Knowledge on sacred plant- "तुलसी"

Basic about Tulsi(तुलसी)-

Every Indian family especially by Brahmins and Vaishnavas are familiar with Tulsi [तुलसी] or Tulasi plant and its religious and medicinal purpose. Its scientific name is "Ocimum tenuiflorum" and is worshiped by many people in India as it is considered as sacred plant due to its various positive aspects associated with it. The offering of its leaves is mandatory in ritualistic worship of Vishnu and his forms like Krishna.

Tulsi (तुलसी) is often placed in the center of the house and is properly maintained and kept seprate from dirt and unhygienic things. Indian family generally consider that the plant should be worshiped twice a day i.e. one in the morning and other in the evening with lamp[दीया] and candlestick[ मोमबत्ती]. 

It has various other medicinal benefits and is considered as ayurvedic medicines for fight against bacteria and other health issues. Generally, people preferred keeping Tulsi (तुलसी) at a certain height above the ground level so that it remains un-rebutted and free from dirt.

Types of Tulsi (तुलसी) plant

Type-1: - In Hindu mythology Tulsi is known as Vaishnavi, Vishnu Tulsi, Haripriya. The tulsi with green leaves is known as Shri Tulsi where "shri" is synonym for Lakshmi. This variety also known as Rama Tulsi ( as shown above). 

Type-2: -The Tulsi with dark green or purple leaves and purple stem is called Shyama Tulsi or Krishna Tulsi.  

Shyama-Tulsi with Purple leaves and Purple stems

Some forgotten facts about Tulsi (तुलसी) plant

Traditionally the daily worship and care of the plant is responsibility of women and therefore it is 

also known as women deity(goddess).Tuesday and Friday are considered to be most sacred for 

worship. 

Tulsi malas are considered to be auspicious for the wearer and believed to connect him 

with Vishnu or Krishna. They are worn as necklace or garland or held in hand and used as rosary. 

Tulsi great connection with Vaishnavas is communicated with the fact that Vaishnavas are known 

as those who bear tulsi round the neck. Some pilgrimage carry tulsi throughout there way to Dwarka

which is one of the seven most sacred Hindu cities.  

Tulsi (तुलसी)Importance in Hindu Culture

Every part of the plant is considered as sacred. Even the soil around the plant is holy. The Padma Purana declare a person who is cremated with Tulsi twigs in  his funeral gains moksha and place in Vishnu vaikuntha.

If a Tulsi stick is used to burn a lamp for Vishnu. it is like offering the gods lakhs of lamps. If one makes paste of dried tulsi wood( from the plant that dried naturally) and smears it over his body and worship Vishnu, it is worth several ordinary pujas and lakhs of Gow-Daan (Donation of cows).

Water mixed with tulsi leaves is given to dying to raise their departing soul to heaven.

  

Pre &  Post cautions-> Things to Avoid

1. It is taboo to urinate, excrete or throw waste water near the plant.

2. Uprooting and cutting branches of the plant is prohibited.

3. When the plant withers, the dry plant is immersed in a water body with due religious rites as is the custom for broken divine images, which are unworthy for worship.

4. Though Tulsi leaves are necessary for Hindu worship, there are strict rules for it. A prayer of forgiveness may also be offered to Tulsi before the act