The original copy of Ramcharitmanas by Tulsidas still exists and is believed to be preserved at Tulsi Manas Mandir in this Indian city

Varanasi is among the oldest inhabited cities in the world which hides secrets which are waiting to be discovered. The city is a living spiritual archive of India’s civilisational memory. Among its countless temples and ghats, there is a site of exceptional literary and devotional importance, Tulsi Manas Mandir. While there are many temples in the city, this particular sacred site stands special because of its connection with Goswami Tulsidas Ramcharitmanas. It is among the most influential religious texts in Indian history.Let’s find out more about Tulsi Manas Mandir Tulsi Manas Mandir Tulsi Manas Mandir is said to be built on the same spot where Tulsidas, a Vaishnava Hindu saint, devotee and poet, renowned for his devotion to the deity Rama, composed the Ramcharitmanas in the 16th century. He is also known for writing the sacred Hanuman Chalisa. The book is written in Awadhi language and retells the Indian epic, the Ramayana in a more common language. The book continues to shape Indian social values even today.The original script of RamcharitmanasWhat makes the temple special is the belief that the original manuscript of the Ramcharitmanas is preserved here at this very site. Fascinating, right? The access to the manuscript is restricted. It is governed by traditional custodianship. For devotees, the temple represents the physical connection between sacred word and sacred space.Recently, a video went viral where an old pandit is seen showing the original manuscript of the sacred book to some people. The video shows the old man taking the book out of a heavy locker and keeping it on a table top. He then starts unfolding many yellow and red clothes wrapped around the book, finally revealing the sacred text. The video went viral soon after being shared and a number of people started commenting on it.The temple, built in white marble, was constructed in the 20th century. The walls are engraved with verses from the Ramcharitmanas. The devotees can read the epic as they walk through the temple. The temple is an open scripture, where devotion unfolds not only through prayer but through reading.Location of the temple The temple is situated in proximity to Assi Ghat. It is a place which is closely associated with Tulsidas. The ghat is said to be where Tulsidas spent a significant part of his life in meditation. People visit here to attend Ramkatha sessions, and devotional singing. In an age where ancient texts are often confined to libraries, Tulsi Manas Mandir stands out as a rare place where scripture continues to live and breathe. The temple reminds visitors that the Ramcharitmanas was never meant to be a distant holy book, but a guide for righteous living. So calling this temple the soul of Varanasi won’t be incorrect.