Quite a few myths and legends found in the Puranas or ancient scriptures point to the origin of importance of tulsi in religious rituals. At the recommendation of the Hindu managers, the whole boundary of the gardens was planted with holy basil, on which the plague of mosquitoes was at once abated, and fever altogether disappeared from among the resident gardeners.” Prof Shrinivas Tilak, who teaches Religion at Concordia University, Montreal has made this historical citation: In a letter written to ‘The Times,’ London, dated Dr George Birdwood, Professor of Anatomy, Grant Medical College, Mumbai said, “When the Victoria Gardens were established in Bombay, the men employed on those works were pestered by mosquitoes. Tulsi used to be a universal remedy in cases of malarial fever. The tulsi plant is even known to purify or de-pollute the atmosphere and also works as a repellent to mosquitoes, flies and other harmful insects. Essential oil extracted from karpoora tulsi is mostly used for medicinal purposes though of late it is used in the manufacture of herbal toiletry.Īccording to Jeevan Kulkarni, author of ‘Historical Truths & Untruths Exposed,’ when Hindu women worship tulsi, they in effect pray for “less and less carbonic acid and more and more oxygen – a perfect object lesson in sanitation, art and religion”. The plant’s extracts can be used to prevent and cure many illnesses and common ailments like common cold, headaches, stomach disorders, inflammation, heart disease, various forms of poisoning and malaria. Marked by its strong aroma and a stringent taste, tusli is a kind of “the elixir of life” as it promotes longevity. The manufacture of these tulsi necklaces is a cottage industry in pilgrimages and temple towns.Īpart from its religious significance it is of great medicinal significance, and is a prime herb in Ayurvedic treatment.
They also wear beaded necklaces made of tulsi stems. Vaishnavites or believers of Lord Vishnu worship the tulsi leaf because it’s the one that pleases Lord Vishnu the most. The Tulsi Manas Mandir at Varanasi is one such famous temple, where tulsi is worshipped along with other Hindu gods and goddesses. Places that tend to inspire concentration and places ideal for worship, according to the ‘Gandharv Tantra,’ include “grounds overgrown with tulsi plants”. Some households can even have up to a dozen tulsi plants on the verandah or in the garden forming a “tulsi-van” or “tulsivrindavan” – a miniature basil forest. Many families have the tulsi planted in a specially built structure, which has images of deities installed on all four sides, and an alcove for a small earthen oil lamp. A Hindu household is considered incomplete if it doesn’t have a tulsi plant in the courtyard. The presence of tulsi plant symbolizes the religious bent of a Hindu family. Of the many varieties, the Krishna or Shyama tulsi is commonly used for worship. Dark or Shyama tulsi and light or Rama tulsi are the two main varieties of basil, the former possessing greater medicinal value. Tulsi grows wild in the tropics and warm regions. Tulsi is a venerated plant and Hindus worship it in the morning and evening.
The name ‘tulsi’ connotes “the incomparable one”. The ‘tulsi’ plant or Indian basil is an important symbol in the Hindu religious tradition. O lotus eyed, since you are very soft, sacred and your importance is known to tyagaraja’s friend, the lotus eyed mahavishnu, he adorns you in his head with love. Since you grant boon both while living in earth and after, Sri Maha Vishnu will not leave you even in his dreams. O Mother Tulasi, am always depend on your lotus feet, please come and protect me Tamarasa dala nethru tyagararaajuni mithru Nee mridu danuvu gani nee parimalamunu gani Kammavil thuni thandri kalanaina paaya tada Nemma dhini neevu iham parammu losa kudu vanusu Tyagaraja Krithi – “Amma ra vamma” – Ragam : “Kalyani” The significance of “Tulasi” also given to appreciate the song.
I hereby give the english transliteration of the original telugu song with meaning. Whenever I hear the song sung by Hyderabad Brothers I get moved by the song and its rendition. Tyagaraja has composed many songs but the song on “Tulasi” is awesome.