‘Hanumarum Tulasidasarum’ : A Guide to Devotion and Personality Development in Goswamy Tulsidas’s Writings

 

‘Hanumarum Tulasidasarum’ : A Guide to Devotion and Personality Development in Goswamy Tulsidas’s Writings

Prof. S V S S Narayana Raju

Foreword for

‘Hanumarum Tulasidasarum’,

Book in Tamil,

October 2025,

It is a matter of immense joy and heartfelt reverence to present before the readers the Tamil translation of three timeless works of Goswami Tulsidas -Sundar Kand (from Sri Ramcharitmanas), Sri Hanuman Chalisa, and Sri Hanuman Bahuk, under the title “Hanumarum Tulasidasarum”, translated with scholarly devotion by Dr. Shanti. This book is not merely a translation but a cultural bridge, bringing the fragrance of Hindi devotional literature into the heart of Tamil language and literature.

Goswami Tulsidas occupies a unique and exalted place in the literary and spiritual tradition of India. His works are not only devotional treasures but also manuals of self-transformation and personality development. In his verses, we find the fusion of spirituality, psychology, ethics, and leadership that transcend centuries and remain relevant in contemporary times. By bringing these works into Tamil, Dr. Shanti has opened the doors for Tamil readers to experience the beauty, depth, and guidance that Goswamy Tulsidas offers through his portrayal of Lord Hanuman and Lord Rama.

This Preface is written with deep respect to both the author and the translator. It seeks to introduce the contents of the book, highlight their spiritual and psychological significance, and show how these works can shape modern personality development and life management. At the same time, it is also a note of congratulations, a recognition of Dr. Shanti’s efforts, and a celebration of cultural unity between Hindi and Tamil literary traditions.

The Greatness of Lord Sri Ram : Any discussion on the works of Tulsidas must begin with Sri Ram, the central figure of Ramcharitmanas. Tulsidas describes Sri Ram not only as a divine incarnation but also as an embodiment of dharma, truth, and compassion. Sri Ram represents the highest qualities of leadership, humility, and sacrifice. His life, as depicted in the Ramayana and elaborated poetically in the Ramcharitmanas, continues to inspire individuals to walk the path of righteousness, courage, and moral integrity.

Sri Ram’s greatness lies in his ability to lead with compassion, to rule with justice, and to serve as an ideal son, brother, husband, and king. In the context of personality development, Sri Ram is the ultimate role model who demonstrates how power must be balanced with humility, and how leadership must always be grounded in ethical values. His divine presence in the texts included in this book provides the spiritual foundation upon which the personality ideals of Hanuman are built.

The Greatness of Sri Hanuman : Hanuman, the central figure of this book, is celebrated across India and beyond as the supreme devotee, the fearless warrior, the humble servant, and the embodiment of energy and devotion. For centuries, he has been worshipped not only as a deity but also as a symbol of strength, courage, faith, and service.

From a personality development perspective, Hanuman exemplifies the perfect balance of physical prowess, intellectual clarity, emotional devotion, and spiritual humility. He is strong yet gentle, wise yet obedient, powerful yet selfless. The beauty of Hanuman lies in his unwavering dedication to Bhagavan Sri Ram. His entire identity, energy, and purpose are directed towards serving Ram, making him an eternal source of inspiration for loyalty, discipline, and self-mastery.

Through the three works - Sundar Kand, Hanuman Chalisa, and Hanuman Bahuk - Tulsidas captures the multidimensional personality of Hanuman. The Tamil translation of these works will serve as a guiding light to readers who seek not only spiritual solace but also personal empowerment.

Sundar Kand: The Heart of Ramcharitmanas : The Sundar Kand, composed by Goswami Tulsidas as part of his great epic Sri Ramcharitmanas, is regarded as the heart of the text. It narrates the heroic journey of Lord Hanuman - his leap across the ocean, discovery of Mata Sita in Lanka, and delivery of Lord Ram’s message. Beyond its devotional and literary value, Sundar Kand also serves as a timeless guide for personality development.

The text imparts essential qualities for shaping one’s character:

Self-confidence and Courage: Hanuman’s leap over the ocean symbolizes the power of believing in one’s inner strength to overcome seemingly impossible challenges.

Dedication and Loyalty: His unwavering devotion to Lord Rama highlights the importance of commitment to one’s ideals and duties.

Wisdom and Discretion: While in Lanka, Hanuman balances strength with intellect, showing that true success requires both courage and prudence.

Humility and Service: Despite his extraordinary abilities, Hanuman remains humble, attributing all achievements to Lord Ram, teaching us the value of modesty and selfless service.

Thus, Sundar Kand is not only a spiritual treasure but also a manual for inner growth, leadership, and life management, inspiring individuals to cultivate strength, wisdom, humility, and devotion in their personal and professional lives.

For Tamil readers, the translated Sundar Kand will provide access to a narrative that is both emotionally uplifting and practically transformative, guiding them in moments of difficulty and inspiring resilience in their daily lives.

