#290 Tulsidas (Great Saints of India – BhaktaVijaya)
Sant Tulsidas (Great Saints of Bharat from Bhaktavijaya)
Bhakta Vijaya is a compilation of stories of 21 great saints from Bharat. Sri Mahipati wrote this in Marathi, a regional language of India in verse form. Mahipati lived from 1715-1790 and in that time he revelled in writing the stories of these great saints who lived from the 13th – 17th century, particularly inspired by Sant Tukaram.
Just as Arjuna in the Gita asked Bhagavan Krishna, how does a wise person walk and talk, so too we often wonder about how these saints lived their lives.
In response to a request received to share the joyful stories of the saints, we will listen to these from time to time. Today, we will listen to Tulsidas’ story and ponder what we can learn from his life. The reference is the English translation of Bhakta Vijaya which was written more than 200 years ago. It includes rich poetic imagery that thrill the heart.
A brief note first – Tulsidas was born in the 17th century particularly 1511-1623. Known as Goswami Tulsidas, he was one of the most famous Hindu saints and poets, renowned for his devotion to Shri Rama. He wrote several popular works in Sanskrit, Hindi and Awadhi, but is best known as the author of the epic Ram Charit Manas, a retelling of the Sanskrit Ramayana, based on Shri Rama’s life. In the regional Awadhi language, he is also known as the author of Hanuman Chalisa. Tulsidas spent most of his life in the city of Banaras (Varanasi) and the Tulsi Ghat on the Ganga in Varanasi is named after him. I’ve had the fortune of visiting his house, gazing at the Ganga just as Goswami Tulsidas might have, reveling in Sri Rama. Tulsidas also is known to have started the Ramlila plays, a folk theatre adaptation of the Ramayana.
The section from Bhaktavijaya written by Mahipati on Tulsidas follows –
Victory, victory to the lover of bhaktas, root of all joy, the supreme being! Satchidananda, worthy of worship of the world, beautiful in His dark features!
Victory to Him who lives near the banks of the Bhima, giver of the promise to Pundalik,
Victory to the king of the Yadavas, who stands with his hands upon his hips, waiting for his bhaktas!
Many thieves, adulterers, haters of Brahmins, killers of cows have been saved by a mere sight of Him.
Gajendra the elephant only did remember you, Narayana, when in distress. And you did listen to his pitiable cry and sent the Sudarshana Chakra to save him.
You did punish the crocodile and came to meet Gajendra. The crocodile laughed at you! The crocodile said to you, “Your name is the purifier of the sinners and yet you did cast me aside and departed, taking Gajendra.”
“So drop the reputation of being the purifier of the paapis/sinners, O Krishna.” Hearing this remark of the crocodile, you took him in your chariot of light. You gave both the bhakta and the non-bhakta a home in your abode.
Those attempting to describe your goodness and good deeds – the serpent Shesha became tired; Indra and other gods have never acquired the nectar of the stories of your goodness and your good deeds. But you gave this nectar to the stories of these God-loving bhaktas who came to you with entire reverence.
Just as a loving mother, seating her child by her side, puts the morsel of food into his mouth out of feeling a sense of great love for it, so you did rain down the nectar of your stories and placed morsels of it in the mouths of your bhaktas. So seating your bhaktas by your side, you feed them with the nectar of your stories.
And at this time, therefore, I also a beggar have arrived in order to receive food. As your bhaktas are fed with the nectar of your stories, they ate to their satisfaction and now, O Lord of the world, whatever they have left in their plates, send it to me, a helpless one!
On merely hearing an account of your extraordinary deeds, I, Mahipati have been waiting equally; please show me your love.
In the Kali Yuga there were many God-loving bhaktas. I will describe their exceedingly delightful stories as you make me relate them.
About Tulsidas – please listen.
While Narayana was reclining on the serpent Adishesha in the Sea of Milk, some of his bhaktas arrived – Valmiki, Dhruva, Prahlada, Narada came near him to pay their reverence to the Lord of the bhaktas.
Narayana said to Valmiki, “In the Kali Yuga, sins have become intolerable. I wish you to become an avatara amongst mortals and give them moksha. The Ramayana which you composed in which you sang my name, goodness and good deeds was in the Sanskrit language, while the ignorant people of Kali Yuga do not understand it. So become an avatar amongst mortals. Teach them to worship me.”
Valmiki, hearing Him, did namaskaara and said, “In the northern country, in the city of Hastinapura, in the house of a Kanoja Brahmin, Rishi Valmiki became a voluntary avataara. The Brahmin bore the name of Atmarama; he became a person devoted to dharma. Akbar was the king at that time and he was in the service of Akbar. Atmarama, who was a wise Brahmin enjoyed the king’s favor. It was in his family that Valmiki became an avatar.
The good Brahmin, Atmarama performed rituals of birth and naming of his son. He was named Tulsidas. The father lovingly played with him. Day by day, he grew in stature. His parents invested him with a sacred thread and he was kept as a brahmachari for 12 years. He daily performed his rituals, prayers and devotion. They made him study the Vedas according to the prescribed rules.
After searching for a bride for him, his marriage took place. As his childhood passed and he became a young man, the two were united in love. They never could endure separation. Both gave themselves to enjoy many kinds of rich clothes and ornaments, garlands of pearls, and brilliant jewels, saffron, musk, sandal, and flowers, betel leaves, cardamoms, cloves and nutmeg.
