Leads.

 The story of how Goswami Tulsidas met Lord Hanuman is a revered legend in Hindu tradition. It is not just a tale of a saint meeting a divine being, but also one of deep devotion, humility, and grace.

Goswami Tulsidas Meets Lord Hanuman

Goswami Tulsidas, the saint-poet and composer of the Ramcharitmanas, was a devout follower of Lord Rama. From a young age, he was absorbed in devotion to Shri Ram, and spent much of his life singing His glories and composing verses that brought Rama's story closer to the common people.

But despite his intense devotion, there was one longing in Tulsidas's heart: he had never seen his Lord in person. This desire consumed him. He would go from temple to temple, forest to forest, chanting Rama's name and composing hymns, all the while hoping to catch a glimpse of his beloved deity.

One day, while residing in Varanasi (Kashi), Tulsidas was engaged in worship on the ghats of the Ganga. A leper came to him and asked for some oil to soothe his sores. Tulsidas, deeply immersed in his prayer, at first paid no attention. But the man insisted, and eventually Tulsidas gave him some oil.

The next night, the leper returned again, this time glowing with an unusual aura. With a knowing smile, he said:

"Why do you long for Rama's darshan when the one who always stays with Him is near you?"

Startled, Tulsidas realized that this was no ordinary man. With folded hands, he begged,

"Please, tell me where I can find Lord Rama? Who can help me reach Him?"

The leper revealed himself to be none other than Hanuman, the eternal servant of Lord Rama.

Hanuman, touched by Tulsidas’s pure devotion, told him:

"Go to the forest of Chitrakoot. Sit there with patience and sing the name of Rama. The Lord will come to you."

Tulsidas followed the instructions with reverence. At Chitrakoot, he began his intense sadhana, writing verses and chanting Rama's name with single-pointed devotion.

One day, as he sat by the river, he saw two radiant princes walking with bows in their hands — one dark-complexioned and the other fair. They smiled at him and blessed him as they passed by. Something stirred in Tulsidas's heart — could this have been Rama and Lakshmana?

Just then, Hanuman appeared again and gently said,

"Tulsidas, you have seen your Lord, but you failed to recognize Him."

With tears streaming from his eyes, Tulsidas fell at Hanuman's feet.

"Please, give me the eyes to see my Lord. I am blind in my worldly vision!"

Hanuman, in his infinite mercy, gave Tulsidas the divine sight (divya drishti). The next time Lord Rama came to him, Tulsidas recognized Him. Overwhelmed, he prostrated and wept in bliss. Lord Rama lifted him up with His own hands, blessed him, and asked him to compose the Ramcharitmanas in the language of the people so that all could partake in His story.

Thus began Tulsidas’s immortal composition — the Ramcharitmanas, in Awadhi — through the grace of Hanuman. And in every verse of his work, there is the touch of divine love, the presence of Hanuman, and the vision of Rama.

Tulsidas never forgot Hanuman’s role in his spiritual journey. That’s why in most of his works, such as the Hanuman Chalisa, Kavitavali, and Vinay Patrika, he invokes Hanuman with utmost reverence.