Why do we worship tulsi?

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Either in the front, back or central courtyard of most Indian homes there is a

tulsi-matham an altar bearing a tulsi plant. In the present day apartments too,

many maintain a potted tulsi plant. The lady of the house lights a lamp, waters

the plant, worships and cirumambulayes it. The stem, leaves, seeds, and even the

soil, which provides it a base are considered holy. A tulsi leaf is always

placed in the food offered to the Lord. It is also offered to the Lord during

poojas especially to Lord Vishnu and His incarnations.

 

In Sanskrit, tulanaa naasti athaiva tulsi - that which is incomparable (in its

qualities) is the tulsi. For Hindus, it is one of the most sacred plants. In

fact it is known to be the only thing used in worship which, once used, can be

washed and reused in pooja - as it is regarded so self-purifying.

 

As one story goes, Tulsi was the devoted wife of Shankhachuda, celestial being.

She believed that Lord Krishna tricked her into sinning. So she cursed Him to

become a stone (shaaligraama). Seeing her devotion and adherence to

righteousness, the Lord blessed her saying that she would become the worshipped

plant, tulsi that would adorn His head. Also that all offerings would be

incomplete without the tulsi leaf - hence the worship of tulsi.

 

She also symbolises Goddess Lakshmi, the consort of Lord Vishnu. Those who wish

to be righteous and have a happy family worship the tulsi. Tulsi is married to

the Lord with all pomp and how as in any wedding. This is because according to

another legend, the Lord blessed her to be His consort.

 

Satyabhama once weighed Lord Krishna against all her legendary wealth. The

scales did not balance till a single tulsi leaf was placed along with the wealth

on the scale by Rukmini with devotion. Thus the tulsi played the vital role of

demonstrating to the world that even a small object offered with devotion means

more to the Lord than all the wealth in the world.

 

The tulsi leaf has great medicinal value and is used to cure various ailments,

including the common cold.