Why Hindus worship Tulsi (Holy Basil) ?

Why Hindus worship Tulsi (Holy Basil) ?

In Sanskrit- तुलना नास्ति अथैव तुलसी l

Tulanaa naasti athaiva Tulsi -

भावार्थ- जो गुणों में बेजोड़ है, अतुलनीय है वही तुलसी है।


That which is incomparable (in its qualities) is the Tulsi. For Indians it is one of the most sacred plants. In fact it is known to be the only
thing used in worship, which, once used, can be washed and reused in pooja - as it is regarded so self-purifying.

As one story goes, Tulsi was the devoted wife of Shankhachuda, a celestial being. She believed that Lord Krishna tricked her into sinning. So she cursed Him to become a stone (shaaligraama). Seeing her devotion and adhered to righteousness, the
Lord blessed her saying that she would become the worshipped plant, tulsi that would adorn His head.Also that all offerings would be incomplete without the tulsi leaf - hence the
worship of tulsi. She also symbolises Goddess Lakshmi, the consort of Lord Vishnu. Those who wish to be righteous and have a happy family life worship the tulsi.

Tulsi is married to the Lord with all pomp and show as in any wedding.This is because according to another legend, the Lord blessed her to be his consort. Satyabhama once weighed Lord Krishna against all her legendary wealth. The scales did not balance till a single tulasi leaf was placed along with the wealth on the scale by Rukmini with devotion.
Thus the tulsi played the vital role of demonstrating to the world that even a small object offered with devotion means more to the Lord than all the wealth in the world.The tulsi leaf has great medicinal value and is used to cure various ailments,including the common cold.
Yanmule sarvatirhaani
Yannagre sarvadevataa
Yanmadhye sarvavedaascha
Tulasi taam namaamyaham

I bow down to the tulsi, At whose base are all the holy places, At whose top reside all the deities and in whose middle are all the Vedas.

IMPORTANCE OF TULSI :

Referred as the “Queen of Herbs” and a symbol of purity, Tulsi or better known as Basil, is a popular household name in India.

Worshipped in the morning and evening, many Hindu families grow Tulsi in their courtyard as it is believed to bring longevity, happiness, purify the environment and bring peace in the home. From seasoning food to herbal remedies, each and every part of this plant can be used in one way or another.

Of the two main species readily available in India, the darker form of Tulsi known as Shyama has more medicinal values than the lighter one called Rama.

Following are some benefits of Tulsi:
- Increases mental health
- High in anti-oxidants, preventing premature aging
- Flavonoids protect cells from radiation and its harmful side effects
- Effective on acne and psoriasis
- As an anti-inflammatory, it helps reduce arthritic symptoms, decreasing pain and swelling
- Reduces anxiety, depression and stress
- Relieves constipation, stomach cramps, indigestion and flatulence
- Enhances immunity in babies
- Helps reduce symptoms of cold, cough, influenza, bronchitis, asthma, sinus infections
- Prevents nausea, Kidney stones
- Provides relief from menstrual cramps
- Reduces chances of food poisoning
- Enhances the flavour of food
- Chewing fresh Tulsi leaves or boiling them with tea reduces the effects of fever and common cold
- Heals infections of the mouth
- Used as a paste, it relieves the effects of insect bites
- Regulates blood sugar

There is interest in using Tulsi seed oil for curing cancer as research shows the oil can slow progression and improve survival rate in animals with certain types of cancer.

Considered to be a divine plant in Ayurveda, Tulsi not only has medicinal properties but also carries spiritual significance for practitioners of this ancient system of medicine. It is considered to be a reincarnation of the goddess Tulsi, who offers divine protection from all ills