But Tulsidas could not endure being without his wife. The name of Tulsidas’s wife was Ratnavali (Mamata). As a dutiful wife, she served him with full reverence.
It happened one day that King Akbar was going on a tour. Tulsidas immediately joined him and went with him. Just then a messenger arrived from her mother’s home, asking her to come there. He said, “Your mother is seriously ill. Let her have a sight of you and then you can return.” On hearing this, she wept aloud. Hearing that her mother was seriously ill, Ratnavali became hysterical.
The messenger therefore said to her, “We have told you what is false. It is many days since you have visited your mother. Tulsidas refuses to send you and therefore we told you a falsehood.”
Ratnavali replied to them, “My husband has gone on a royal tour. In the meantime, I shall go to my mother’s. Having visited her, I will immediately return.” Obtaining leave from the mother and father-in-law, Ratnavali went to visit her own mother.
That very day by evening Tulsidas returned. He questioned his mother and learned all the news and he said, “My dear one! Why have you left me and gone away?” At night on his bed, he was unable to sleep. So, he started at once, and by walking ten miles that night, he arrived at the house of his father-in-law. Two watches of the night had already passed away. It was late night and all the doors were closed.
Tulsidas looked around him. Just then he saw a great poisonous serpent hanging down from above. He seized it with his hand and ascended to the upper storey. As he entered the house, the servants were awakened and as they looked about, they saw Tulsidas. Ratnavali, that beautiful woman, awoke just at that moment. Seeing her husband there, she arose astonished.
The husband said, “My beautiful one, why did you leave me and come here?”
Ratnavali replied, “The Yamuna River is flooded. I cannot understand how you were able to enter the house.”
Tulsidas replied, “Your love for me is so great that you threw a rope from above and I crossed holding on to it.”
The dutiful wife, hearing this, replied, “Why do you speak an untruth? I never threw a rope from the upper storey.” As she did not know what was true or false, she said, “Show me the rope.”
Taking the servant with her and lighting a lamp, they looked for it. And just, then they saw this great enormous serpent hanging down from above. All were frightened – it seemed so strange.
Holding her husband by the hand, the wife entered the house and said to her husband, “Lord of my life, listen to me. You call yourself wise and clever, but you have no common sense. You were always intoxicated with your own ignorance. Why did you leave your mother, father, brother and friends, your wealth and property and come for me at such a time of the night? If this great serpent had bitten you, you would have lost your life. “
“Oh Lord of my life, you know nothing about the transitory concerns of this life. With desire to see me, you came rushing by night. Many have lost their lives in running after women. When Indra saw the beautiful Ahalya, he was overcome by her charms. Ravana lost his life by running after Sita. Seeing the brightness of light, the moth loses its life. So many have lost their lives by running after women, not recognizing God in their hearts, they seek to satisfy sensual desire. They do not recognize Sri Rama who is the place of rest for everyone. Men love their sons, wives, wealth and property more than their own lives. If indeed people remembered the feet of Sri Hari, their lives would have greater value.”
To these words of Ratnavali, Tulsidas experienced a change of heart. “What you say, oh mother, is true,” and as he said that, he bowed to his wife.
“When a child puts out its hand to grasp a live ember of burning wood, the mother at once protects it. So today you have done me a great favour.” Speaking thus to her, he immediately remembered all that he had done in his former birth.
He said, “I am Valmiki. I have become an avatar in this world of mortals so that I may teach with my lips the story of Rama and that I may turn men to devotion to Him. I was entangled in the enjoyment of temporary sensual pleasures.”
With this change of heart, he came to Anandavan which is Varanasi. After bathing in the Panchaganga, he adopted severe austerities. He rejected cooked food and fruits and he lived on fallen leaves. After bathing in the early morning, he was accustomed to pray to Sri Rama. He used to say, “O Dweller of Ayodhya, O Husband of Janaki, show me the manifestation of yourself!”
In order to wash himself, he was accustomed to go into the forest. If any water was left in the vessel, he would pour it on the roots of the trees. For 12 years he continued with these austerities. He was always repeating God’s names – he never stopped for a single moment.
Then it happened one day that Tulsidas went into the forest to wash himself. The water that remained in his vessel, he poured upon the roots of the tree. Suddenly he saw a most terrifying asura. His two hands were joined together as he stood before Tulsidas, and he said, “I am pleased with you. Whatever blessing you may ask, I will give it to you.”
Tulsidas said to him, “Tell me who you are and why you have become pleased with me. I do not understand why.”
The asura replied, “I am an asura. I have been here for a long time. I drink the water which you pour on the roots. We do not have permission to drink water from wells, tanks, rivers or the sea, so I’m very thirsty. You have supplied me with water for these 12 years. I will give you whatever you ask for.”
Tulsidas, with an astonished mind, said to himself, “I want to see Sri Rama. The result of this desire has been the favor of this ghost. I planted a mango tree and it bore the fruit of the Vrindavan tree. So, the performance of these austerities has brought me the favor of this asura. I was wishing for a wish-cow, Kamadhenu; instead of her, a pig appeared. So, failing a manifestation of Sri Rama, it is this ghost who is showing this favor to me.
I was looking at a beautiful royal swan coming towards me when suddenly I saw a crow instead. So instead of meeting Sri Rama, it is this ghost that is pleased with me.
It is like one seeking association with the good and then seeing a ruffian coming forward. So instead of meeting with Rama, it is this ghost that is pleased with me.
