Tulsi Jayanti is observed as the birth anniversary of renowned Hindu poet-saint Tulsidas. Famously known as Goswami Tulsidas was a notable for his devotion for Lord Rama. According to the Hindu Lunar calendar, the great saint took birth on the seventh day (saptami) of the waxing moon (shukl paksh) in Shravana month at Rajapur, Uttar Pradesh. Hence, Tulsidas Jayanti is marked on that day every year. In 2018, Tulsidas Jayanti will be celebrated on August 17. Tulsidas spent most of his life in the city of Varanasi.

Tulsidas composed several works but he is best known as the author of the epic Ramcharitmanas. Ramayana was originally written by Valmiki in Sanskrit and understanding it was only within the reach of scholars. However, when Tulsidas’ Ramcharitmanas came into being, the greatness of the famous epic was popularised among the masses. It was written in Awadi, a dialect of Hindi. The day of Tulsidas Jayanti is therefore dedicated in honour of this great poet and work.

Significance of Tulsidas Jayanti

Besides rendering incredible pieces of work, he was also a saint known for his good deeds. His life was noted for various miracles, one of which incorporates his meeting with Lord Hanuman which was followed by divine darshan of Lord Ram. According to legends, it is believed that Tulsidas was helped by Lord Hanuman while composing Ramcharitmanas. He is also acclaimed to be the reincarnation of Maharishi Valmiki, the original composer of Ramayana. Among his 12 notable works he also composed Hanuman Chalisa, a popular devotional hymm in Avadhi dedicated to Lord Hanuman.

Rituals

Tulsidas Jayanti is celebrated with utmost gaiety and enthusiasm in his birthplace Rajapur and many places in Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, Chhattisgarh and Maharashtra. In remembrance of this great saint, Tulsidas Jayanti gives every Hindu devotee a chance to express their gratitude towards the writer who popularised Ramayana across the nation. Various recitals of Ramcharitmanas are held in temples of Lord Hanuman and Lord Ram on this day. Several symposiums and seminars are also held based on Tulsidas’ teachings. And many devotees feed the Brahmins as well.

Important Timings on Tulsidas Jayanti

Saptami Tithi Begins: 01:02am on August 17, 2018

Saptami Tithi Ends: 01:01am on August 18, 2018

The famous Tulsi Ghat of the Ganges river in Varanasi is named after him. The famous Sankatmochan Temple dedicated to God Hanuman is believed to be founded by Tulsidas. Some people believe that you attain salvation on this special day. Saint Tulsidas was also the one to introduce the famous mantra ‘Ram-Nam’.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 16, 2018 03:53 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).