“Tulsidas Jayanti”: Honoring the Legacy of Shri Tulsidas

"Tulsidas Jayanti" is a revered day in Hinduism dedicated to the birth anniversary of a very honorable poet in Hindi, Indian and world literature & great saint of all times, Shri Goswami Tulsidas. As per Hindu lunar calendar, it falls on Saptami tithi (7th) day of Krishna Paksha (moon's dark fortnight) in Shravana month. According to the Gregorian calendar, it lies in the month of August. This year, "we are commemorating the 527th birth anniversary of Tulsidas Ji as "Tulsidas Jayanti" on 11th August ‘24.

As per “Drik Panchang”, the “tithi” for “Tulsidas Jayanti” in the year ‘24 is as follows:

Tulsidas Jayanti on Sunday, 11th August ‘24

• Saptami Tithi Begins - 05:44 AM on 11th August ;24
• Saptami Tithi Ends - 07:55 AM on 12th August ‘24

Tulsidas was born as 'Rambola Dubey' to a Smarta Vaishnava Hindu family in a town of Kasganj district in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh.

He is well-known for the conversion of 'Ramayana' written by Rishi Valmiki into "Tulsidas' Shri Ramcharitmanas" (in Awadhi- a dialect of Hindi language). Hence, he is also regarded as an avatar of Sage Valmiki.

In his 'Ramcharitmanas', he had said that,

"The Supreme Self who is the embodiment of joy and ocean of Bliss, from which a small droplet fills the three worlds with happiness, He is ‘Rama’, the very home of bliss and the comforter of all the three worlds."

Other than 'Ramcharitmanas', Tulsidas Ji is also known for composing "Hanuman Chalisa", a devotional hymn revered in Hinduism. Comprising of forty verses, it extols the virtues and exploits of Lord Hanuman, the devoted disciple of Lord Rama. The Chalisa is recited to seek strength, protection, and blessings from Hanuman, who is revered for his unwavering devotion, courage, and selfless service. Its verses depict Hanuman's divine qualities and his role in the Ramayana, making it a cherished prayer for millions, invoking faith and devotion in the hearts of believers. Tulsidas Ji's 'Hanuman Chalisa" is not just a sacred text but also a source of inspiration for spiritual seekers.

Overall, the whole life of Shri Tulsidas Ji had been an amazing journey of various miracles, two of them were the darshan of Lord Hanuman & Lord Rama. There's a belief that Hanuman Ji had helped Tulsidas Ji in composing the 'Ramcharitmanas.'

Because of his relation with the very divine Lord Rama & Lord Hanuman, their devotees commemorate "Tulsidas Jayanti" with utter reverence. Actually, 'Tulsidas Jayanti' holds immense religious and cultural importance for followers of the Ramayana and those who revere Lord Rama. They offer prayers, recite Tulsidas Ji's poetry, and organize various cultural events to honor his contributions to literature and spirituality. 'Ramcharitmanas' is also read in temples on this day. Speeches are given to the youth of the country to let them know about the divinity of Shri Tulsidas Ji.

But only a single day won't be enough to demonstrate the legacy of this national poet. The contribution he has made to the literature (sahitya) & his teachings for life are immense, hence his name is still among the best poets & writers of the industry.

Let us indulge into the teachings of Shri Tulsidas Ji this 'Tulsidas Jayanti' & enrich our knowledge more by paying revered devotion towards the very great bhakt (devotee) of Shri Ram Ji.

Shubh Tulsidas Jayanti !!