In the Northen Indian state of Uttar Pradesh and in the district of Banda between Prayag and Chitrakut, there is a village by the name of Rajapur which is situated on the banks of the sacred River Yamuna.
It is a small, quiet village and it occupies the place in history as the birthplace of Goswami Tulsidasji.
In this village resided an honest hard working man who belonged to the 'Dub' family. Saints and Scholars have confirmed that his first name was Atmaram and was therefore known by the name 'Atmaram Dub' by the villagers. He was a righteous and very knowledged being and was admired by all.
Atmaram shared a happy married life with his wife 'Hulsi'. The couple were hard working citizens of the village and were popular amongst the village folk. They were very religious and belonged to the 'Saryoopaarin' Brahmin sect. The almighty showered his grace on this couple and they were to be recognized as the parents of the great saint Tulsidas.
Atmaram Dub and Hulsi lived happily in Rajapur and as time went on, Hulsi became an expectant mother. The entire village of Rajapur was eagerly anticipating the arrival of a new baby and Atmaram and Hulsi's joy was boundless. They both offered prayers and worship to the Lord in anticipation of a healthy child.
Nine months conception period had passed and there was still no news of a baby. Atmaram and Hulsi were both worried, as were the neighbours, relatives and friends. Atmaram consulted the local physician who was surprised to find that the embryo was still growing after the normal nine months period. This worried the couple but they had complete faith in the almighty and left everything in his hands.
The year V.S 1554 (AD 1497) had an extra month (Adhik-Maas or more commonly referred to as Purushotam-Maas). This particular year was special as it had two 'Shravan' months and Shiv-Pooja was extended over a period of two months instead of one.
Note: The abbreviation V.S stands for 'Vikram Samvant'.
As the first of the two months of 'Shravan' arrived, it was accompanied with grand rejoicing and the starting of Pooja of Lord Shiv. The whole village was heavily devoted to Lord Shiv and many were to undertake special fasts and rituals for the entire month.
Atmaram and Hulsi had now been waiting for a full twelve months for the outcome of the pregnancy. The baby was now fully grown in the womb of Hulsi. However, they let each day pass by and soon hoped for an outcome.
The seventh day of the month of Shravan arrived and it was a Saturday.
The day had begun as usual with the villagers undertaking various rituals in the early part of the morning followed by the usual daily routines.
Having earned a good hard days work, Atmaram arrived back to his small house and as usual, he firstly enquired about Hulsi and attended to her needs.
The early evening skies were clear and the sun was still bright. Whilst Hulsi rested inside the house, Atmaram relaxed outside in the fresh village air in front of the gentle flow of the Yamuna.
Later when the skies turned red and as the sun began to set into the horizon, the inauspicious time of the 'Abhukta Mool' Nakshatra (constellation or grouping of stars) arrived. Atmaram started his evening prayers and chanted the Lord's name.
As Atmaram carried out his prayers, he suddenly heard cries of pain. He realised that the cries were coming from inside his own house. The housemaid 'Chuniya' ran out of the house in search of Atmaram. Atmaram came rushing towards the house in despair and as he approached Chuniya, she spoke breathlessly, "I think Hulsi is in labour!"
Atmaram was extremely delighted to hear this and ran into the house followed by Chuniya. Hulsi was uneasy as she experienced severe labour pains. Atmaram sat next to her and held her hand reassuring and calming Hulsi, whilst Chuniya rushed into the village to alert the physician.
Within a short space of time, the physician arrived at their home. The neighbours were alerted by the cries of Hulsi that a baby was about to be born. They gathered outside the house and awaited the news of the arrival of the baby. As they waited patiently, other villagers too arrived on the scene.
In due course, Hulsi gave birth to a baby boy. Atmaram and Hulsi's joy was ecstatic. Chuniya too was overcome with immense joy. Atmaram, Hulsi, Chuniya and the crowd that had gathered outside heard the cries of the newborn baby. It has been said that the baby uttered the word 'Ram' instead of crying. It has been suggested by some scholars that Tulsidasji was born with a full set of teeth and the body of a five year old however this assumption has been ignored here.
