Naraharidas
was a reputed scholar, philosopher and storyteller (he gave discourses
on mythological stories of devotion). Once he came to Rajapur.
He stayed in the temple of Anjaneya. At the request of the people
he began a series of discourses on the Ramayana.
Tularam was
filled with pleasurable excitement. Discourses of this type, which
blended music and literature, were a feast to him. He used to
attend them every day without fail. Devotion to Rama lay like
a seed in his heart; as he listened to the discourses, it began
to sprout.
Every day
the boy sat right in front of Naraharidas and listened to the'
discourse with rapt attention. and also the boy joined the general
Bhajan, singing melodiously. Naraharidas grew interested in the
lad. He saw the boy's handsome looks, his delicate figure, large
eyes and prominent forehead, and the bright radiant face. He recognized
the mysterious power in the boy. He pitied him when be learnt
that he was an orphan. One day he asked the boy. "Will you
be my disciple?" Tularam touched his feet with reverence
and burst into tears.
Naraharidas
lifted him up and patted him on the back. From that day Tularam
became a disciple of Pandit Naraharidas. In one of his songs Tulasidas
has said of this incident, 'I got for my Master God Parameswara
Himself in human form.'
After his
discourses in Rajapur Naraharidas set out for another place. Tularam
bowed to Lord Anjaneya and followed his master.
Wherever Naraharidas went Tularam went with him. His duty was
to sing Ram Bhajan before and discourse began. He sang melodiously.
The whole day was spent in studies. The master taught him various
subjects like the Vedas, the Upanishads, philosophy, mythology
and languages - Sanskrit and Prakrit. Bhajans were held at night.
Thus they traveled far and wide for fourteen years and came to
Soro in Uttar Pradesh. By that time Tularam had mastered all subjects.
He was acquainted with the life of the people. He could sing much
better than his master. He could not only give discourses on the
Ramayana, but also compose poems. Naraharidas felt extremely happy
at his disciples,
accomplishments.
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