Astonishing Facts About Tulsi Plant You Should Know

Wondering why Tulsi plant is in every Hindu house? Why tulsi is considered gateway to heaven? What are the benefits of keeping Tulsi plant at home?

Namaste!

Welcome back our ardent readers! lets read on another engrossing blog of www.onindianpath.com about Tulsi plant.

Introduction

Tulsi, Tulasi or Vrinda are different name of this sacred Hindu plant. Tulasi is a Hindi word derived from tula means to scale or balance. Although, its religious and literal meaning is immeasurable. Scientifically, it is known as Ocimum tenuiflorum.

Significance of Tulsi

Apparently, tulsi holds many medicinal properties and even gives out oxygen for a longer time period. It holds utmost importance in Hinduism.

Above all, tulsi is called sarwapriya (favourite) to Lord Vishnu. Religiously said, it is believed that Lord Vishnu’s bhog is incomplete if tulsi is not offered.

Hindus pray tulsi for peace and prosperity. Vaishanities (followers of Lord Vishnu) wear tulsi mala (garland made of tulsi beads) to stay connected to their deity and niyams of Hinduism.

What holy texts say about Tulsi?

Ancient texts suggest that worshipping tulsi leads you to moksha (salvation). Worship of tulsi will make you free from the circle of birth, death and rebirth.

Vedas called it vaishnavi (beloved of Lord Vishnu). Green leaf tulsi is called shri- tulsi amd Rama Tulsi at many places of India. There are many other forms like shyama tulsi, vana tulsi and kapoor tulsi as per their colour and features.

Devi Bhagwat Purana says that tulsi is reincarnation of goddess lakshmi. Once, there was a king name Vrishadvaja. He was a devotee of Lord Shiva. King made it a rule on Earth to worship only Lord Shiva. Agitated Lord Surya (Sun) cursed him and his clan to live without Lakshmi forever. Later, his grand children worshipped Goddess Lakshmi to gain her fervor.

Thenafter, Goddess Lakshmi rewarded their tapasya by being born as their daughter tulsi. Royal Princess tulsi left behind all her royalties and comforts and moved to Badrinath (a hindu pilgrimage).There, she performed penance to become the wife of Lord Vishnu.

As a result, Lord Brahma was happy with her penance and told her to marry Shankhachuda before marrying Lord Vishnu.

What Shiva Purana says?

As per Shiv Purana, Shankhachuda is also called Jalandhar. He was a demon born out of sweat drop from Lord Shiva. Tulsi is also known as Vrinda.

Tulsi married Shankhchuda and started living her life peacefuly. She used to worship Lord Vishnu with pure devotion and dedication.

Shankhachuda decided to conquered all the three lokas. Hence, he started fighting with all the Deva and Ganas. And, he was blessed with Vishnukawach, a protection rewarded by Lord Vishnu where no can slay him. Only way to kill him was to disturb the wifehood of Tulsi.

Tulsi was pious lady and fully devoted to her husband. This power of wifehood was real power to her husband.

Thus, Lord Vishnu took the form of Shankhchuda and went to Tulsi. Soon, she realised it was a conspiracy. As a result, she cursed Lord Vishnu to take a form of a stone.

Immidiately, Lord Vishnu realised and asked her forgiveness. Lord blessed Vrinda to be his wife for eternal times. Whenever he will be worshipped as shaligram, Tulsi would always be his wife.

How Kartik Mas is associated to Tulsi?

Kartik mass is devoted to Lord Vishnu. Hence, tulsi is worshipped in each and every Hindu household.

Thus, Kartik mas is a month to worship tulsi with utmost respect and homage. Namely, women perform all the rituals early morning each day of the month. Firstly, they wake up early to take a cold water shower. Secondly, they sing hymn and bhajans in group at the temple and at courtyard of their homes. Thirdly, they offer bhog and light a diya to the sacred plant. Lastly, they sing aarti (morning and evening) and went back to their daily schedule. Also, they observe fast for all the 30 days in Kartik mas.

How to Worship Tulsi?

All the Hindus always place tulsi at the height to show respect. Although, modernisation and small living space has reduced the placement of tulsi from Aangan (central courtyard) to balconies and corners of the house.

