Tulsidas Jayanti 2025: India Pays Tribute to the Legacy of Saint-Poet Goswami Tulsidas
Imge via www.thehansindia.com
New Delhi | July 31, 2025 — Devotees across India came together today to celebrate Tulsidas Jayanti 2025, commemorating the 528th birth anniversary of one of Hinduism’s greatest spiritual and literary figures — Goswami Tulsidas. The day, observed on the Saptami Tithi of Shukla Paksha in the month of Shravan, holds immense religious significance and is marked by prayers, bhajans, and mass recitations of his most revered works, especially the Ramcharitmanas and Hanuman Chalisa.
Temples across Varanasi, Ayodhya, Chitrakoot, and other parts of northern India were adorned with garlands, lamps, and sacred chants echoing from early morning as devotees thronged to honour the saint who brought Lord Rama’s story closer to the common man.
Who Was Goswami Tulsidas? A Glimpse Into His Life
Goswami Tulsidas, believed to have been born in 1537 CE, is considered an incarnation of Maharishi Valmiki by many. Though exact historical details about his early life remain unclear, folklore holds that Tulsidas faced hardships as an orphaned child and underwent a profound spiritual awakening that would define his life’s purpose — spreading the teachings of Lord Rama.
His most notable contribution to Indian devotional literature was his use of Awadhi, a dialect of Hindi, to narrate spiritual epics, thus breaking the traditional barrier of Sanskrit elitism. His compositions made complex theological concepts accessible to the masses, making him a revered figure not only in spiritual circles but also in India’s literary heritage.
The Ramcharitmanas: A Legacy of Devotion and Equality
At the heart of Tulsidas's legacy lies the Ramcharitmanas, a monumental retelling of the Valmiki Ramayana in Awadhi. Composed during a time when Sanskrit was restricted to a scholarly elite, Tulsidas democratized access to Lord Rama’s story, reshaping Hindu religious life in the subcontinent.
Unlike a mere translation, the Ramcharitmanas offered a devotional interpretation, infused with bhakti rasa (the essence of devotion), placing emphasis on righteousness, humility, and divine love.
“Ramcharitmanas brought the divine closer to us. It’s not just a book; it’s a way of life,” said Acharya Nand Kishor Shastri, head priest of Sankat Mochan Temple in Varanasi, where Tulsidas is believed to have spent much of his life.
A Day of Devotion: Celebrations Across India
This year’s celebrations were especially grand in Varanasi, Ayodhya, Chitrakoot, and Delhi, where thousands gathered to participate in recitations of the Sunderkand, Hanuman Chalisa, and Ramcharitmanas.
In Varanasi, the Tulsi Ghat, named after the saint, saw a footfall of over 20,000 people by midday. Devotees lit diyas along the Ganges and offered flowers at the spot believed to be where Tulsidas composed several of his works.
The Ram Mandir in Ayodhya held special bhajan sessions and hosted discourse sessions on the life of Tulsidas. In Chitrakoot, where he is said to have encountered Hanuman, local ashrams hosted community feasts and reading sessions.
Auspicious Timings and Rituals
Hindus observed Tulsidas Jayanti with fasting, prayer, and chanting, aligning their devotions with key auspicious muhurats:
- Brahma Muhurat: 03:59 AM – 04:42 AM
- Morning Sandhya Muhurat: 04:21 AM – 05:25 AM
- Abhijit Muhurat: 11:38 AM – 12:31 PM
- Vijay Muhurat: 02:17 PM – 03:11 PM
- Twilight Time (Sandhya Kaal): 06:44 PM – 07:05 PM
- Amrit Kaal: 05:32 PM – 07:20 PM
- Nishita Muhurat (Night Ritual): 11:43 PM – 12:26 AM (August 01)
Many devotees also performed pujas dedicated to Hanuman, a central figure in Tulsidas’s literary works, especially the Hanuman Chalisa, which is recited daily in millions of households across India and abroad.
Tulsidas’s Other Works: Beyond the Ramcharitmanas
While Ramcharitmanas remains his magnum opus, Tulsidas authored numerous other devotional texts that continue to inspire spiritual seekers:
- Hanuman Chalisa: A 40-verse hymn praising Lord Hanuman.
- Vinay Patrika: A collection of heartfelt prayers to different deities.
- Kavitavali and Dohavali: Collections of poetic verses exploring themes of devotion and morality.
These texts have transcended generations and continue to be sung and recited in temples, homes, and cultural gatherings.
Why It Matters: Tulsidas's Relevance Today
In a world increasingly fractured by division and complexity, the message of universal love, devotion, humility, and righteousness that Tulsidas promoted remains deeply relevant. His emphasis on inward spiritual practice, respect for all beings, and social ethics resonates with today’s need for inclusive faith and shared values.
“His teachings are not bound by time. Tulsidas inspires both the spiritual seeker and the everyday person,” said Dr. Anjali Mishra, a scholar of Indian devotional literature.
Tulsidas Jayanti not only celebrates his birth but also invites reflection on how his message of dharma and devotion can guide modern life.
Final Thoughts from The Trending People
As India honours Goswami Tulsidas on his 528th birth anniversary, his life and works continue to illuminate the spiritual path of millions. Through his writings, he transformed the way religion was experienced — bringing Rama closer to the people, uplifting the common man, and defining a cultural ethos that still guides Hindu practice today.
In every verse of the Ramcharitmanas, every chant of the Hanuman Chalisa, and every temple adorned in his name today, Tulsidas lives on — not just as a poet or saint, but as a bridge between divinity and devotion.