It is like one desiring the shade of the wish-tree who should immediately see a forest of Neem trees. So instead of meeting with Rama, it is this asura who is pleased with me.
It is like when one has a desire for spiritual knowledge and suddenly one listens to some heretical false story. So instead of meeting with Rama, this ghost is pleased with me.
While one is desiring a garland of pearls, a pile of crystals falls before him. So instead of seeing the Husband of Janaki, this ghost has been pleased with me.
While desiring to see the Ocean of Milk, one suddenly sees instead a pool of water. So instead of meeting the Slayer of Ravana, it is this ghost that is pleased with me.”
After listening to him, the asura said, “You seem to be a wonderfully clever man. So, ask for a gift worthy of me to give. Do not hesitate. One should never call that thing bad by which our purposes are carried out.
If one refuses to use borax, gold will not melt in the melting pot. If one refuses to use fine threads, he will not be able to string a garland of flowers. And without an iron needle, one will not be able to sew a coat. One should not refuse to use the broom because it is made of Neem branches. A wise man is willing to use common things to carry out his purpose.“
So Tulsidas said to him, “You have become pleased with me. You say, I have no further desire in my heart then you should help me meet Sri Rama.”
As the name of Rama was heard by the asura, he stepped back and said, “If I should repeat His name by my lips, it will mean my destruction. If you really wish to meet Him, Maruti (also known as Hanuman) is His servant – I can cause him to manifest Himself to you.”
Tulsidas replied, “If Maruti shows Him to me at once, he will fulfil my desire.”
The asura said, “You are constantly listening to the Puranas. An aged Brahmin is accustomed to come there. It is he who is Maruti. If you ask who he is, I will tell you how he may be recognized. He comes and sits before anyone else. He leaves after everyone has gone. He has a staff in his hand and a cap on his head. He wears an old garment and a loincloth. If you see a form like that, you will know that he is the head of the monkeys.”
Thus speaking, the asura became invisible and Tulsidas returned to his hermitage. The next day, after taking his bath and repeating God’s name as usual, he rushed to go where the Purana was being read. When suddenly an aged Brahmin appeared and seated himself there, Tulsidas saw that his appearance was just as described by the asura.
After the reading of the Purana was finished and all the listeners had gone, the Brahmin started to go. Tulsidas followed him. When he got outside the city, Hanuman (Maruti) was going very rapidly. Seeing himself all alone with him, he held the Brahmin by his feet and said to him, “Swami, have compassion on me. You are Maruti.”
The Brahmin said to him, “Who are you? Why have you held my feet? I am a poor, helpless person.”
Tulsidas replied to him, “You are Maruti, the bhakta of Sri Rama.” Thus speaking, he again fell at his feet.
Maruti thought to himself, “He is Valmiki who has descended as an avatar.” He at once gave him an embrace. Thus, expressing his love, Maruti said to Tulsidas, “I am pleased with you.”
The other replied, “My mind desires a gift by your favour. I want you to make it possible that I have a manifestation of Sri Rama.”
Hanuman said, “After being invisible, I will do so.”
Maruti said to Sri Rama, “Listen to my request. Tulsidas is a full avatar of Valmiki. I want you to give him a visible manifestation of yourself. This is my desire. So please complete the wish of my heart Swami.”
Hearing Maruti’s words, Sri Rama replied, “I will do so.” He called together all the monkeys and took the army with him.
The holder of the bow, Rama, passed in front of the hermitage of Tulsidas. But he did not recognize him. Tulsidas said, “Oh, some Muhammadans are passing by.” The monkeys seemed heroic and Shri Rama seemed to be the king of the Muhammadans. Seeing them, Tulsidas made a Namaskar.
After that, Maruti came to the hermitage of Tulsidas and said to him, “Rama has fulfilled your desire.”
Tulsidas replied, “Oh Maruti, I have not met Shri Rama.”
Maruti replied, “Why, he just passed by your hermitage.”
Tulsidas said, “Oh, the one who passed by my hermitage was truly a Muhamadan. I did not see Rama. My desire still remains unfulfilled.”
Maruti remarked, “A wish-cow Kamadhenu came to your house and you, wise fellow, drove it away, thinking it was a goat.
As you were once walking along the road, you suddenly saw a touchstone. How is it that you, a wise man, should throw it away thinking it was a pebble?
A very wise, clever parrot came to your hermitage. It seemed to you to be a dove, therefore you did not care for it.
On a day of great festival, a Brahmin came to your house. You thought him to be a hoarder of boats and so you turned him away.
You saw a garden of flowers and you thought them made of glass. Rama passed by you and you did not recognize him.
An unfortunate man, while laying the foundation of a house, found a gold coin. He thought it was a pebble and discarded it.
The pure sandalwood of Mount Maila has seemed to you like any other wood. The holder of the Pinaka bow, the husband of Parvati, Shiva, came in the form of a beggar. You gave him no gift. So you have done now.”
To see this, Tulsidas replied, “Oh Swami, you accuse me unjustly. But Rama, who fills all the space and pervades the universe, is invisible. A bracelet is made of gold, but the ignorant man does not call it gold. Milk comes from water, but one should not call water milk. All water is the same, but the Chatak bird will not drink the water that is on the earth. So, the worshipper of Rama does not consider Him as appearing in many forms. The dweller in Ayodhya, the life of Janaki, was holding his bow and arrow in the same way as Valmiki described him. Show me that appearance.”
