Indian culture has many traditions that date back further than most people know. To this very day, they are a part of our everyday lives, and they continue to affect our lifestyles. It’s often the case of living with one foot in the past and one foot in the present. However, it is so important to know what sets Indian culture apart from others and why we do what we do.
One habit that is deeply steeped in Indian tradition is worshipping the Tulsi plant. We’ve seen our grandmothers and mothers do it, day in and day out but do you know why it is done?
The answer to this too is immersed in Indian mythology and still inspires awe among people.
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• What is the Holy Basil or Tulsi Plant?
The Tulsi plant, also known as Holy Basil, is a sacred herb in Indian culture and a highly revered symbol in Hinduism. Scientifically called Ocimum sanctum, Tulsi is believed to be the earthly manifestation of Goddess Lakshmi and is worshiped for its spiritual, medicinal, and environmental benefits.
Tulsi holds a central role in Hindu rituals, particularly those associated with Lord Vishnu and Krishna. Known for its potent healing properties, it is widely used in Ayurveda to treat ailments and purify the air, symbolizing health, prosperity, and divine protection.
This is just a little bit about the Holy Basil plant. But do you know why it is believed to be so powerful and why it is worshipped everywhere in India? Let's get into it!
• Tulsi Plant Importance
In Indian culture, the Tulsi plant (Holy Basil) holds deep spiritual and religious significance. Here are five reasons why it is worshiped:
1. Spiritual Symbolism
Tulsi is considered the earthly manifestation of Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity. Worshiping Tulsi is believed to bring blessings of health, wealth, and peace into the home.
2. Religious Rituals
Tulsi is essential in Hindu rituals and offerings. The leaves are used in worship, particularly for offerings to Lord Vishnu and Krishna, as it is believed to purify the offering and sanctify the prayers.
3. Health Benefits
Known for its medicinal properties in Ayurveda, Tulsi is revered for its ability to heal. Worshiping the plant symbolizes respect for nature's healing powers and the plant’s role in promoting physical well-being.
4. Environmental Importance
Tulsi is considered an air purifier, and its presence in homes is believed to bring a fresh and healthy atmosphere. Worshiping the plant highlights respect for nature and the environment.
5. Symbol of Devotion and Protection
Tulsi is thought to protect the home from negative energies and evil forces. Devotees worship the plant to seek divine protection and maintain positive energy in their surroundings.
• Mythological Associations: Why We Worship Tulsi Plants
1. A Physical Form of Goddesses
The Tulsi is the most sacred plant that we worship because of its connection to Lord Vishnu. Also known as the Tulsi, the plant is believed to be the earthly form of the goddess Tulsi who was a devoted worshipper of Lord Krishna. As he is one of the most important deity in the Indian pantheon of gods, the Tulsi too shares this significance.
Another Goddess, Lakshmi, is also closely associated with the Tulsi plant, and it is said that for those who wish to have a prosperous and peaceful life, this plant is an absolute must in the household.
2. Associations with Lord Krishna
But there isn’t just one kind of Tulsi, there actually are two; the lighter Rama Tulsi and the slightly darker Shyama Tulsi. It is the Shyama Tulsi, with its dark purplish leaves that is more closely associated with Krishna as the leaves are said to resemble his complexion.
3. Gateway Between Heaven and Earth
In ancient scriptures, the Tulsi is regarded as a gateway between heaven and earth. A holy prayer describes the Tulsi as having the supreme creator Brahma in its branches, the sacred Hindu scripture called the Vedas in its lower branches, all other deities in its stem and the Ganges running through its roots along with the center of all Hindu pilgrimage.
This vivid description makes you understand the significance that this plant holds in the hearts and minds of its devotees. The images speak of thousands of years of history and legacy upon which modern traditions have been built.
• Where to Keep Tulsi Plant at Home According to Vastu
According to Vastu Shastra, the Tulsi plant should be placed in the north, northeast, or east direction of the house for maximum positive energy. These directions are believed to promote spiritual growth and harmony. Keeping Tulsi in the courtyard or near a window where it gets ample sunlight is ideal, as it enhances health, prosperity, and peace in the home.
Keeping all this in mind it makes sense that the person who takes care of a Tulsi plant at home is duly rewarded. That person is said to gain moksha or salvation because of the care that they have shown towards the Tulsi. Finally, the Tulsi is also widely known for its medicinal values and is the core ingredient of many traditional healing methods.
