Gradually the number of followers of Tulasidas grew enormously.
Poets like Nabhadas, Pranachand Chowhan, Hridayararn and Agradas
became his disciples, too. Inspired by his preachings and ideal
life they devoted themselves to the task of spreading the cult
of Rama Bhakti.
Once Tulasidas
came to Mathura, the centre of Krishna's devotees. Goswami went
to the temple of Krishna. He was greeted and welcomed warmly by
the holy men there. They said to him, "Sir, we believe that
you are a matchless devotee of Sri Rama. Is it true you never
sing of any Gods other than Sri Rama?"
Tulasidas
said, "No. It is not so. In fact Sri Rama is Sri Krishna."
And then he composed on the spot a song on Sri Krishna and sang
it. Though it was on Sri Krishna, the attributes were those of
Sri Rama. The saints and sages gathered there were highly pleased.
It is said that a miracle took place. Even as Tulasidas's song
ended the idol of Sri Krishna (with a flute in his hand) in the
inner shrine appeared as the idol of Sri Rama holding a bow in
his hand.
People who
witnessed this sight stood amazed. They were full of praise for
Tulasidas who showed that Sri Rama and Sri Krishna were one.
After this
Tulasidas composed his 'Krishna Geetavali'. Goswami Tulasidas
had visited all the holy places. He spent his last days in Kashi.
It is said that in his last days he suffered from pain in the
arms. Having lived a fruitful and saintly life of 136 years Tulasidas
passed away in 1680 of the Vikrama Era (i.e. 1623 A. D.) in Asighat
of Kashi.
Scholars say
that Goswami Tulasidas has written 37 books. But only 12 of them
have survived.
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