When Maruti heard him say this, he smiled and said, “Shri Rama will fulfil the desire of your heart.” Saying this, Maruti became invisible and, bringing the image of Shri Rama into his imagination, he began his loving praise:
“Jai Jai, O Dweller of Ayodhya, Slayer of Ravana, Holder of the Bow, Purifier of the Fallen, Savior of the Humble, Slayer of the Asuras, O Shri Rama!”
Shri Rama replied, “Maruti, why this special praise today? What is the special desire of your heart that you have begun this loving praise?”
Maruti replied, “Sri Rama, You who are the wish-tree of the desires of the bhaktas, You who are visible from afar like a thick cloud, I desire that You may visit Tulsidas.”
Hearing Maruti’s request, Rama said, “How can he have a direct manifestation in this Kali Yuga?”
Maruti replied, “Oh Lord of the heart, he is an avatar of Rishi Valmiki. It was You who gave the command that he should turn men to Your worship.”
Hearing this remark of Maruti, Rama said, “Okay, I will listen to your request. I never break my word.” So, Shri Rama, with Sita and Lakshmana, taking the form of visible avataras, walked along with Maruti.
Maruti went forward and informed Tulsidas, saying, “Sri Rama will today fulfil your heart’s desire.” Hearing Maruti’s remark, Tulsidas was full of joy.
Just then he saw before him the Lord of Ayodhya. His glories were without limit. A brilliant crown adorned His head. He wore a yellow garment. His complexion was that of a dark cloud. In His hand was a bow and arrow. In this form, he saw Shri Rama.
With deep reverence, Tulsidas bowed on the ground and the merciful Shri Rama embraced His bhakta Tulsidas.
Maruti said to him, “You are a very fortunate man. With your eyes you have seen the form of Rama. You must now proclaim to all men that in this Kali Yuga, the means for moksha are not yoga practices, nor the study of the Vedas. So, proclaim the might of bhakti and turn people to the worship of God.”
Maruti said to Rama, “Place Your hand on his head.” Rama listened to his request and gave Tulsidas the blessing of His assurance.
After this, the Husband of Sita, Rama, became invisible and Tulsidas continued with love his description of Shri Rama’s good deeds. All the inhabitants of Varanasi listened to his discourses in the praise of God and they built a hermitage for Tulsidas.
There were wealthy and pious men who came to Tulsidas, to whom he gave the Shri Rama mantra and made them His disciples. They used to bring a variety of things and place them in the hermitage. A thousand Brahmins dined daily along with Tulsidas. Any poor person, any beggar, anyone without food, if he came there, went away satisfied.
His reputation became great amongst the people. They brought him unlimited amounts of money, gold plates and an unlimited amount of silver. Some he gave and some they took away. Some criticized him and some praised him. But Tulsidas was untouched by them. He had neither joy nor sorrow. Just as in the heavens, the three seasons have their beginning, yet space is free from the fault of association with them.
After the feast of the Brahmins, they followed the enthusiasm of praise. Pious people came in large numbers in order to repeat God’s names. People left their doors open while all went to sleep. Tulsidas thought of the feet of Shri Rama when dreaming and in dreamless sleep.
Then one day, two thieves considered the situation carefully. “We see that there is no one in the hermitage of Tulsidas who will refuse us admission. We can go there without fear and take away a bunch of golden plates. Let’s try and take away as much as our hands are able to carry.”
So, after the kirtan was over, all of the participants went to sleep. Just then the two thieves came to steal. They gathered the golden plates with their hands and tied them in bundles. They placed a load on their heads and started to leave. As they came near the gate, they found two men seated there with bows and arrows, very stout looking men.
The astonished minds of the thieves said to them, “A while ago there were no bodyguards to protect the place.” So, they turned back quickly and arrived at the northern gate. They suddenly found a person with shining countenance, with a crown and ornaments, in his hand a bow and arrow. The thieves saw him from afar and became ashamed.
They then went to the southern door, but there also sat the two keepers. The thieves thought all of this to be very strange and came back and sat down by the door. The thieves thought, “These men holding the bows will soon get up and go away, then we can take away our golden plates.”
Again, they saw the two men seated with bows and arrows in their hands, with the string drawn to the ears and standing in a position to shoot.
The thieves became frightened, threw down the golden plates, and went to the gate, but they were not allowed to pass. The night passed in great anxiety of mind.
The sun now arose and all the bhaktas arose. When the wicks were lighted for waving the lamp, after the early morning repetition of God’s name, Tulsidas came out of his hermitage. Just then the two thieves came and fell at his feet.
The thieves, with emotion, said to him, “Forgive us our fault.”
Tulsidas asked them, “Who are you?”
They said, “We are thieves. We came to rob you. But there were soldiers of the Lord seated at the gate and they would not let us pass. We had made a bundle of your golden plates and were waiting in your hermitage. We are at fault. You are a bhakta of Rama, supremely generous at night, to leave your door open. Therefore, we thieves came in without fear.”
Tulsidas had many disciples, and so he asked them, “Who was at the gate protecting us? Why have you placed them there without my knowledge? I have already told you that it is the same to me whether anyone gives me things or takes away things from me. Worship Shri Rama with love.”
The disciples replied after taking an oath, “We swear by your feet that we do not know who is guarding the door.”
The thieves replied, “His face was brilliant. He wore a crown and ornaments. He was dressed in a yellow robe. His complexion was dark. He is seated there even now.”
