The message of Tulsidas’ life and death is that he remained steadfast on the path of devotion and religion throughout his life and maintained his immense devotion towards Lord Rama even at the end. Both his life and his death are symbols of devotion and faith which inspire and guide us.
