Thulasi the Divine & Sacred Plant (Glory - Significance & Merits)

Thulasi in brief...
Thulasi the divine plant is a house hold name among Hindus regarded as
the ultimate symbol of purity. Thulasi is a Sanskrit word literally means
the one that has no equals, the one which has no comparison, matchless,
and the one whose merits are invaluable. Thulasi is considered as very
sacred and divine plant that has both physical and spiritually healing
properties. It is worshipped as a Deity in Hindu religion since time
immemorial. In olden days presence of Thulasi in a house was considered
as a symbol of religious and spiritual bent of that family.
Thulasi in Legends...

Glory of Thulasi is mentioned in several Puranas like Padma Purana,

Brahma Vaivartha Purana, Skandha Purana, Garuda Purana, Kartheeka
Purana and Vishnu Dharmottara Purana etc... As per Padma Purana it is
said that Thulasi came out from the joyous tears of Lord Sri Maha Vishnu
that fell on the Divine Nectar (Amrutha) that emerged out during Ksheera
Sagara Madhanam.
As per the popular legend, Thulasi also known as Brinda was the
daughter of King Dharmadhwaja, married to Jalandhara the demon king
dwelling on the ocean. Jalandhara was said to have born out of the
fierce energy released from the eyes of Lord Shiva that fell into the ocean
(Jala). Hence, he was named as Jalandhara. By virtue of his severe
austerities Jalandhara had received boon from Lord Vishnu that he would
be invincible as long as his wife is chaste and virtuous. In turn Brinda the
wife of Jalandhara was a great devotee of Lord Sri Maha Vishnu and was
known for her virtues and chastity.This has added further strength to
Jalandhara who took advantage of his invincibility and started harassing
virtue people and Deities and committing atrocities against them. Even
Lord Shiva could not defeat him.
Ultimately Lord Sri Maha Vishnu in order to eliminate Jalandhara and to
save the Deities and Virtuous from the atrocities of Jalandhara had to
play a trick. He comes to Brinda in the guise of her husband Jalandhara
when he was away in the battle field and spends time with her intimately.
Due to this action Brinda loses her chastity and incidentally Jalandhara
loses his invincibility and gets killed by Lord Shiva. Hearing the death of
her husband, Brinda realises the trick played on her and Curses Lord
Maha Vishnu to become a stone and commits her self Sati.
Admiring her virtues and devotion, Lord Vishnu blessed her with
immortality and made her adorable universally. Same Brinda became the
immortal Thulasi the divine plant, a symbol of purity and dear to Lord
Vishnu adorning him always. Lord Vishnu by virtue of the curse given by
Brinda took the form of a stone called Salagrama Sila in the river Gandaki
which is considered as very sacred and celestial and worshipped as a
symbol of Lord Vishnu.
Religious and Spiritual significance (Merits)
Entire Thulasi plant, leaves, flowers, stems, roots, seeds and even the
Mrittika (clay of Thulasi roots) are all full of religious, spiritual and
medicinal significance. Thulasi is also called as Viswavandhya; Brunda;

Pushparasa; Krishna Jeevani; Nandini; Viswapavani, Viswapoojitha; and

Brundavani. Thulasi is believed to be Lakshmi Swaroopam symbolizing
Goddess Lakshmi and is beloved to Lord Vishnu. It is said that where
Thulasi is, there Lord Vishnu resides and such place is considered as a
Theertha (sacred place).

It is not just a sacred plant to be worshiped. It is considered as an

incarnation of Goddess Herself and is called as Thulasi Devi. Following
sloka indicates the spiritual significance of Thulasi.
Yanmoole Sarva Teerthani Yanmadhye Sarva Devata
Yadagre Sarva Vedascha Tulasee Tvaam Namamyaham
That means all sacred Theerthas reside in the roots, all the Deities reside
in the middle, and all the Vedas occupy the top portion, the tip of the
Thulasi plant and I am offering my obeisance and salutations to such
sacred plant.
It is further said that the Trinal Lords Brahma resides in the apex of
Thulasi, Vishnu in the middle and Shiva in its roots and Asta Dighpalakas
in its branches. It is believed that Goddess Gayathri, Lakshmi,
Saraswathi, and Sachi Devi always reside in Thulasis flowering springs.
Thulasi is compulsory and a must in the worship of Lord Vishnu who gets
very much pleased when He is worshipped with Thulasi. In Vaishnava
sampradaya Thulasi is extensively used and no religious ceremony or
ritual is complete without Thulasi. Worship of Lord Maha Vishnu is
incomplete without adding Thulasi leaves. We find Lord Vishnu always