All were astonished, and coming nearer to the gate, they looked and saw nothing and found it to be very strange. Tears came to the lotus eyes of Tulsidas. He said to himself, “Rama and Lakshmana have now become my doorkeepers. At this time, what I could not obtain by adopting the severest yoga asanas, what visits to tirthas could not give me, I now have as my doorkeeper – Rama, the dweller of Ayodhya, husband of Sita, who does not require a second to accomplish his purpose, whose determination was as he promised, He was the slayer of Ravana. Sri Rama has become my doorkeeper. When His feet touched the Shaligram stone, He brought about the moksha of Ahalya. He gives supreme generosity as a giver of eternal life. He has become my doorkeeper.”
He then exclaimed, “Jai Shri Rama! Jai Shri Rama! Victory to the Supreme Being, the Generous One, the Friend of the blue-necked Shiva, the Savior of the world. Rama exists! You who are the husband of Lakshmi, supremely generous.
When Dhruva asked You for a little milk, You did listen to his request and gave him the Ocean of Milk. When his father would not permit him to sit on his lap, the infant Dhruva went away in sorrow. Then You, the husband of Sita, gave him eternal bliss in a wonderful way. Vibhishana was so deeply loved by You that You gave him the golden city of Lanka. So, when the thieves came to take away the golden vessels, You became a great miser.”
Tulsidas then said to the thieves, “Whatever your heart desires, take it away to your homes. Do not hesitate.”
When they heard him say this, the thieves fell at his feet. They cried out, “Have mercy on us and place your reassuring hand upon us. We have made a mistake. We were encircled by ignorance. By the power of association with you, we have seen a manifestation of the natural virtue.
The touchstone turns iron into gold. So through giving you trouble, we’ve had a sight of Sri Rama. The moment we beheld you, our evil hearts left us, just as when the day dawns, the darkness is dispelled.”
Tulsidas said to them, “Your good fortune is so great. Without any effort on your part, Shri Rama gave you a manifestation of Himself. You are like the one who, collecting herbs in the forest, finds the divine nectar that gives immortality.
Or as a man, while gathering pebbles near the town, happens to find the philosopher’s stone.
Or as one begging for gruel from house to house finds in his possession the nectar of immortality.
Or as when one is laboring over a lamp, the sun itself shines into the house.
Or as when examining Koshashastra, a book on Vedanta comes into your hand.
Or when stringing beads of glass, a necklace of pearls comes to one’s hand.
Or as when searching for wood in a forest, one sees the sandalwood tree of Mount Maila.
Or as when one should go in search of the city of Yama, one should see the sweet city of Vaikuntha.”
Hearing him say this, the thieves did a namaskara and decided their minds should constantly remain in Tulsidas’s hermitage. In the Shrimad Bhagavatam, the Lord Krishna told Uddhava the meaning of his deep thoughts: “He who desires to attain Me must associate with the good. By association with the good, the praises of God fall on one’s ears.”
So these thieves, who had been evil, became good when they began to listen to the praises of God constantly and to repeat His names. These things continued for many days. And then a very strange thing happened.
Some brahmins were seated eating in the hermitage of Tulsidas. A great variety of food cooked with butter and sugar was spread before them. As Tulsidas was about to make an offering to the Gods while the Brahmins chanted – Brahmarpanam Brahma havihi…’ A Brahmin appeared at the gate. Repeating the name of Sita and Ram he said ‘ I am a great killer of Brahmins’ Give me some of the food’ When the Brahmins who were present heard him, they were surprised. Tulsidas went and embraced him. He took the Brahmin by the hand, seated him by his side and said – O Swami, Personification of mercy, listen to my request. The moment you utter the words Sita and Ram the paapas of killing Brahmins and other paapa-s are burnt up as if they were straw. So saying to him, he then said to the Brahmins, “Please begin to eat.”
Hearing him give this invitation, the Brahmins versed in the Shastras said, ‘On what authority have you seated this Brahmin-killer in our line?’
Tulsidas replied, “There is one authority for it. How can the paapa of killing a Brahmin remain when uttering the name of Rama? In the Shrimad Bhagavatam, Lord Krishna revealed to Uddhava: ‘In the Kali Yuga, the power of Vishnu’s name would be manifested to an extraordinary degree.’ When performing bhakti and devotion, one has to first repeat the names of Krishna and Rama. If one is faulty in any of his religious karma, it will be remedied by repeating the names of Vishnu.
In order to carry out the worship of ancestors, the offering is finally offered to Janardana, the feeder of the universe.
No ritual is properly performed unless the name of Hari is pronounced.
When determining a marriage, the horoscopes of the bride and groom, even if agreeably matched in 36 gunas, the marriage will not take place without repeating the names of the husband of Lakshmi.
When about to die, if the name of God is repeated at the final moment, the husband of Parvati, Shiva, Lord of Kailasa, lovingly repeats the name of Rama.
Pingala, who was a prostitute, spoke to her parrot, calling him ‘Narayan’. In doing so, the straw of her great faults was burnt up by the flames of the names of Vishnu.
Ajamila became exceedingly depraved. When he was at the point of death and when he called to his infant son ‘Narayana’, immediately all his paapa-s were burnt up.”
The Brahmins, wanting an explanation, said, “This does not seem to us to be true. Show us some evidence, and our doubts will disappear.”
Tulsidas said to the Brahmins, “What kind of evidence do you ask for?”
The Brahmins said, “Make an offering to the stone bull Nandi.”
Tulsidas said to the Brahmins, “What kind of evidence do you ask for, O gods on earth?”