The astrologers and scholars of the village too were present when Tulsi was born. They gathered around and enquired into the time of the birth of the child so that they could look into the astrology of the child. The astrological positioning played a major role in determining the future of a child, its name and its fortune.
Atmaram composed himself and advised, "Sirs! The child was born in the evening at the time of sunset and in the 'Abhukta Mool' Nakshatra!" The astrologers murmured amongst themselves for a while and then the chief confirmed his opinions with Atmaram. "The timing of the 'Abhukta Mool' is an inauspicious and ill-omened conjunction of two asterisms or stars."
Atmaram listened in great anguish. The astrologer continued, "Astrological precept recommends that the parents should abandon a child if born at this time else it will bring grief and sorrow to the family."
Atmaram was much saddened at heart to hear such words and as he sat there in silence the scholars exclaimed, "If the child is not abandoned within three days or even if it survives this long then it will result in inauspicious omens. The decision is yours!"
With such ill thinking and with the talk of the astrologers and scholars, Atmaram's mind was embedded with confusion, worry and great sorrow.
As the early part of the night approached, Atmaram sat in thought of a solution to his problem. The neighbours and the other villagers had returned to their homes and retired for the evening.
Meanwhile, Hulsi's health deteriorated and she fell very ill. Chuniya and the other maids nursed her and attended to her every need. In her state of health, Hulsi thought to herself that she might die.
Whilst in such thoughts, she was informed about the advice given by the astrologers. Hulsi wept on hearing such news and became distressed at such thoughts and advice. She was not at all satisfied with the astrological readings and was not able to accept the disposal of her own child. How could she abandon her own child at the command of other people?
With this news and such worries, her health got worse and she knew that the end of her life was approaching. Chuniya summoned one of the local nurses who immediately attended to Hulsi. Having advised Hulsi to rest, she went on her way. However, Hulsi was unable to rest at an hour when her baby's life was in threat.
As she held on with a bit of strength, she called Chuniya to her side. Both looked at each other and cried. Hulsi caught hold of Chuniya's hand and looked at her. She held the child in her hand and as she looked over to Chuniya, spoke, "Dear Chuniya! I am handing my child over to you!" Saying this she placed the child in Chuniya's hands.
At first Chuniya was taken aback but then tightly held the baby in her hands to ensure no one could get hold of it. Hulsi wept bitterly and further added, "I know my end is approaching and I am certain that after my death, the child will be completely abandoned and left to die, without anyone to care or love him!"
Tears rolled down the cheeks of Chuniya as she witnessed a mother's grief and handing over of a newborn child. Hulsi took a deep breath and continued, "Without anyone knowing, take this child to Hariharpur to your in-laws. Look after him as if he were your own and bring him up with your utmost love and affection!"
Not being able to bear the separation of the child, Hulsi turned away and wept. Chuniya too cried but realised the responsibility Hulsi had placed upon her. Hulsi took a quick glance of the baby and looked away not looking back again. This was to be the last time that she would see his face.
The night rolled into the late part and whilst the village had quietened down, Chuniya took the baby and left for Hariharpur. The village was some distance away and she arrived at her in-laws late into the night. (The village is situated about four to five miles from Chitrakut)
On arrival in Hariharpur, Chuniya was nervous and realised that she now had to explain the whole incident to her in-laws. Chuniya's mother-in-law was however, a very loving and understanding lady and Chuniya thought to herself that "Maybe I am worrying for nothing."
Chuniya entered the house with the young baby in her hands. Chuniya's mother in-law welcomed the two in and questioned the identity of the baby. Chuniya narrated the whole episode of the baby's birth and explained that she was to look after the baby and bring him up.
The mother-in-law was extremely understanding who spoke reassuringly, "You have done well in bringing him here! We will look after him as our own!" These words were soothing for Chuniya and she was assured a happy life for the child.
