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How To Pray To Tulsi Plant? In Hindu Religion

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Praying to the Tulsi plant, also known as "Holy Basil," holds a deep significance in Hindu culture, as Tulsi is considered a sacred plant. Tulsi is believed to be an incarnation of the goddess Lakshmi and is highly revered in Hindu households. Worshiping the Tulsi plant is thought to bring prosperity, purification of the mind, and divine blessings. Below is a detailed guide on how to pray to Tulsi, including prayers, puja steps, associated deities, mantras, and rare facts:

Significance of the Tulsi Plant

  1. Tulsi as an Incarnation of Goddess Lakshmi: Tulsi is considered the earthly manifestation of Goddess Lakshmi, the consort of Lord Vishnu. Hence, worshiping Tulsi is akin to worshiping Lakshmi and Vishnu.
  2. Symbol of Purity and Devotion: The plant represents purity, devotion, and protection from evil forces. It is believed to purify the environment and bring harmony to the household.
  3. Spiritual Benefits: Worshiping Tulsi is believed to remove sins, grant longevity, and fulfill desires. Tulsi is also considered a protective shield against negative energies.

Ideal Time and Place for Tulsi Puja

  • Location: The Tulsi plant is typically grown in the courtyard of Hindu homes or in small pots. It is often placed in a special raised structure known as "Tulsi Vrindavan," a small shrine dedicated to the plant.
  • Time: Tulsi puja is usually done in the morning and evening, with the evening being particularly auspicious. The best days to offer prayers are Thursdays and Ekadashi (11th day of the lunar calendar).

Steps for Performing Tulsi Puja

  1. Clean the Area: Ensure the area around the Tulsi plant is clean and free from debris. Clean yourself before approaching the plant.
  2. Light a Lamp: Light an oil lamp (diya) made of ghee or oil in front of the Tulsi plant, symbolizing the divine light of the goddess.
  3. Offer Water: Offer fresh water to the Tulsi plant as an act of purification and reverence.
  4. Tulsi Leaves: Do not pluck Tulsi leaves in the evening or on specific days like Sundays and Ekadashi. However, you can gently touch or offer your respects by sprinkling water.
  5. Offerings (Naivedya): You can offer simple food offerings like fruits, sweets, or even raw rice to Tulsi.
  6. Aarti: Perform a simple aarti with incense sticks and camphor (if available). Circle the aarti around the Tulsi plant three or seven times.

Mantras and Simple Prayers

  • Basic Prayer:

    • "Tulasi Mata, I bow to you with devotion and love. Grant me peace, prosperity, and protect my family. O sacred plant, bring divine blessings into my home."

  • Tulsi Gayatri Mantra:

    • “Om Vrindaayai Cha Vidmahe, Vishnu Priyaayai Cha Dheemahi, Tanno Tulsi Prachodayaat”
    • Meaning: "We meditate on the goddess Tulsi, beloved of Lord Vishnu. May she illuminate our intellect and guide us toward spiritual liberation."

  • Shloka in Praise of Tulsi:

    • "Vrindayai Tulsidevyai, Priyayai Keshavasya Cha, Vishnubhaktiprade Devi, Satyavatyai Namo Namah."
    • Meaning: "Salutations to the divine Tulsi, who is beloved of Lord Vishnu and who grants the boon of devotion to him."

  • Tulsi Vandana:

    • "Yani kani cha papani, brahmahatyaadikani cha, Tani tani vinashyanti pradakshinah pade pade."
    • Meaning: "As I circumambulate the Tulsi plant, let all my sins, even the gravest ones, be destroyed step by step."

Rare Facts About Tulsi

  1. Vrinda Devi: Tulsi is often identified as the goddess Vrinda, a devotee of Lord Vishnu. According to mythology, Vrinda cursed Vishnu to become a stone (Shaligram), and she transformed into the sacred Tulsi plant.
  2. Tulsi Vivah (Tulsi Marriage): A unique Hindu ritual celebrated usually after Diwali, where Tulsi is ceremonially married to Lord Vishnu, symbolizing the divine union of earth and heaven.
  3. Types of Tulsi: There are different varieties of Tulsi, but the two main types are "Rama Tulsi" (light green leaves) and "Krishna Tulsi" (dark purple leaves), each associated with Lord Vishnu and Krishna, respectively.
  4. Health and Spiritual Properties: Beyond its religious importance, Tulsi has medicinal properties and is used in Ayurveda to treat ailments, promote longevity, and enhance mental clarity.
  5. Protection from Evil: Placing a Tulsi plant in your home is believed to protect from evil spirits and negative energies. It also promotes an atmosphere of peace and well-being.

Gods and Goddesses Associated with Tulsi

  1. Lord Vishnu: Since Tulsi is considered to be Vishnu’s consort in her divine form, Vishnu is the primary deity worshiped alongside Tulsi.
  2. Lord Krishna: Krishna devotees often offer Tulsi leaves to the deity, considering it a symbol of pure devotion.
  3. Lord Hanuman: In certain parts of India, Tulsi is also associated with Lord Hanuman, and offerings to him are often accompanied by prayers to the plant.

Additional Facts

  • Tulsi Mala: Devotees of Lord Krishna and Vishnu often wear beads made from the stems of the Tulsi plant, known as "Tulsi mala," which are considered highly auspicious.
  • Tulsi and Ekadashi: Offering prayers to the Tulsi plant on Ekadashi, especially in conjunction with fasting and other rituals, is said to grant moksha (liberation from the cycle of rebirth).

Summary of the Puja Steps

  1. Clean the surroundings of the Tulsi plant.
  2. Offer water to the plant.
  3. Light a diya and incense sticks.
  4. Recite prayers and mantras dedicated to Tulsi, Vishnu, and Lakshmi.
  5. Offer food and circumambulate the Tulsi plant.
  6. Perform an aarti and end with a bow of gratitude.

By following these steps and regularly worshiping Tulsi, devotees believe they receive the combined blessings of health, prosperity, and divine grace.