Tulsi - The Incomparable Elixir

For thousands of years, Indian culture has cherished the blessings of nature. Most festivals included worship of trees like Neem, Peepul, Banyan as well as herbs like Tulsi.

- Dr Arun Madhavan

Tulsi occupies an honoured and important position in a Hindu household and is reared with total reverence and care. The housewife has a daily routine of performing puja to the plant. “I bow down to the tulsi, at whose base are all the holy places, at whose top reside all the deities and in whose middle are all the Vedas.” She pours holy water in the soil supporting the plant, joins her hands in obeisance and prays for the well being of the family. The worship is continued in the evening with a small lamp lit before the plant.

Mythology

In Sanskrit, tulanaena naasti athaiva tulasi that which is incomparable in its qualities, is the Tulsi. In fact, it is known to be the only plant which, once used in worship, can be washed and reused in pooja. It is regarded as being self-purifying.

As one story goes, Tulsi was the devoted wife of Shankhachuda, a celestial being, She believed that Lord Krishna tricked her into sinning, so she cursed Him to become a stone (shaaligraama). Acknowledging her steadfast devotion and adherence to righteousness, the Lord blessed her to be the worshipped plant, that would adorn his head. Those who wish to be righteous and have a happy family life should worship the Tulsi.