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Tulsi

 

Tulsi, Ocimum sanctum, belongs to the family of Labiatae. The

classical name, basilica, from which "basil" is derived,

means "royal or princely." Hindus know the plant as Tulasi and

Surasah in Sanskrit, and Tulsi in Hindi. Other commonly used names

are Haripriya, dear to Vishnu, and Bhutagni, destroyer of demons.

Tulsi is Divinity. It is regarded not merely as a utilitarian God-

send, as most sacred plants are viewed to be, but as an incarnation

of the Goddess Herself. Thus, when one bows before Tulsi, one bows

before the Goddess. Of course, denominations differ in their

approach. Generally, worshipers of Vishnu will envision Tulsi as

Lakshmi or Vrinda; devotees of Rama may view Tulsi as Sita; while

Krishna bhakti revere Her as Vrinda, Radha or Rukmani.

 

 

A plethora of Puranic legends and village stories relate how Tulsi

came to grow and be worshiped on Earth. The classic Hindu myth,

Samudramathana, the "Churning of the Cosmic Ocean," explains that

Vishnu spawned Tulsi from the turbulent seas as a vital aid for all

mankind. More common are legends that describe how the Goddess

Herself came to reside on Earth as Tulsi. A complex legend in Orissa

views the plant as the fourth incarnation of the Goddess who

appeared as Tulsi at the beginning of our present age, the Kali

yuga. The tale continues with intrigue and deception among the Gods,

typical of the Puranic stories, culminating in Vishnu's transforming

the Goddess Tulsi into a basil bush to be worshiped morning and

evening by men and women in every household in the world.

 

The Tulsi is the most sacred. In Sanskrit that which is incomparable

is called Tulasi. Impressed by her devotion and adherence to

righteousness, Tulasi the wife of a celestial being was blessed by

Lord Krishna that she would be worshipped by all, offerings would be

incomplete without the offering of Tulasi. She also symbolises

Goddess Lakshmi. Those who wish a righteous life also worship

Tulasi. It symbolises,

 

1)Kalyani - Normally poisonous snakes and mosquito's do not come

close to it due to some smell that it emits. That explains why it is

a must in every house. The leaves as well roots are a cure for

several diseases like malaria, cold, fever. The wood of this plant

is used for Mala, i.e. a rosary for worship of Lord Vishnu and when

worn in the neck it prevents diseases of the throat.

 

 

2) Vishnu Priye - Tulsi has been described as the beloved of Lord

Vishnu since he is the creator and Tulsi helps the health of human

beings and animals, prevents soil erosion.

 

3) Moksa - prade - By keeping the body healthy, it keeps the mind

healthy and free of worries enabling us to concentrate on worship of

the Ultimate Reality in comfort.

 

Tulsi, along with all other species of basil, possesses remarkable

physical and spiritually healing properties, as author Stephen P.

Huyler summarizes, "Aside from its religious merits, Tulsi has been

praised in Indian scriptures and lore since the time of the early

Vedas as an herb that cures blood and skin diseases. Ancient

treatises extol it as an antidote for poisons, a curative for kidney

disease and arthritis, a preventative for mosquito and insect bites,

and a purifier of polluted air. Generally prepared in medicinal teas

and poultices, Tulsi's widespread contemporary use in India as an

aid to internal and external organs suggests these traditions are

based upon practical efficacy." One finds descriptions of basil's

health benefits in any of the books on herbs and Ayurveda readily

available today.

 

Tulsi is also extensively used to maintain ritual purity, to purify

if polluted and to ward off evil. A leaf is kept in the mouth of the

dying to insure passage to heavenly realms. During an eclipse,

leaves are ingested and also placed in cooked food and stored water

to ward off psychic pollution. Funeral pyres often contain Tulsi

wood to protect the spirit of the dead--as Bhutagni, destroyer of

demons. Tulsi leaves and sprigs are hung in the entryways of homes

to keep away troublesome spirits, and the mere presence of the Tulsi

shrine is said to keep the entire home pure, peaceful and

harmonious.

Tulsi Bead Malas are used in worship of Lord Vishnu and Lord

Krishna

 

Source: http://www.rudraksha-ratna.com/dispCategory.php?catId=21

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