The Brahmins said, “Make an offering to the stone bull. The Lord of the universe, the Lord of Kailasa, Nandikeswara, stands in front of it. Fill a plate with food and offer it to the stone bull Nandi. If the stone image of the bull eats the offering from your hands, then we shall allow this killer of Brahmins to sit amongst us.
Using many instances, you tell us much of the power of God’s names. If you give us this evidence, our minds will accept it. Not just by telling us of the sweetness of sugar will our tongues’ love of the sweet be satisfied.
You tell us of the great power of the names of God, but our doubts do not leave us. The experts pierce coins by their instrument in order to test their genuineness. So show us good evidence and remove our doubts.
Just as the jewels in the serpent’s head are bound around with a string and then thrown into the fire and examined, so show us the certainty of experience of the names of God.
A diamond is placed on an anvil and tested by striking it with a hammer. So you, wise man, show us the power of God’s name.”
At this time, hearing the Brahmins’ remarks, Tulsidas was very pleased. He at once took a plate of food and went into the temple of Vishweshwara, the Kashi Vishwanath, the Lord of the universe. All the Brahmins arose and followed him. They stood in the assembly hall and all looked with curiosity.
With a plate of food in his hand, Tulsidas came to the great door of the temple. He joined his hands, palm to palm, bowed on the ground, and said, “Jai ho, Jai ho To the one who wears the moon on his head! Neelakantha, the blue-throated one, holder of the damaru and trishula, husband of Parvati, enemy of the asura Tripurasura, listen to the request of this lowly one. Just as you drank the virulent poison and your whole body became inflamed, and you repeated the name of Rama, by merely repeating the two-letter name of Rama, you indeed became cool. O Lord of the universe, if that be true, then let this Nandi eat this offering.”
As soon as his prayer was heard, a very strange thing happened. Nandi arose and began to breathe violently. After eating all the offering, he ate up the entire leaf plate. All saw this miracle. Blessed was that time and happy day. Having shown this miracle, the stone bull sat quietly.
Neither the Vedas nor the Shastras understand the most extraordinary power of a bhakta. (Please note that this exaggerated statement is an Arthavada to praise the bhakta). The noble Vaishnavas all shouted out, “Jai ho, Jai ho! Victory, victory!” While repeating the names of God, all the Brahmins made a namaskara to Tulsidas. They said, “Blessed are you, noble Vaishnava. You are very wise in the spheres of the knowledge of eternal truths. Now we know that you are truly a full avatara of Valmiki.
Just as the moon stands supreme among the clusters of stars, just as the eagle is supreme amongst the birds, just as Vishnu is supreme among the gods, so you are supreme among the Vaishnavas.
Just as Shiva is supreme amongst ascetics, just as Muni Vyasa is supreme among the rishis, just as mother Rukmini was supreme amongst the gopis, so you are supreme among the Vaishnavas. The husband of Janaki is supreme among the holders of bows. The Ocean of Milk is supreme among all oceans. The son of Anusuya is supreme among those who have attained mukti. Bhagavan Vishnu, so you are supreme among the Vaishnavas. As the fourth stage of life amongst the four ashramas, as moksha, as the father of Brahma amongst the gods, as the expounder of the Vedas among the pundits, each is supreme. So you are supreme among bhaktas. As the sun among the nine planets, as Brihaspati amongst the great poets, and as Mount Meru amongst mountains, each is supreme, so you are the noblest Vaishnava amongst the Vaishnavas.”
Thus, having praised Tulsidas, all the Brahmins came back to the hermitage. They allowed the killer of the Brahmin to sit at their side, and they all dined together. Thus all the people of Varanasi began to repeat the names of Bhagavan. They gave up their pride and came to listen to the deeds of Hari.
Tulsidas Restores Jaitpala to Life
Soon after, a wonderful event took place. There was a merchant by the name of Jaitpala. He suddenly died. His beautiful wife, abandoning everything that was dear to her, with the Lord of her life in her heart, started to burn herself with him in a clear forest by the bank of the Ganga. She lighted a great funeral pyre, arranged herself for the occasion in the spirit of one already possessing a husband, and walked slowly along.
Just then, she walked by the cave of Tulsidas. She did a namaskara. Tulsidas was repeating the names of Bhagavan. She bowed on the ground. He gave her his blessing: “May you have eight sons.”
The good woman said to the bhakta of Vishnu, “My husband has already reached the state of eternal sleep, and I am on the way to accompany him, abandoning all that is dear and my own life. You have given me this blessing that I should become the fortunate mother of eight sons and be endowed with a husband. That word of yours will prove true. And yet I have my doubts.”
He said, “I spoke without knowing your condition, but Rama will make it true.”
When the woman heard him say this, she bowed before him. When she went near the corpse, she found her husband sitting up. This gave great joy to all, and all cried out, “Jai ho Jai ho!” She took him by the hand and, leading him to the hermitage, she made him do namaskara to Tulsidas.
All the inhabitants of Varanasi sang the praise of Tulsidas. They exclaimed, “Blessed is this Vaishnava! He is a complete savior for us dull-minded people. He caused the stone bull Nandi to eat food, and by his word of blessing, brought the corpse to life.”
Then someone carried the news to the king.