Note: Some scholars have indicated that Hulsi had actually requested Chuniya to take the newborn baby to Hulsi's parents house, not Chuniya's. In this scenario, Atmaram too is aware of Chuniya taking the baby, ensuring its safety and to avoid the wrath of the villagers. Both versions of the story have been accepted hence it is possible that Chuniya took the baby to Hulsi's parents' house, and not to her own parents' house.
In Rajapur a few days later, on the eleventh day of Shravan (Ekadashi), Hulsi's health worsened. She passed away into the hands of the almighty in the early hours of the morning.
News of the death of Hulsi and the incidents with regards to the birth of Tulsidas reached far and wide and this was the topic of village gossip. There is no mention of Atmaram's life after the incident of Tulsidasji's birth. However, it has been noted that he passed away within six months after the birth of Tulsidas.
Back in Hariharpur, Chuniya brought the young child up with love and affection. He had not been named yet but it is acknowledged by scholars that he was known by the name 'Rambola' due to his utterance of 'Ram' at birth.
It is therefore a certainty that Tulsidasji's childhood name was Rambola. The general assumption is that due to Tulsidasji's chant of 'Ram' at birth, either the villagers or Chuniya herself named the child Rambola. (Bola – means 'the speaker of', hence the name Rambola – 'the chanter of Ram-naam')
Chuniya was instrumental in embedding the holy name of Ram and religious views into young Rambola's mind. She taught him values of respect and good living. She nurtured him and offered him the love that his own mother was unable to give and raised Rambola with utmost love and affection.
Chuniya attended to all of Rambola's needs and requirements ensuring his happiness and welfare. A herd of cows were kept in the house and in the initial stages, Rambola survived on the milk from these cows. Young Rambola grew very fond of Chuniya and could not live a moment without her.
Chuniya too grew very fond of Rambola and the two were inseparable. Often, Chuniya would go to Chitrakut for the holy Parikrama (circumambulation) of the Kamadgiri hill. Rambola would always accompany her on such travels. They both visited the ashram of Baba Haridasji where they would spend hours engaging in religious talk.
Rambola was a child of few words. If he ever spoke it was only in relation to religious and cultural enquiry. Otherwise, he always had the name of 'Ram' on his lips. As Chuniya brought Rambola up, she realised that this was no ordinary child and that he would become a great being. She often praised the almighty for having been given the opportunity to serve him and bring him up.
Five years of Rambola's life passed in great joy. However, this joy was to be short lived. When Rambola reached the age of five years and five months, Chuniya suddenly passed away from a deadly snakebite. This was a greatly painful time in Rambola's life. For the first time in his life, Rambola felt sorrow and grief as he had lost the one person who had nurtured him and brought him up.
Rambola had to witness the death of his foster mother, what would happen to him now? Chuniya's mother-in-law had passed away too and there was no certainty whether the other members of the family would look after him.
The neighbours gathered around at the death of Chuniya and enquired about the child. The villagers were spiteful and spoke harsh words, "This child is an ill spirit and a bad omen! Whoever takes him on, dies! His mother has died; Chuniya who took him on too has died! What inauspicious quality does this child possess?"
In such a situation the villagers thought that the child had brought bad luck to the village of Hariharpur and that he should be abandoned else more deaths and ill omens would occur.
Rambola sadly listened to the gossip of the villagers and he realised within himself that his presence in the village would cause himself as well as the villagers great distress. However, where was a five year old child to go?
No one was willing to take young Rambola into their care, due to this, Rambola was left to survive and live on the streets on his own.
Rambola felt hopeless and was saddened at his own plight. He had initially been abandoned by his parents and now the only person that had loved him and cared for him was no longer there for him. He had to face the world, with 'Ram-naam' as his only support.
Tulsidas has mentioned the rejection by his parents in various places in his texts.
