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What inspired Tulsidas to write the Ramcharitmanas?

Tulsidas, the renowned Hindu poet-saint, was deeply inspired by his devotion to Lord Rama and his desire to spread the message of the Ramayana to the masses. He was born in the 16th century in a small village in Uttar Pradesh, India. From a young age, Tulsidas showed a keen interest in spiritual matters and was drawn towards the path of devotion.

As a child, Tulsidas was greatly influenced by the stories of Lord Rama and his virtues. He would spend hours listening to the Ramayana from wandering minstrels and sages, and it left a lasting impression on his mind. He was particularly moved by the character of Lord Rama, who he saw as the embodiment of righteousness, compassion, and love.

Despite his deep devotion, Tulsidas faced many challenges in his life. He lost his parents at a young age and was married off to a woman who did not share his spiritual beliefs. This caused him great distress and he decided to renounce the world and become a sanyasi (ascetic). It was during this time that he came across the works of the great poet-saint, Valmiki, who had written the original version of the Ramayana.

Tulsidas was deeply inspired by Valmiki's work and felt a strong urge to spread the message of the Ramayana to the common people. He believed that the Ramayana was not just a story, but a guide for leading a virtuous life. He wanted to make it accessible to everyone, regardless of their social status or education.

Thus, Tulsidas embarked on a journey to write the Ramcharitmanas, a retelling of the Ramayana in the Awadhi language. He believed that by writing the Ramcharitmanas in the local language, he could reach out to a wider audience and make the teachings of Lord Rama more relatable and understandable.

Tulsidas' devotion to Lord Rama and his desire to spread the message of the Ramayana were the driving forces behind his writing. He poured his heart and soul into the Ramcharitmanas, and it became a masterpiece of devotional literature. It not only became immensely popular among the masses but also helped in the revival of the Bhakti movement in India.

In conclusion, Tulsidas' inspiration to write the Ramcharitmanas came from his deep love and devotion for Lord Rama and his desire to make the teachings of the Ramayana accessible to all. His work continues to inspire and guide people on the path of righteousness and devotion to this day.