Ram Navami has just been celebrated. On this occasion, my thoughts go to the beautifully lyrical way in which Tulsidas (1532–1623), in the Ramcharitmanas, describes this iconic moment. Tulsi was a committed Ram bhakt. In fact, he was to Ram what Surdas was to Krishna. Anyone less than such a complete and unwavering devotee could not have written the Ramcharitmanas. The epic, written in Avadhi—an easily comprehensible language in north India—is still sung and recited by millions upon millions. The unprecedented popularity of the Manas led the historian Vincent Smith to call Tulsidas the greatest man of his age in India, greater even than Akbar himself, of whom the poet was a contemporary.. On Ram Navami, delve into Tulsidas’ timeless narration of Ram’s journey (Getty). Tulsidas describes the time and milieu of the Lord’s birth with precision and lyrical aplomb: Naumi tithi madhu maasa punita; Sakala paccha Abhijita Hariprita; Madhyadivasa ati seeta na ghaama; Pavana kala loka bishrama. It was the ninth day of the waxing moon (sakala—bright half) of the sacred month of Chaitra; the moon had entered the asterism named Abhijit, which is so dear to Hari; it was midday, when it is neither too hot nor too cold; the entire ambience was imbued with holiness, and people felt serene and at rest.. In the further chaupais on the birth of Shri Ram, Tulsi weaves in several complex thoughts and emotions. The poet begins by setting the mood, elaborating on how the time of the birth was most auspicious and had the blessings of all the gods. The atmosphere was one of joy and celebration, and the entire cosmos was vibrating with the imminence of the emergence of the Lord.. When Shri Ram is born, the first two qualities that Tulsi ascribes to him are mercy and compassion. Bhai prakat kripala, deen dayala, Kaushalya hitkari, he writes. ‘Kripala’ is one who is kind, benevolent, and humane. ‘Deen dayala’ means the saviour of the weak and vulnerable.. In later verses, Tulsi consistently associates these virtues with Ram. When Lakshman asks Ram for a definition of dharma, the Lord replies: Par hita sarisa dharam nahi bhai; Para peeda sam nahi athamai (There is no greater dharma than the benefit of others, and no greater sin than causing injury to others).. To return to the birth, Tulsidas, the dexterous poet, plays upon Kaushalya’s incredulity at the fact that she had given birth to the Lord of the universe. When Ram is born, he appears in the full regalia of his divine splendour, with his four arms bearing weapons and his body adorned with all the symbols of divinity. Tulsi brings out Kaushalya’s sense of amazement at how she—an ordinary lady—could be the mother of one who is the master and ruler of the world.. Kaushalya says that for the Lord—in whose every pore reside several universes—to be born to her is a matter of disbelief, even laughter. Ram smiles at her puzzlement and sets her at ease by narrating many stories of the past, expl
