Tulsīdās’s Deep Yearning
After many years of composing and preaching in Vārāṇasī, Tulsīdās’s devotion grew even deeper. Yet, though he sang the glories of Lord Rāma day and night, a secret longing filled his heart: he had never beheld with his own eyes the mighty devotee Hanumān, whom he so often invoked.
One morning, seated beneath the shade of an old tree near the temple of Viśveśvara, Tulsīdās prayed, “O son of the Wind, great devotee of Lord Rāma, You are always near those who chant His name. Why then have You not shown Yourself to me, Your servant, though I constantly call upon You?”
He wept in love and humility, and his tears fell like pearls upon the dust of Kashi.
The Mysterious Darśana
That evening, while offering lamps before the deity, a radiant old brāhmaṇa entered the temple. His eyes were bright with wisdom, and his every movement radiated humility and power.
He bowed before Tulsīdās and said, “O poet-saint, your words of Rāma’s glory are nectar to the world. Will you grant me the mercy of applying sandal paste to your forehead?”
Feeling a strange reverence toward this brāhmaṇa, Tulsīdās nodded. The old man marked his forehead with a tilaka and then disappeared as suddenly as he had come.
A deep realization dawned in the saint’s heart. Trembling, he exclaimed, “That was no ordinary man! It was none other than Hanumān, the eternal servant of Rāma!”
He fell prostrate on the ground, tears streaming from his eyes. The atmosphere around him glowed with a subtle divine fragrance, as if the very air had been blessed by the monkey hero’s presence.
Hanumān’s Blessing
That night, as Tulsīdās sat before his manuscripts, Hanumān appeared again—this time in his full celestial form, golden and vast, with a face shining like the morning sun. Folding his hands, Tulsīdās could hardly speak.
Hanumān said, “O blessed devotee, your devotion is pure, and your poetry will awaken faith in countless hearts. Continue singing the glory of Rāma. Through your words, the Lord’s compassion will reach the fallen souls of Kali-yuga. Whenever you remember Me, I shall always be near you.”
Tulsīdās wept and replied, “O great servant of the Lord, please bless me that my tongue may never tire of glorifying Rāma and that my heart may never forget His name.”
Hanumān smiled, placed his palm upon Tulsīdās’s head, and disappeared into the temple’s golden light.
Reflections – The Hidden Presence of Hanumān
- The Lord’s Servant Appears to the Sincere: Hanumān reveals himself only to hearts that are humble, pure, and filled with love for Rāma. Tulsīdās’s unwavering devotion attracted this divine vision.
- Grace Comes in Disguise: God and His servants often appear in unexpected forms. The wise devotee looks beyond appearances and perceives divinity everywhere.
- Constant Companionship of the Divine: Hanumān’s promise reminds us that the Lord and His devotees are never far away from one who sincerely chants His name.
- The Saint’s Lesson: Tulsīdās teaches that the greatest blessing is not power or fame but the unbroken remembrance of Rāma’s name and service to His devotees.
To this day, devotees in Kāśī recall that Hanumān revealed himself to Tulsīdās, confirming the eternal bond between the saint and the mighty servant of Lord Rāma.
Source: Bhaktavijaya, Chapter III, verses 341–352 (Mahīpati).
