Author: Sweety Vyas
Tulsi is considered by Indians as a sacred plant. This plant is revered and worshiped in
traditional Indian households. It also has many medicinal properties. This plant is also called
“elixir of life.”
Tulsi (in the form of a plant) is very dear to Lord Krishna (Vishnu). If one wants to progress in
devotion, one should worship Tulsi. According to the Skanda Purana – “Tulsi is auspicious in all
respects. Simply by seeing, touching, remembering, praying to, bowing before, hearing about or
sowing this tree, there is always auspiciousness. Anyone who comes in touch with the Tulsi tree
in the above-mentioned ways lives eternally in the Vaikuntha world.”
There is an interesting story about Tulsi. It is said that once Lord Krishna held a religious
practice of weighing a person. He sat on one of the pans of the balance beam and on the other
side, gold ornaments were placed. The ornaments belonged to his queen Satyabhama. Lord
Krishna’s side was heavier. However, when his second queen, Rukmini placed a single Tulsi leaf
on the other side, the balance was titled. Lord Krishna regarded the Tulsi plant as superior,
hence that side was heavier.
According to a famous legend, Tulsi was a dedicated and pious wife to Shankhachuda, who was
a terrible demon. He greatly troubled the gods. His source of strength was his devoted and
chaste wife. Lord Vishnu wanted the demon’s strength weakened. So, he tricked
Shankhachuda’s wife by assuming the form of her husband. Her chastity was broken
momentarily and Shankhachuda was then killed. When Tulsi realized that she had been tricked,
she cursed Lord Vishnu to turn into a black stone, popularly known as Saligrama. Eventually,
filled with remorse because she had cursed Lord Vishnu, Tulsi begged for forgiveness. Lord
Vishnu was very pleased with her righteous behavior and devotion. He blessed her with the
boon, that she would always be blessed and worshipped. Without the offering of Tulsi,
offerings to Him would be incomplete.
There are many benefits of the Tulsi plant:
· Reduces stress, helps to lower cholesterol and aid digestion.
· Supports the heart and blood vessels.
· Controls blood sugar and blood pressure.
· Treats common cold, vomiting and ulcers.
· Treats kidney stones.
· Fights acne.
· Rich in Calcium, Magnesium, Iron, Vitamins A &C.
· Used to treat throat infections, skin diseases and earache.
· In Ayurveda, Tulsi plants are used to cure many diseases.
Some people wear necklaces made out of Tulsi beads. It promotes spiritual growth and physical
well-being. It protects against negative energies. Devotion to Lord Krishna (Vishnu) is enhanced
and it brings peace and mental well-being.
References:
Hindu Rites and Rituals by K.V.Singh
https://www.santhionlineplants.com/