adorned with Thulasi garland. Thulasi is a must in any religious ceremony

including performing sacred rites to fore fathers. Dried Thulasi stems are
also used while performing Homas.
As per Brahma Vaivartha Purana it is said that as soon as one gets up
from the bed one should have the darshan of Thulasi plant which is
equivalent to having darshan of all the sacred Theerthas in three worlds
and also equivalent to having darshan of Lord Sri Lakshmi Narayana. One
will get absolved from sins with the darshan and pradakshina of Thulasi
plant. We find people worshipping Thulasi with the following sloka as soon
as they get up from the bed.
NamasThulasi Kalyani Namoh VishnuPriye Subhe
Namo MokshaPradhe Devi Namah Sampathpradayine
Even growing, touching, watering, transplanting and fostering of Thulasi
plant is said to be highly auspicious and meritorious. Lord Sri
Maha Vishnu always resides where there is Thulasi, Lotus and
Salagrama. It is believed that one who worships Lord Vishnu with Thulasi
will not take rebirth and will attain salvation. Worshiping Lord Vishnu with
Thulasi leaves helps one in getting cured of incurable diseases.
Sacred water (Theertha) given in temples by the priests is called Thulasi
theertham. It is a tradition and belief that we find people giving Thulasi
Theertham to the dying person in the last stages with a belief that the
soul would go to Heaven. We also find people adding Thulasi branches to
the funeral pyre with a belief to provide sanctity and spirituality to the
departed
soul.
One who dies in the vicinity of Thulasi will not go to Naraka Loka. It is
said that even Yama Doothas (messengers of Lord Yama) will not dare to
enter the house where Thulasi is present and worshiped. Even performing
sacred rites to forefathers in the shade of Thulasi plant is considered to
be very sacred and meritorious.
One who lites a lamp near Thulasi regularly during Sandhya kala (Sunrise
& Sunset) will have Vaikunta Prapthi. Lighting lamps with dried stems of
Thulasi
dipped
in
oil/ghee
is
highly
meritorious.
It is said that worshiping Thulasi is equivalent to taking bath in sacred
river Ganges and one will get Ganga Snana Phala. Taking bath in Ganges

River, having darshan of Narmada River and worshiping Thulasi are all
equal in merits.
In olden days and even to day in traditional Hindu families we find
women praying and circambulating the Thulasi plant, pouring water daily
in the morning and evening for the welfare and well being of her husband
and family.
While Thulasi is used in the worship of both Lord Vishnu as well as Lord
Shiva, one exception we find is that it is not prescribed in the worship of
Lord Ganapathi except on the day of Vinayaka Chaturthi.
Thulasi is a sattvik plant and it is said that by using Thulasi one will
improve his Sattvik nature. We find people wearing Thulasi Mala a chain
made out of Thulasi beads around their neck while performing Japa and
also during divine worship as a protection from getting negative thoughts
and evil influences.
While Thulasi as such can be given as charity, adding it to any other
charity will enhance the merits of such charity.
Medicinal Value of Thulasi
Thulasi plant in its entirety is extensively used in Ayurveda in curing
various diseases like allergy, skin infections, cold, cough and respiratory
infections, heart diseases, stomach disorders, sore throat, ear ache,
mouth infections, fever, head ache, sleeplessness.
It is said to be very effective in viral infections and malaria. In fact it is
suggested as a good remedy for Swine Flu. It is said that Thulasi is very
effective for controlling the Diabetes, kidney related disorders like kidney
stones. Thulasi decoction is also used as herbal tea.
Usage of Thulasi also helps in improving memory power. It is considered
as a very good Anti-Oxidant that prevents accumulation of bad
cholesterol and fights with free radicals in the body. Thulasi is believed to
be an antidote to Snake venom and other insect bites.
Thulasi is used liberally in the manufacture of shampoos preventing
dandruff, soaps and other beauty care products. Among various varieties

of Thulasi, Krishna Thulasi is considered to be full of medicinal value.

Karpoora Thulasi is used in the manufacture of herbal toiletry products.
Thulasi (Indian Basil) is now being tested for treating people exposed to
harmful radiations and initial tests are believed to have shown positive
results while it has to undergo further trails. Scientists at the Defence
Research and Development Organization (DRDO) have developed a
Thulasi based herbal medicine for treating people exposed to radiations.
According to scientists, Thulasi has anti-oxidant properties and can repair
cells damaged by exposure to radiation. Encouraging results have been
found
from
trails
conducted
on
animals.
Besides Thulasi, sea-buckthorn and podophyllum hexandrum were other
herbs chosen to develop medicines to not just treat those affected by
nuclear radiations but also as a precaution for those going for rescue
work in radiation affected areas. It is said that it is for first time in the
world Thulasi is being used for treating harmful effects of exposure to
radiation. It is hoped that these herbal medicines would be cost effective
and would be non-toxic as against the one that are currently being used.
Thulasi acts as an anti bacterial, anti septic, anti fungal, anti viral, anti
allergic and is considered as an immuno stimulant. Considered as the
Queen of herbs it is said that where Thulasi is, there welfare (Health) is.
Thulasi and Environment
Thulasi plant and its leaves with its unique and strong fragrance is said to
cleanse the environment and provide a healthy and peaceful atmosphere.
It is said that Thulasi plant always releases oxygen into the atmosphere.
It is considered to be effective to sleep in the sacred and healthy
ambience of Thulasi plant. It is believed that the presence of Thulasi will
ward off the evil spirits from entering the house. During an Eclipse we
find people placing Thulasi leaves in the stored water and food to prevent
the food and water from getting contaminated due to the pollution caused
by the Eclipse. In view of its potential properties to cleanse the
atmosphere Thulasi is liberally grown in industrial areas for prevention of
pollution. Fumigation with the dried Thulasi plant repels insects.
Thulasi - Dos and Donts...
Plucking of Thulasi is prohibited on the days of Dwadasi, Sravana star,
Pournami, Amavasya, Tuesday, Friday, during afternoon, evening, night,