The following extracts from the Vinay Patrika illustrate his sorrow:
|| Janani Janak Tajyo Janami Karam Binu Bidhhi Sirajyo Avadere || (Vinay 227)
"…My parents had abandoned me as soon as I was born. The creator of the universe (Lord Brahma) had made me unfortunate (had not provided anything good in my fate)…"
|| Svaarath Ke Saathin Tajyo Ko So Totak Auchat Ulti Na Hero || (Vinay 272)
"…I was completely abandoned and not looked back upon even once by mistake…"
|| Tanu Janyo Kutil Keet Jyo Tajyo Matu Pitaa Hoo || (Vinay 275)
"…My parents abandoned me as just as a female snake abandons it's off-spring…"
He also states of his abandonment in the Kavitavali:
"…I was given birth in a supreme Kul, even with this, my mother and father regarded me as a burden hence they abandoned me…"
With no one to care for him, young Rambola wandered the streets looking for support he could get from anybody. He had only a single pair of clothes and he roamed the street like a beggar. Even in such a state of hopelessness, he stood steadfast in his devotion and love for Lord Ram. Later on, in his life Tulsidas has stated that he believes that with Lord Ram's protection and with his love, he was able to survive on the streets on his own.
Rambola would go from door to door begging for scraps of food. If he were fortunate, he would get the scraps thrown out for the dogs. Some days he would survive without eating anything. Such was the sorrow and fate that had befallen him at such a tender young age.
It is therefore evident that poor Rambola tried all means in order to get hold of scraps of food. He was so desperate that he took the form of a diseased person in hope of some mercy. He hailed the name of Lord Ram as he begged for food so that the people would offer food to him in the form of alms.
In this manner, Rambola survived on the streets for a while. He suffered from the insults of the local people and their jeering and laughter at his hopelessness. He came across all types of people but no one showed him any love.
Occasionally he came into contact with Saints and wandering Sadhus (ascetics). Seeing young Rambola so miserable and unhappy, they took mercy on him and advised him to surrender to Lord Ram.
Rambola sincerely took these words of the Saints and survived on their advice, not only during his childhood but also for the rest of his life. Tulsidas has mentioned repeatedly that the Lord's name was the only means of his survival (as is for everybody too).
Scholars have said that, on taking the Saints' advice, Rambola was associated with a Hanuman temple and lived there. Every day he joined the queue of other beggars for the food offered there. Sometimes the devotees gave him something to eat from the Prashad offered to God, which was his only food. Recollecting those childhood days, Tulsidas has said, "The temple was my shelter. Shri Hanuman was my father and mother, who fed and brought me up."
Like this, days passed and Lord Shiva could not help, but feel great sorrow for Rambola and the state he was in. Thus, He requested Mata Parvati to take a form of a 'Brahmani' and ensure that young Rambola would receive at least one good meal for the day.
In this way, for a full year, Mata Parvati took a guise of an ascetic, approached young Rambola with food and fed him with her own hands daily without fail. The locals were astonished at this and wondered who the ascetic lady was. They tried to uncover the identity of Mata Parvati but failed to do so.
Finally Tulsidasji became so famous, and the same people who tried to go away from him, longed to see him and he became the "Kul Deepak/Chirag" of the family....and everyone welcomed him with open arms.........
Connection to CB: Shantanu, is considered as Kul Vinashak....Yesterday, Dev referred to Sant Tulsidas ji in connection with Shantanu's fate, and hence I wrote this post. I think, similar to Tulsidasji, Shantanu was abandonded for no fault of his, hence he is quite angry and hurt....so, he has been seeing the world, as nurse is showing him....This nurse is no Chunniya, who tended Tulsidas with affection. On the contrary, nurse is feeding so much hatred in his mind......It is one woman, who is filling hatred, whereas, another woman, Radhika, who is true to her husband and protector of her family, will bring out a sea change in this so called Kul Vinashak.....and make him a Kul Rakshak............Shantanu will change and will change for good and will himself become protector of his family and will be like a Daal (shield/armor) protecting his family from the nurse and any evil that will come in the way......
Sorry, the post is quite long.....but please share your thoughts............
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