("To Rama, a
series of poetry") Tulsidas (1532–1623?) wrote a collection of 330 short
poems devoted to the deity Rama in the Braj Bhasha language of Hindi.
Tulsidas' Ramavali is one of his longest surviving
compositions, just slightly shorter than the Ramcharitmanas.
The Ramavali's seven portions correspond to the Ramayana's
framework, however different sections get uneven attention.
Tulsidas devotes the most emphasis to Rama's youth, painting
lyrical visions of Rama's celestial play as a youngster (lila).
Tulsidas definitely takes from religious poetry to the deity
Krishna, which is full with such childhood imagery.
However, the Ramavali depiction of Rama de downplays
Krishna's mischievous traits in favor of emphasizing Rama's typically softer
demeanor and the devotee's (bhakta) peaceful joy in sharing his heavenly
presence.