during mourning days, days of Jataasoucham (birth time) and on the

days of Sun Transit (Sankramana).
Generally during mourning days it is said that one should not go nearer to
Thulasi plant. In such cases where Thulasi is required to be used for
worshiping on those specific days, it should be plucked on the previous
day.
Thulasi has so much of purity and sanctity that plucked Thulasi leaves can
be used for pooja even if they become dry. Only thing is, ensure that the
leaves have not become rotten.
Thulasi is a sacred plant and hence its surroundings also should be kept
clean always. They should be plucked only in the day time in the early
hours. While plucking Thulasi leaves it should be ensured that it is
plucked in pairs as a combination of four leaves called Thulasi Dala.
Single leaves should not be plucked. Thulasi Dalas should be plucked
after taking bath and with the right hand. They should not be plucked
with nails. They should be plucked with fingers by using index finger and
thumb.
At the time of plucking Thulasi leaves following sloka should be recited.
Thulasi AmruthaJanmani Sadatwaam Kesavapriye
Kesavaartham lunaami thwam Varada bhava shobane
That means Oh Thulasi one who is born out of the sacred Nectar in the
ocean of milk, the one who is dear to Sri Maha Vishnu, I am plucking
your leaves for the sake of worshiping Lord Sri ManNarayana and I am
offering my salutations to you.
In traditional (orthodox) Hindu families while women can always worship
Thulasi they are prohibited from plucking Thulasi leaves. Logical
reasoning could be generation of Rajo/Tamo frequencies in women is high
compared to men that will reduce the Sattvik quality of Thulasi. It is
believed to be so pure that, slightest pollution can cause destruction to
Thulasi plant. One should approach and touch a Thulasi plant only when
one is physically and spiritually clean. Therefore, women are not
supposed to touch the Thulasi plant while they are menstruating.
Another reason could be that, women are forbidden from study of Vedic
scripts and Thulasi being a symbol of Vedas (Goddess Gayathri reside in

Thulasi) its leaves cannot be plucked by women. They are only entitled to
worship and perform pooja. Perhaps these are some of the spiritual
reasons and there could be other reasons also.
Thulasi Festival
Kartheeka Sukla Dwadasi also known as Uttana Dwadasi is celebrated as
a festival of Goddess Thulasi when Thulasi plant is symbolically married to
a Salagrama Shila (Lord Vishnu) called Thulasi Damodara Vivaha with all
grandeur. On this day while worshipping we find people keeping a branch
of Amla tree (Amalakki) besides the Thulasi plant. This day also marks
the end of Chaturmasam the day on which Lord Sri Maha Vishnu gets up
from His Yoganidra. If that day is missed out it is generally celebrated on
the Full Moon day, Kartheeka Pournami.
Types of Thulasi
There are many varieties of Thulasi viz. Krishna Thulasi, Rama Thulasi,
Lakshmi Thulasi, Vana Thulasi, Karpoora Thulasi, Rudrajada Thulasi,
etc Krishna Thulasi is sacred for pooja and worshiping while Rama
Thulasi that is green in colour is suitable for offering to Sri Maha Vishnu.
Thulasi is not a seasonal plant it is a perennial plant whose flowers are
available
throughout
the
year.
Generally Thulasi plant will be in green or light red colour and emanates
pleasant fragrance, astringent in taste and grows up to 100 cm height.
Thulasi is an indoor plant which also grows extensively in forests and we
find people growing Thulasi as a garden. Botanical name of Thulasi is
Oscimum Sanctum and is known as Holy Basil in English. Even in this
botanical name we find sanctity in the word Sanctum.

Perhaps it may not be an exaggeration that no Hindu house would be

without a Thulasi plant in their courtyard. We find people constructing a
small structure around Thulasi plant called Thulasi Brindavana. The name
Thulasi is so popular that we find Hindus even baptize their children with
Thulasi. It is spelled as Tulsi or Tulasi or Thulasi. Great saint and
composer who scripted Thulasi Ramayana (Sri Rama Charitha Manas) had
his name as Tulsidas. Thulasi Maanasa Mandir is a famous place to visit in
Benares.
Thulasi, the perennial symbol of Hindu philosophy, tradition, culture and
heritage is a Natures gift to the mankind that is associated with mans
day to day life. It is referred to as Kalpa Vruksha of Bhoo Loka. Blessed
are those hands who pluck Thulasi Dalas for the pooja and worship of
Lord Vishnu. For those who have fallen in the midst of this materialistic
world Thulasi seva is durlabha.
Praseeda ThulasiDevi
Praseeda HariVallabhe
Ksheerodha Madanodbhuthe
Thulasithwaam Namamyaham
Sri Krishnaarpanamasthu