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When and where was Tulsidas born?

Tulsidas, one of the most renowned Hindu poet-saints, was born in 1532 in Rajapur, a village in the present-day Uttar Pradesh state of India. He was born to Hulsi and Atmaram Dubey, a Brahmin couple, and was named Rambola. His family belonged to the lower middle class and his father was a humble clerk in the local court.

Tulsidas was born during a time of great religious and social turmoil in India. The country was under the rule of the Mughal Empire, which was known for its religious intolerance and oppression of Hindus. This environment greatly influenced Tulsidas and shaped his spiritual and literary journey.

At a young age, Tulsidas showed a keen interest in spirituality and was deeply influenced by the teachings of his guru, Narharidas. He was also a gifted student and had a natural inclination towards poetry and literature. He studied Sanskrit and other religious texts under the guidance of his guru and became well-versed in the ancient Hindu scriptures.

At the age of sixteen, Tulsidas left his home to pursue a life of renunciation and spiritual enlightenment. He traveled to many holy places, including Varanasi, Ayodhya, and Chitrakoot, where he immersed himself in deep meditation and devotion to Lord Rama.

It was during his time in Chitrakoot that Tulsidas had a divine vision of Lord Rama, which inspired him to write the epic poem, Ramcharitmanas. This work became his magnum opus and is considered one of the greatest literary works in the Hindi language.

Tulsidas' devotion to Lord Rama and his profound understanding of Hindu philosophy and mythology are reflected in his writings, which continue to inspire and guide people to this day. He also played a significant role in the Bhakti movement, a spiritual movement that emphasized the importance of devotion and love towards God.

Tulsidas passed away in 1623, leaving behind a rich legacy of spiritual and literary works. His birthplace, Rajapur, is now known as Tulsipur and is a popular pilgrimage site for devotees of Lord Rama. Tulsidas' life and teachings continue to be celebrated and revered by people of all faiths, making him a timeless figure in Indian history.