During the puja, worshipping tulsi includes offering clean water to the holy plant. Then after, devotee light a diya. People also offer garland of flowers to the tulsi. Last but not the least, people also do parikarma (circumambulate) around this holy plant to take the blessings.

Hindu followers do celebrate tulsi vivah with great enthusiasm and joy. Subsequently, tulsi vivah is observed between Prabodhini Ekadashi and kartik purnima (full moon) in the kartik mas of Hindu panchang.

Specifically, Tulsi vivah is a saat phere (wedding) ritual between Tulsi and Shaligram(black stone form of Shri hari Vishnu). From Vishnu purana, we come to know that Shaligram is a stone form of lord Vishnu. Many people donate clothes, ornaments, eatables and suhaag items to brahmins in tulsi vivah.

Don’t miss the astonishing benefits

Indeed, tulsi has many perks we can’t miss. Tulsi’s consumption improves our physical, mental and emotional health. We are listing down the gains of consuming tulsi.

As per Vastu Shastra, Tulsi eliminates vastu dosha in the house. The presence of tulsi in house eradicates evils and negativity.

Small version of tulsi in silver and gold is available online and offline. You can keep it in North East corner of your house to attract cordial family relations and prosperity.

And, consumption in form of tulsi drops, tulsi seeds, tulsi oil and tulsi leaves is highly prevalent and appreciating all around the world. These days, there are many vendors and companies selling Tulsi products online and offline.

a) Tulsi as Immunity Booster

Covid times have taught us the importance of immunity. No one can deny the fact that Tulsi ka kadha worked wonders for us during Covid times. Further, tulsi has ursolic acid as main component. Also, this makes tulsi an anti-inflammatory and anti-viral.

Besides, tulsi tea and tulsi kadha are major immunity boosters.

b) Tulsi as Stress Buster

In addition, tulsi is a strong adaptogenic herb that reduces stress levels. Also, it controls cortisol level and boost energy.

c) Tulsi for Skin

As, I mentioned above that tulsi has ursolic acid which maintains skin elasticity. So, consuming tulsi leaves regularly can also promotes skin healing.

Studies have proved that tulsi also prevents and cure skin cancer. Indian use tulsi for facepacks and healing wounds too.

d) Tulsi Reduces the Risk of Cancer

Drinking tulsi water daily reduces the risk of cancer. Similarly, Tulsi also helps in withdrawing smoking habits.

e) Tulsi for Heart Health

Likewise, tulsi is very good for heart health. Regular consumption maintains cardovascular health, lowers cholesterol, blood pressure and lipids. In the same way ursolic acid helps in reducing risk of Cardiac problems.

f) Tulsi for Liver and Kidney

Detoxifying nature of tulsi makes it a big yes for liver and kidney health. However, it prevents kidney stone and also flushes out excess uric acid from blood.

g) Tulsi for Diabetes

Contemporary times have shown us increasing figures in diabetes patients world wide. More to it, consumption of tulsi leaves and drops have shown drastic improvements in heart patients. Effective Insulin metabolism and normal blood sugar can be achive with this magical herb of nature.

h) Tulsi for Hair Health

Oil extracted form tulsi, which is a great source of nourishment for hair follicles and tresses.

i) Tulsi for Depression and Anxiety

Scholars have proved that ursolic acid in tulsi helps in treating anxiety and depression. Above all, tulsi consumption elevates mood, relieve depression and also reduces Parkinson disease related stress symptoms.

j) Tulsi for Lungs

Indians have tendency of giving tulsi leaves and kadha to kids suffering from cold and cough. Even, I also consumed tulsi shots for respiratory health during my childhood.

Precautions

• Never excrete or urinate near the sacred plant.
• You should never throw dirty or impure water on tulsi plant.
• Never pluck its leaves on Sundays, Ekadashis and Dwadash tithi.
• Do not chew tulsi with your teeth, as it contains mercury which can harm the enamel of your teeth. Swallowing is always advised.
• When this sacred plant dwindle, the dry plant should be plunged in water just like broken idols.

Conclusion

Now, you know innumerable benefits of applying and consuming Tulsi. That is why Hindus worship this holy plant. Our ancestors knew all the benefits long before science proved it. Have a blessed day ahead.

About Author