Akbar Sends for Tulsidas to Test Him
King Akbar was at Delhi when somebody informed him. He then made an attempt to see the miracle. He called his wise ministers and said, “I want you to bring about a meeting with the Vaishnava Tulsidas. I wish you to send a messenger who is exceedingly learned in the knowledge of Brahman, who is a remarkably clever speaker, and who will incline Tulsidas’s mind to come here. Take a palanquin and carriage and bring him here quickly. I wish to see for myself what I have heard.”
By the king’s command, the minister said to him, “Your command is my authority.” He took some wise and clever speakers along with some of his army and arrived at Varanasi, coming to the hermitage of Tulsidas. The news was conveyed to Tulsidas that the king had called him. They said, “The king has heard of you as an ardent God-loving Vaishnava bhakta. The king has sent us because of his desire to see you.”
Hearing this request, Tulsidas thought to himself, “I must turn all the inhabitants of that country to repeating God’s name. If the noble Vaishnavas are free from selfish desire, why should they wander from country to country? Because it is truly Hari’s command that they should save mankind. People given to adharma and ignorant men are surrounded by dark ignorance. In order to save them, good men, sadhus, wander about. The king, as we have seen, has sent a messenger, and everyone has heard the news.”
Tulsidas, the God-loving bhakta, at once started enthusiastically repeating the names of Hari. He quickly arrived at Delhi. The king came forward and fell at his feet. The king then seated Tulsidas on his throne and whispered a command to his servants not to allow him to return. He worshiped him with the 16 materials for worship.
The king said to Tulsidas, “I have heard of your wonderful power and that you are like God. You have got yourself made into a god. You made the stone bull Nandi in the temple eat food. In the giving of a blessing, you brought a corpse to life. Your deeds seem impossible to me. I do not understand your power.”
Tulsidas said to him, “It is all the doing of Sri Rama. I am but a helpless person who has placed his heart at the feet of Rama.”
Hearing this, the king said to him, “Allow me to meet Rama. If you do not do so, I shall not allow you to go from here.” Thus speaking, the king went into the palace. He said, “If you show me a manifestation of Rama only, then I can regard Tulsidas as a noble Vaishnava.”
While Tulsidas sat on the throne, the servant said to him, “You will not be allowed to go from here. Without losing a moment, give the king a sight of Sri Rama.”
Maruti’s Vengeance
Hearing them say this, he began to praise Maruti, and Maruti at once came and met Tulsidas. Tulsidas said, “I am in extreme distress, and therefore I have thought of you. Now please remove this distress and increase the glory of the names of God.”
Maruti then performed a wonderful miracle. He called together his army of monkeys. Many mighty heroes started leaving from svarga, heaven.
Just as during the rainy season, clouds appear in the sky. Or as when the rain falls on the earth, the grass begins to sprout. Or as during the time of famine, a cloud of locusts appears in the sky. So suddenly this army of monkeys, 10,000 in number, appeared.
The monkeys bowed to Maruti and said to him, “Please tell us what your command is.”
Maruti replied to them, “I have called you together in order that you may show to the king some of your natural characteristics.”
As soon as they received this command, the monkeys became full of mischief. They climbed on the roofs and began to destroy the tiles. They pulled up trees by the roots and threw them at men. There was a great alarm felt in Delhi and a great outcry. They broke the noses of some and cut off their ears. They twisted off the necks of some. They grabbed some by the legs and stuck them upwards. As women were going to the River Yamuna with water jars on their heads, they snatched their clothes from them and threw them into the river. As fathers-in-law and mothers-in-law were moving through the alleys, the monkeys seized them and, fastening their beards and braids of hair together, they ran away. Those who did not worship or persecuted the bhaktas of Vishnu, the monkeys lifted them up and threw them into the stinking drains. The miserly merchants never gave food to anyone. The monkeys opened their storerooms and carried away their contents. There was a great outcry in the city.
Then they entered the palace of the king and cut off noses and ears. This also made a great outcry. The five hundred wives of the king were all seated in the company of his concubines. The monkeys came and threw dirty water on them. They suddenly seized all the men who were thieves, adulterers and crooked in their lives. They lifted them up and took them from the palace and threw them down from above. They seized the garments and ornaments and flew with them into the sky, and then with great pleasure, gave them to the poor or those who lacked food and raiment. They made the poor rich. They robbed the merchants. They beat those who spoke untruth.
The servants of the king hastened to inform him of what was taking place. They said, “An army of monkeys has arrived, and they are destroying everything. Just as when a cloud pours down a heavy rain, the skies dance with clouds. So Delhi seems crowded with this army of monkeys. The monkeys show great anger, and there is a great outcry.”
The king remarked, “The time for destruction of all things seems to have arrived.”
There were some wise men present who said to the king, “Tulsidas is a Vaishnava. You should not persecute him. If the monkeys increase in their anger, they will turn the whole city of Delhi upside down.”
The king thought that all of this was remarkable and confessed that he had committed a great fault. “When Durvasa persecuted Ambarisha, he had to be humiliated. So it has happened to me. I am reminded of my injustice.”
So he came to Tulsidas, and there, joining his hands, palm to palm, he stood before him. Akbar said, “O bhakta of Vishnu, restrain this army of monkeys. I persecuted you because in ignorance I did not know what I was doing. Duryodhana suffered humiliation when he attempted to persecute Draupadi. So it has happened to me by persecuting you.”
During this pity-arousing request, Tulsidas said to him, “You were wishing to see Sri Rama. It is His army that has arrived, just as when the sun rises at dawn and its light spreads all over the world. So this great hero has come with an advanced guard. Looking on produces desire. Meditation produces devotion. Listening and a direct vision of God produces in one a desire to know more of Him. So the monkeys are arriving first, and Rama is following them. An army of 18 billion is following these monkeys. These 18 billion monkey warriors will be followed by Rama. Your good fortune has no limit. Sri Rama is coming to see you.”
