Importance of Tulasi Worship

After Tulasi Devi became the consort of Sri Hari, she faced some problems. Lakshmi Devi tolerated the newfound glory, fortune, and position of Tulasi. However, Tulasi faced serious issues with Saraswathi Devi, who constantly insulted her.

Unable to bear this, Tulasi suddenly disappeared. Being a Yogini with numerous siddhis, she could hide herself from everyone. Sri Hari began searching for her everywhere until he finally reached Tulasivanam.

At Tulasivanam, Bhagawan started chanting Tulasi Devi’s Beejamantra:
'श्रीं ह्रीं क्लीं ऐं वृन्दावन्यै स्वाहा'

This is the Dashakshara Mantra of Tulasi Devi. It is said to be like a Kalpavriksha—if you worship Tulasi while chanting this mantra, there is nothing you cannot obtain.

As Bhagawan chanted this mantra, Tulasi became pleased and appeared before him. Sri Hari then gave a boon to Tulasi Devi:
'I will wear you both on my vaksha sthala (chest) and on my head. Every god will wear you on their heads.'

Tulasi Devi's Glory

Bhagawan was deeply affected by viraha dukha (the pain of separation) and began chanting a stotra.

Why is Vrindavan called Vrindavan?

• Vrinda means Tulasi, and vana means forest. Any forest with Tulasi is called Vrindavana.

Names of Tulasi:

1. Vrindavani: She was born in Vrindavana.
2. Viswapujita: She is worshipped all over the universe, not just on earth.
3. Viswapavani: She purifies the whole universe. Anything touched by Tulasi becomes pure. For instance, when you put Tulasi in water, it is purified. That is why Tulasi is added to all naivedya before offering it to God.
4. Pushpasara: She is the essence of all divine flowers. Even if you offer tons of flowers, the gods will not be satisfied unless Tulasi is among them. One Tulasi leaf is enough to satisfy any god.
5. Nandini: She brings happiness. Every god becomes joyful when Tulasi is offered in worship. Even humans feel a sense of completeness upon finding Tulasi while gathering flowers for puja.
6. Tulasi: The name signifies her incomparability (तुलां सादृश्यं स्यतीति तुलसी).
7. Krishnajeevani: She is as precious as Sri Hari's own life and is considered the life of Sri Hari.

These eight names of Tulasi are part of the Tulasi Namashtaka Stotra. It is said that chanting this stotra daily while worshipping Tulasi Devi yields the result of an Ashwamedha Yaga.

Special Powers of Tulasi

Tulasi Devi has the unique power to destroy sins like fire. You can perform puja for her just as you would for any other deity.

Plant Tulasi at your home and start worshipping her daily. There is something special about Tulasi Devi:

• Most gods are worshipped through idols, photos, or symbolic representations like a kalasha.
• Tulasi is one goddess you can see directly in her living, vibrant form.

Even Lord Krishna praised her with a stotra. Such is her importance and power.

Worshipping Tulasi

If you do not already have a Tulasi plant at home, plant one today. Worship her using the Beejamantras. Offer water, dhoopa, deepa, chandana, kumkuma, akshata, and flowers just as you would in any other puja.

Receive her blessings and prosper in life.

Ramaswamy Sastry and Vighnesh Ghanapaathi