The greatness of the Thulasi plant

 

#Know your dharma

#Greatness of Thulasi

Thulasi has a very special place in Hinduism especially in the Vishnu puja. Thulasi is considered a reincarnation of Goddess Lakshmi and hence revered.

Every part of the Thulasi plant is revered and considered sacred. The leaf, stem and roots and even the soil near the roots are precious and are preferred by the Gods. It is said that even if you don’t get Thulasi plant, chanting the name can beget great benefits.

“Thulyaam Syathi ithi Tulasi“ — another meaning for Syathi is to reach. Placing Tulasi leaves in God’s divine heart reaches Him and becomes equal to Him.   “Thu“ refers to fade or whither, whereas “Lasathi“ refers to glitter with radiation.

The servants of Yama do not come to his house in the vicinity of which there is a grove of Tulsi (where that plant is worshipped daily). That house is as sacred as a pilgrim centre.”       (Skanda Purana)

Lord Mahadeva says to Kartikeya, “Of all the leaves and flowers, the auspicious Tulsi is the best. In the Kaliyuga, Tulsi burns one’s sins, and gives one (takes one to) heaven and salvation on (by) worshipping it, narrating (its account), meditating upon it, planting it and putting its leaves on one’s person). He who teaches about it and practices it, goes to the highest place, viz. Vishnu’s abode.”

(The Padma Purana, Srishti Khanda: 58.131-132)

Apart from religious significance Tulsi has many medicinal benefits.

It is a natural air purifier and provides a clean environment. Regular consumption helps in reducing blood pressure and anger control. It also freshens the mouth and gums and provides relief from lethargy. Thulasi is considered an anti oxidant and is used as a blood purifier. Thulasi extract is given to children to relieve common ailments.

Taking Thulasi juice or masticating the leaves is believed to relieve stomach ailments and anaemia.

The leaves can be offered to God even if faded or withered, and their greatness will not diminish. It is said that people should not pick the leaves on Tuesdays, Fridays, Amavasya and forefathers’ ceremony days, but they can be collected the previous day and used the next day.

 Thulasi Vivah is done in the ShuklaPaksha dwadasi of the Karthik month in many parts of the country. This is supposed to be a marriage between Vishnu and Thulasi and is done with a saligram and thulasi leaves. It is believed to help childless couples, provide fruition for marriage plans and also bring prosperity to the family.

 

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