Mangalore : Tulsi is a sacred plant which can be found in almost every Hindu’s home. Tulsi Pooja (Worship of Tulsi) is observed almost every day. Following things are required for Tulsi Puja.

The sacred plant, Tulsi is regarded as the incarnation of the goddess Mahalakshmi. Tulsi represents duty, dedication, love, virtue and sorrow of all women. That is why this herb is usually worshipped by women of all age groups.

To begin Tulsi Puja, one is required to take a bath. Decorate the pot where Tulsi is grown. Offer water to the sacred plant. Apply kumkum on one of its leaf. A length of red cloth can be wrapped arround the stem. Offer red flower to the sacred herb, Tulsi. Offer fruits by placing them near the pot. Light the clay lamp and perform aarti to complete the Tulsi Puja. People usually take a leaf of Tulsi after the Puja and put it in their mouth. It is believed by committing such act; they are taking the spirit of goddess inside them.

Tulsi Vivah
It is considered that the month of Kartik (October-November) is loved by Tulsi. And on a specific day (Kartik Shukla Dwadashi) of this month there is a tradition when Tulsi plants are beautifully decorated with structures made of sugarcane, mango leaves and flowers and then a puja is offered. In northern India and in Gaudiya Vaishnava communities, it is called the ‘Tulsi Vivah’ or the wedding day of Tulsi and Shaligram.

Tulsi represents honor, virtue and steadfast loyalty. This sacred bush of herbal leaves symbolizes Hindu femininity respected by men and women. Tulsi is regarded as the “Mother of the World.”
Tulasi is married to Krishna.

It is stated in the Puranas that once Rukmini had a test with Satyabhama as to who’s love for lord Krishna was greater. Satyabhama put all her ornament and jewellers in a balance, while Rukmini put only a leaf of Tulasi on the other side of the balance. Rukminis Tulasi leaf was found heavier than Satyabhamas jewellery in weight. That is the glory of Tulasi who saved Rukmini.

Tulasi plants in a group in front of every house drive away mosquitoes and other biting insects, due to their medicinal value. That is the idea of Vrindhavan mentioned in the purana’s about the child lord Krishna in and around Mathura and Gokula(UP).

The Tulasi Pooja is coming round this year on Nov.14.