Hanuman Chalisa: A Hymn of Strength and Devotion : The Hanuman Chalisa, composed by Goswami Tulsidas in the 16th century, is a devotional hymn consisting of forty verses in praise of Lord Hanuman. Widely recited across India, it not only celebrates Hanuman’s unmatched strength, devotion, and wisdom but also conveys timeless lessons for shaping an ideal personality.

From a personality development perspective, the Hanuman Chalisa highlights qualities essential for human growth.

Courage and Confidence: Hanuman’s heroic deeds inspire individuals to face life’s challenges fearlessly.

Devotion and Loyalty: His unwavering dedication to Lord Ram teaches the power of commitment and faithfulness.

Wisdom and Discretion: The text praises Hanuman’s sharp intellect, reminding us that knowledge combined with humility leads to true greatness.

Service and Humility: Despite his immense powers, Hanuman remains a humble servant of Ram, showing that real strength lies in selfless service.

Thus, the Hanuman Chalisa is not merely a hymn of worship but also a manual for inner growth. It motivates individuals to cultivate discipline, positive thinking, moral strength, and resilience, making it a timeless resource for personality development in both spiritual and practical life.

In Tamil, this translation will allow readers to chant, internalize, and live the wisdom of the Chalisa, ensuring that Hanuman’s qualities become part of their everyday lives.

Sri Hanuman Bahuk: Healing through Faith : Sri Hanuman Bahuk, composed by Goswami Tulsidas in his later years, is a lesser-known yet deeply powerful devotional text dedicated to Lord Hanuman. Written in the form of heartfelt verses, it is believed that Tulsidas composed this work while suffering from severe physical pain and ailments. In it, he invokes Hanuman’s strength and divine grace as a source of healing, courage, and inner resilience.

From a personality development standpoint, Hanuman Bahuk offers profound lessons.

Resilience in Adversity: Despite his illness, Tulsidas channels his suffering into spiritual creativity, teaching us how to transform challenges into strength.

Faith and Inner Strength: The text emphasizes that unwavering faith can empower the mind to overcome both physical and psychological limitations.

Courage and Determination: Hanuman is portrayed as the embodiment of fearlessness, inspiring individuals to confront obstacles with confidence.

Healing through Devotion: The verses remind us that mental peace, devotion, and positive energy contribute significantly to personal well-being and growth.

Thus, Sri Hanuman Bahuk is not only a devotional prayer but also a psychological and spiritual guide. It encourages resilience, positive thinking, inner healing, and a never-give-up attitude — qualities essential for personality development in every walk of life.

Through Dr. Shanti’s translation, Tamil readers will now have the privilege of accessing this profound text, which blends devotion with psychological insight, making it relevant for both spiritual seekers and modern individuals coping with stress, anxiety, or illness.

Unity of Culture and Literature : This translated volume also represents the unity of India’s cultural and linguistic traditions. Hindi and Tamil are two great streams of Indian literature, and by translating Tulsidas into Tamil, Dr. Shanti has woven these streams together into a single flow of devotion and wisdom. It is a reminder that while languages may differ, the spiritual values and personality ideals of Bharat remain universal. The title “Hanumarum Tulasidasarum” is therefore apt — it highlights not only the glory of Hanuman but also the genius of Tulsidas, who immortalized Hanuman through his words. Tamil readers will now encounter Hanuman not only as a mythological figure but as a living inspiration for personality development, strength, and humility.

On behalf of all admirers of Tulsidas and devotees of Hanuman, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to Dr. Shanti, Professor, Department of Hindi, Avinashilingam Institute for Home Science and Higher Education for Women, Deemed to be University, Coimbatore, for this remarkable contribution. Translation is not a mere linguistic exercise; it is an act of devotion, scholarship, and cultural service. By bringing Sundar Kand, Hanuman Chalisa, and Hanuman Bahuk into Tamil, Dr. Shanti has offered a sacred gift to Tamil readers, enabling them to connect with the power of Hanuman in their mother tongue.

This book is bound to inspire readers not only to recite and enjoy the poetry but also to apply its teachings in their personal and professional lives. In an age where people are constantly seeking strength, guidance, and positivity, this book will serve as a beacon of hope and transformation. I warmly congratulate the translator for her dedication and scholarly excellence, and I wish that this book reaches every household, every temple, and every heart that seeks inspiration from Hanuman and guidance from Tulsidas.

The three works of Goswami Tulsidas - Sundar Kand, Hanuman Chalisa, and Hanuman Bahuk - are more than devotional texts; they are manuals of personality development, life management, and spiritual growth. In the Tamil translation “Hanumarum Tulasidasarum”, Dr. Shanti has rendered these treasures accessible to a vast new audience.

This Preface celebrates both the greatness of Tulsidas and the devotion of Dr. Shanti. It praises Hanuman not only as a deity but as a guide for human development. It reminds us that courage, devotion, humility, and resilience are not ancient ideals alone, but timeless qualities we all must cultivate.

May this book inspire readers to face challenges with Hanuman’s courage, live with Ram’s values, and embody Goswamy Tulsidas’s devotion. May it become a source of light and strength in the journey of countless individuals. With sincere congratulations, admiration, and blessings, I commend this book to every seeker of wisdom, strength, and spiritual joy.