“Raghupati charan upasaka jete, khaga mriga sura nara asura samete. Bandau pada saroha sab kere, je binu kaama Rama ke chere.”
I worship the lotus feet of all those who worship Shri Ram ji, including animals, birds, deities, humans, demons, who serve Shri Ram ji without any desires and greed.
It’s no secret that there are critics out there who have dismissed Tulsidas and his masterpiece, Ramcharitmanas and the Hanuman Chalisa, as substandard. But to those naysayers, I say this: you clearly have no idea what you’re talking about.
Tulsidas Ji was a Mahatma, a poet, and a spiritual leader who devoted his life to serving Bhagwan Ram. He lived in a time of great upheaval in India, when Sanatan Dharma was facing a period of decline. During the reign of Akbar, Hindus faced numerous atrocities and oppression. Akbar was a staunch supporter of Din-i-Ilahi, a new religion in the old wine of Islam. In the times when it was easy to wear a Salvar by the fear of Talvar, Tulsidas Ji held his ground and inspired millions of other Hindus.
He was not someone who would sit idly by and watch his beloved religion crumble. Instead, he took action, using his mastery of language and poetry to create works that would revitalize Hinduism and inspire generations of devotees. Ramcharitmanas or Hanuman Chalisa are more than just beautiful words; they are a source of strength and resilience that have helped Hindus weather centuries of persecution and oppression.
His emphasis on the importance of Bhakti, or devotion to Shri Ram, has been a rallying cry for Hindus facing adversity. The Hanuman Chalisa, in particular, has been a powerful tool in this regard, with its stirring hymns of praise to Hanuman inspiring devotees to fight against invading forces and protect their way of life.
But it is not just in times of crisis that Tulsidas’ work has been important. The Ramcharitmanas, in particular, has been a cornerstone of Hindu spirituality for centuries, being the highest selling book in Hindi language. Ramcharitmanas is like a beacon of light in the vast ocean of spirituality, guiding the lost aatma towards the shores of righteousness.The epic poem tells the story of Bhagwan Rama, the embodiment of virtue and righteousness, and his triumph over evil. The characters in the story represent different facets of human nature, making it easy for the readers to relate to their struggles and learn from their experiences. Just like a lighthouse helps the ships navigate through the treacherous waters, Ramcharitmanas illuminates the path of truth and righteousness for the seekers of spiritual wisdom.
In the heart of every devout Hindu, there lies a deep reverence for the other phenomenal work of Tulsidas Ji, the Hanuman Chalisa.
This powerful hymn is a testament to the unwavering devotion and strength of Hanuman, the most beloved Devta of Hindu Dharma. The words of the Chalisa ring out like a clarion call, inspiring believers to stand firm in their faith and never give up hope.
Just as a mighty river flows continuously, nourishing the land it passes through and quenching the thirst of all who drink from it, so too do the teachings of Tulsidas and the words of the Ramcharitmanas and Hanuman Chalisa flow ceaselessly through the hearts and minds of devotees around the world. Like a river, they provide a constant source of comfort, inspiration, and guidance, carrying people through both calm and turbulent times, and reminding them of the eternal nature of their faith. The teachings of Tulsidas and the power of the Ramcharitmanas and Hanuman Chalisa are an unending wellspring of strength and spirituality, sustaining those who seek them with their unending flow of wisdom and devotion.
Critics may dismiss Tulsidas’ work as simplistic or substandard, but they miss the point entirely. Tulsidas’ poetry and philosophy are not about flashy language or complex metaphors; they are about connecting with the divine and finding meaning in life. His work has helped Hindus stay strong in the face of adversity, and it will continue to do so for generations to come.
In short, Tulsidas, Hanuman Chalisa, and the Ramcharitmanas are the backbone of Hindu spirituality. Their teachings on Bhakti and dharma have helped Hindus stay connected to their faith in times of crisis, and have inspired countless devotees to live lives of compassion and devotion. If people who pretend to be scholars cannot understand the text, its their fault. May we all be blessed to touch the feet of Bhagwan Ram & Tulsidas and find solace in his teachings, both in this life and the next.