The Spirit and Tulsidas: How Hanuman Guided Him to Ram

Tulsidas devoted his life to Ram, but according to tradition, he longed for something even greater than knowledge or poetic inspiration. He wished to see Ram with his own eyes.

The journey towards that divine vision reportedly began through an unexpected encounter with a restless spirit. The story connects Tulsidas with Hanuman and eventually leads him to Chitrakoot, one of the places most closely associated with Ram’s exile.

The Spirit Beneath the Tree

According to traditional accounts, Tulsidas lived in Varanasi and regularly went outside the city for his morning routine. He carried a water pot with him and, while returning, poured the remaining water at the base of a particular tree.

A thirsty spirit was believed to reside in that tree. The water Tulsidas offered each day brought it relief. Tulsidas did not knowingly perform a ritual or attempt to summon the spirit. His simple and consistent action unknowingly helped it.

One day, the spirit appeared before him and offered to fulfil a wish in gratitude.

Some popular versions identify this being as a Brahmarakshas, a learned but cursed spirit. Earlier accounts, however, generally describe it simply as a preta. For this reason, the precise identity and earlier life of the being should be treated as part of later storytelling rather than established detail.

Tulsidas Asked for a Vision of Lord Ram

Tulsidas did not ask for wealth, influence or supernatural powers. He expressed only one desire: to receive a direct vision of Lord Ram.

The spirit admitted that it could not grant such a divine blessing. However, it knew someone who could guide Tulsidas towards his goal.

It revealed that Hanuman regularly attended Tulsidas’s Ram Katha in disguise. Hanuman appeared as an elderly man suffering from leprosy and quietly sat among the listeners. He was said to arrive before everyone else and leave only after the gathering had ended.

The spirit advised Tulsidas to observe his audience carefully.

Hanuman Attended the Ram Katha in Disguise

During his next discourse, Tulsidas watched the people arriving for the Katha. He noticed an elderly man who came before the other listeners, sat humbly at the back and remained until everyone had departed.

Remembering the spirit’s words, Tulsidas became convinced that this mysterious listener was Hanuman.

When the elderly man left, Tulsidas quietly followed him into a secluded area. He then fell at his feet and pleaded with him to reveal his true identity. The man initially denied being anyone extraordinary, but Tulsidas refused to let him go.

Moved by his devotion, Hanuman revealed himself and blessed him.

Hanuman Directed Tulsidas to Chitrakoot

When Hanuman offered him a blessing, Tulsidas repeated his deepest wish. He wanted to see Ram.

Hanuman directed him to travel to Chitrakoot, assuring him that his desire would be fulfilled there. Chitrakoot holds an important place in the Ramayan because Ram, Sita and Lakshman spent part of their exile in its forests.

Tradition says that Tulsidas later saw two exceptionally beautiful princes riding past him in Chitrakoot. Overwhelmed by their appearance, he failed to recognize them as Ram and Lakshman.

When Hanuman explained who they were, Tulsidas was heartbroken at having missed the opportunity. Hanuman consoled him and promised that he would receive another vision.

Tulsidas Finally Recognized Ram

Another traditional account says that Tulsidas was preparing sandalwood paste at Ramghat when Ram appeared before him in the form of a young boy and asked for a tilak.

Hanuman, determined that Tulsidas should not miss the divine presence again, alerted him through a verse. Tulsidas then recognized Ram, who is believed to have applied sandalwood paste to both his own forehead and that of his devotee.

For Tulsidas, this was the fulfilment of his lifelong spiritual longing.

The Meaning Behind the Story

The account of the spirit, Hanuman and the vision of Ram is primarily a devotional tradition. Its significance lies not in whether every detail can be historically documented, but in what the story communicates about bhakti.

Tulsidas did not knowingly perform a grand act to earn a reward. A small gesture of offering water brought relief to another being. That act led him to Hanuman, and Hanuman guided him towards Ram.

The tradition also presents Hanuman as the bridge between a devotee and Ram. He attends the Katha without seeking recognition, conceals his divine identity and responds only when confronted by sincere and unwavering devotion.

For followers of Tulsidas, the story illustrates how kindness, humility, spiritual guidance and devotion can transform an ordinary action into the beginning of an extraordinary journey.