There is a deep connection between Tulsi and Pandharpur
Vitthal Devotees. All varkaris wear a tulsi mala and they also carry a tulsi
plant to Pandharpur, Aland, Dehu and other holy places associated with Vitthal
and Varkari Saints.
Source - Excerpts from Prabuddha Bharata September 2008 Issue page 46
Wearing a rosary of tulsi beads is of utmost importance to
the Varkaris. Vitthala is the child (balasvarupa) Krishna. The tulsi plant is
dear to Krishna. So a Varikara must wear a rosary containing a 108 tulsi beads
as a pious observance. If the thread of the rosary happens to snap, the staunch
Varikara would not have food until the rosary is repaired.
There is a touching story about tulsi among the Kunbis (an
agricultural community) in Maharashtra.
It goes like this: Tulsi was the daughter of a poor
brahmana. She had a dark complexion and a brahmana husband was not in her fate.
Due to poverty, her hapless father deserted her. The gavali (cowherd) Vithoba
offered refuge to orphaned Tulsi. But Rukmini was not happy with Vitthala's overtures.
Rukmini’s attitude hurt Tulsi and she decided to take
shelter with Mother Earth. As she was disappearing in the bosom of the earth,
Vithoba hurriedly pulled her out. But instead of Tulsi, the holy basil (tulsi)
came into his hands. Vithoba had promised to marry Tulsi. He kept his words by
marrying the holy basil. This is the reason why Vithoba always has a garland of
tulsi around his neck.
The Varkari sampradaya is also called the Malkari. Why are
Varkaris called Malkaris? This is because they wear a rosary of tulsi beads,
and tulsi is dear to Vitthala. This rosary is the symbol of a life dedicated to
Vitthala.
Source - Excerpts from Prabuddha Bharata September 2008 Issue page 46