Tulsi is a divine plant according to Hinduism. There are lots of legends and village stories relate how Tulsi came to grow and be worshiped on Earth. The classic Hindu myth, Samudramathana, the "Churning of the Cosmic Ocean," explains that Vishnu spawned Tulsi from the turbulent seas as a vital aid for all mankind. More common are legends that describe how the Goddess Herself came to reside on Earth as Tulsi. A complex legend in Orissa views the plant as the fourth incarnation of the Goddess who appeared as Tulsi at the beginning of the present age, the Kali yuga.

Generally, worshipers of Vishnu will envision Tulsi as Lakshmi or Vrinda; devotees of Rama may view Tulsi as Sita; while Krishna bhaktas revere Her as Vrinda, Radha or Rukmani.

The Tulsi is the most sacred. In Sanskrit that which is incomparable is called Tulasi. Impressed by her devotion and adherence to righteousness, Tulasi the wife of a celestial being was blessed by Lord Krishna that she would be worshipped by all, offerings would be incomplete without the offering of Tulsi. She also symbolises Goddess Lakshmi. Those who wish a righteous life also worship Tulsi. It symbolises,

1) Kalyani - Normally poisonous snakes and mosquitos do not come close to it due to some smell that it emits. That explains why it is a must in every house. The leaves as well roots are a cure for several diseases like malaria, cold, fever, acidity. The wood of this plant is used for japa Mala, a rosary for worship of Lord Vishnu and when worn in the neck it prevents diseases of the throat.

2) Visnu Priya - Tulsi has been described as the beloved of Lord Vishnu since he is the creator and Tulsi helps the health of human beings and animals, prevents soil erosion.

3) Moksha prada - By keeping the body healthy, it keeps the mind healthy and free of worries enabling us to concentrate on worship of the Ultimate Reality in comfort.

Tulsi, along with all other species of basil, possesses remarkable physical and spiritually healing properties. Tulsi has been praised in Indian scriptures and lore since the time of the early Vedas as an herb that cures blood and skin diseases. Ancient treatises extol it as an antidote for poisons, a curative for kidney disease and arthritis, a preventative for mosquito and insect bites, and a purifier of polluted air. Generally prepared in medicinal teas and poultices, Tulsi's widespread contemporary use in India as an aid to internal and external organs suggests these traditions are based upon practical efficacy.

Tulsi is also extensively used to maintain ritual purity, to purify if polluted and to ward off evil. A leaf is kept in the mouth of the dying to insure passage to heavenly realms. During an eclipse, leaves are ingested and also placed in cooked food and stored water to ward off psychic pollution. Funeral pyres often contain tulsi wood to protect the spirit of the deadas Bhutagni, destroyer of demons. Tulsi leaves and sprigs are hung in the entryways of homes to keep away troublesome spirits, and the mere presence of the Tulsi shrine is said to keep the entire home pure, peaceful and harmonious.

Why you should have a Tulsi/ Tulasi plant at home

The presence of Tulsi in a house brings much harmony and health to the family. Opens the heart and mind. Bestowing the energy of love and devotion. Lord Sri Krishna is very pleased to have a Tulsi garland or a puja by tulsi leafs. No other sacred flowers or equal to this sacred leaf.

Pouring water for a Tulsi Plant will eliminate all the sin, even brahmahatya. Drinking the water, in which some sacred tulsi leaf was soaked in, will reduce the stress.

Scientific studies are established and the results are showing the importance and the medical significance of this herb.

• The juice of Tulsi leave can be used to bring down the fever.
• Chewing Tulsi leaves gives a tremendous relief from cold and flu.
• Goggling by the tulsi boiled water soothes the sore throat.
• The juice of Tulsi with Honey, expels the kidney stone.
• Tulsi reduces the Blood Cholesterol.
• Chewing Tulsi leave will rescue from the mouth infections.
• The paste of tulsi roots can be used as a remedy for insect bites.
• Tulsi paste works well to decrease the pains. Such as headache.
• Drops of Krishnatulsi leave juice in eyes will soothes the sour eyes.

In any point of view, growing a Tulsi plant at the home will be very helpful. Being as a indoor plant, a tulsi plant can be kept in a small pot in the kitchen window or at the balcony or in the center hall. The tulsi plant acts as a purifying agent in house. If you are a devotee of Sri Krishna, you should prepare a garden of this sacred plant in your courtyard.

Tulsi Shlokam

Yenmoole Sarvatheerthaani Yenmadhye Sarvadevatha
Yadagre Sarva Vedaascha Thulaseem-tham Namamyaham

I bow down to the Tulsi at whose base are all the holy places, at whose top reside all deities and on whose middle are all the Vedas.