In Sanskrit, tulanaa naasti athaiva tulasi – that which is incomparable (in its qualities) is the
tulasi
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 selfpurifying.
As one story goes, Tulasi 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, tulasi that would adorn His head.
Also that all offerings would be incomplete without the tulasi leaf – hence the worship of
tulasi.
She also symbolises Goddess Lakshmi, the consort of Lord Vishnu. Those who wish to be
righteous and have a happy family life worship the tulasi.
Tulasi 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 tulasi 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 tulasi 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 tulasi, At whose base are all the holy places, At whose top reside all the
deities and In whose middle are all the Vedas.