Hearing this, the king said, “I have already seen enough of Rama.” So saying, he grasped him by his feet and said, “I do not understand power. If an army of 10,000 monkeys has brought such destruction, then if the army of 18 billion monkeys should come, it would mean the end of the world.”
Hearing the king’s pity-arousing request, the monkey army became invisible, and all men worshiped the feet of Tulsidas. Tulsidas remained there for a year. Through great luck, he daily sang the praises of the extraordinary deeds in Sri Rama’s life. All the inhabitants in Delhi began to constantly repeat the names of God and the ignorant became wise through association with him.
Tulsidas Goes to Mathura
Tulsidas now took leave of Akbar and went to worship Shri Krishna at Mathura. At first, he came to Gokula and bathed by the bank of the Yamuna River. Having seen and worshiped Shri Krishna, he departed from there. He then came to Vrindavan and worshiped Krishna. He remained there for a month and danced in praise and seva, devoted to Hari.
From there, he came to Mathura. He bathed by the banks of the Yamuna. He saw and worshiped Shri Krishna and met many Vaishnavas. In Mathura, Gokula and Vrindavan lived many Vaishnavas, those who worship only Vishnu as the one God. They are constantly engaged in singing the praises of Hari and are always repeating His names day and night.
There was a Brahmin citizen by the name of Priya Dasa, of supreme bhakti. Vaishnava bhakti, knowledge and indifference to worldly things (vairagya) were his characteristics. This Priya Dasa wrote a book in Sanskrit describing the extraordinary deeds of bhaktas of Vishnu in this Kali Yuga. Tulsidas heard that he had written this book containing the stories of saints. So on a certain occasion, he came to visit Priya Dasa. He said, “O Swami, you have written the stories of saints. I have not listened to them. Please bring me the book and show it to me.”
Priya Dasa replied, “I have described the bhaktas belonging to the four yugas, but I have not written in this book the noble story of Tulsidas.” Even the Vaishnava bhaktas of Kali Yuga were described in that book. So Priya Dasa felt very puzzled.
Just then, a wonderful thing happened. Unknown to Priya Dasa, none other than Sri Rama came there and with His own hands, wrote the story of Tulsidas. In order to listen to the book, all the Vaishnavas assembled and sat in the assembly hall by the great door of the temple. Clever and wise pundits also sat to listen. Priya Dasa, the God-loving bhakta, read aloud from the book.
All the Vaishnavas admired the book that was written by Priya Dasa. It was Tulsidas who said to him that it was Sri Hari who spoke through his lips. Hearing this remark made by Tulsidas, Priya Dasa said to them, “Shri Rama came and wrote the whole history of Tulsidas.” All the noble Vaishnavas now examined the handwriting of Rama. The power of bhaktas is great. Neither the Vedas nor the Shastras are able to describe it. In attempting to describe the characteristics of Sri Hari, the 18 Puranas had to remain silent, and the six Shastras had to acknowledge that they did not understand His power. If one constantly listens to this explanation of the book with pleasure, he will certainly have a sight of Shri Rama.
Thus, the beloved of Shri Rama, the full avatara of Valmiki, had his story recorded by Rama’s own hand. His first book was in the Sanskrit language. After that, Nabhaji wrote in the Braj language. After listening to its verses, I, Mahipati, have written this book in the Marathi language.
Just as the milkman adds a little water to his milk, just as in setting a diamond in a gold ornament, lacquer is used in the act of placing it, so you saints and good people have listened to my uncouth language.
It is God Himself who is describing the life of Tulsidas. Listen to it, therefore, with reverence. Those who do so assume the form of Sri Rama. The husband of Rukmini, dweller by the banks of the Bhima, is the real author of this book. Mahipati’s name appears in these verses, but the real writer is Rama.
Svasti! This book is the Bhakta Vijaya. In listening to it, the Lord of the world is pleased. Listen, therefore, you God-loving, pious bhaktas. This was the third delightful chapter.
What can we take away from learning about Tulsidas’s life?
Repeating Bhagavan’s names in Japa and spending time in prayer/meditation daily, as Tulsidas did through his 12 year tapas, austerities.
Not getting obsessed with sensual pleasures and material desires, recognising them as a part of the bigger picture of life, as cautioned by Tulsidas’ wife.
Seeing Bhagavan in all people and situations, like Tulsidas saw Rama even in unexpected encounters.
Practicing daanam, generosity, as exemplified by Tulsidas sharing food and teachings freely. Doing so makes us happy and benefits others too.
Standing up for Dharma when Akbar tried to persecute Tulsidas.
Having complete shraddha in the power of devotion and prayer. Tulsidas was able to perform miracles like making a Nandi murti made of stone eat food and revive a corpse through his love and shraddha in Bhagavan Ram.
Acknowledging grace of Bhagavan in all situations and saying it was all due to the power of Sri Rama.
Spreading love and wisdom for Sri Rama. When Tulsidas traveled widely, teaching people about Bhagavan and his glories, he did it out of his love and devotion not as a profession different from his personal life. Many people discovered a devotion for Sri Rama, started repeating Bhagavan’s names names due to his teachings and were blessed. Love for Sri Rama continues to grow to this day more than 250 years later.
