Tulsi in vedic traditionThe Botanical name of Tulsi is Ocimum tenuiflorum (commonly known as Holy basil in English, and Tulasi or Tulsi in Sanskrit); this plant is a close cousin of the Thai Basil. It is a well known natural aromatic plant in the family of Lamiaceae. Apart from its culinary uses, for which it is known across the world, it is also used as a medicinal plant, and has an important role within many traditions of Srivaishnavites and also generally with every Hindu Household. Every Vishnu devotee performs worship using Tulasi leaves.
Native to India, it is a short lived perennial herbal, grown at most Hindu homes. The foliage is green or purple, strongly scented. Leaves have petioles, and are ovate, up to 5cm long, usually somewhat toothed. Flowers are white, tinged purple, borne in recemes. There is also some confusion among the users, that Thai basil is mistakenly sold as Sacred basil. The fact is, the Sacred Holy basil - The Tulsi is little hairy wherein Thai Basil is smooth and hairless and slightly different in its color. Also, the Sacred or Holy basil has an aromatic scent and spicy flavour, which is not so with its cousin Thai Basil.
Thulsi or Tulsi, a common household name to millions of Indian & Hindus Thulsi (Tulsi) is the ultimate symbol of purity. The only one word, yes - Thulsi (Tulsi) is referred to, in all Indian languages, (Ocimum sp. or Ocimum Sanctum) known as Holy Basil. The only exception is in Tamil, {Though every Tamilian knows it as Thulsi (Tulsi)}.wherein Sri Andal refers to Thulsi or Tulsi as "Natrathuzhai" meaning as a scented beautiful smelly Holy Basil.! For all Srivaishnava's, Thulasi (Tulsi) is known as Thiruthuzhai. Every Hindu is well aware of this plant and knows its value too!
What Rg Veda, Charaka Samhita state about Holy or Sacred basil - Tulasi
in India it is an important religious symbol in many Hindu traditions that link the plant with the Goddess figure described in the ancient scripts known as Purana. The name "Tulasi" in Sanskrit literally means "the incomparable one". The Tulasi plant is known in India is available and grown in two forms viz. dark Krishna or Shyama Tulsi and White or light green known as Rama Tulasi or White Tulsi. Though both the Tulsi plant possess a lot of medicinal value, the former has greater medicinal value and is commonly worshipped by Hindus.
In India, from time immemorial, Tulasi has been known and worshiped and used as a prime herb in Indian Medicine known as Dhanvantri and Ayurvedic medicines. It is also used as home remedy for treating commonly known ailments and used mainly for its diverse healing properties. The Charaka Samhita - a nodal Ayurvedic script and The Rg-Veda, both mentions Tulsi as a life saving one herb which contains a kind of 'elixer of life' and promotes longevity.
Quite apart from its medicinal values, in all the Sri Vaishnava & Sri Mahavishnu Temples, this Holy basil known as Thulsi (Tulsi) is given as prasadam to the devotees. For Lord Sri Lakshmi Nrusimha and Sri Hanuman, garlands made of Thulsi are offered.
In the ancient medical scripts, such as Padaartha Guna Chinthamani, Agasthiyar Kural. Dhanvantri, Sushrutha Samhita, Charaka Samhita, Ashtangahridya, etc., the medicinal values and qualities are mentioned. Even today, Thulsi (Tulsi) is used as a traditional medicine as an integral part of household medicine. Even to treat a new born child, they administer the essence of Thulsi (Tulsi) and this practice persists to this day in most Indian homes.
A number of passages in the ancient scripts known as Puranas and other Vedic scriptures, that state to the importance of tulsi within religious worship. Tulasi is regarded as Lakshmi (The Goddess of Wealth) - a consort of Sri Maha Vishnu. A garland of tulasi leaves is the first offering to the Lord, in many Srivaishnavite Temples, as part of the daily ritual. Tulsi is accorded the sixth place among the eight objects of worship in the ritual of the consecration of the Kumb or Kalasa, a copper vessel, the container of holy water.
According to one story, Tulasi was a servant (known as Gopi) who fell in love with Lord Sri Krishna and so had a curse laid on her by His consort Radha. She is very dear to Vishnu. Tulsi is also mentioned in the stories of Mira and Radha immortalised in Gita Govinda (by Shri Jayadeva). One story has it that when Krishna was weighed in gold, not even all the ornaments of His consort Sathyabhama could outweigh Him. But a single tulsi leaf placed on one side by his another consort Rukmini tilted the scale.
Tulsi is ceremonially married to Vishnu annually on the eleventh bright day of the month of Karthika in the Luni/Solar Calander. This festival continues for five days and concludes on the full moon day, which falls in mid-October. This ritual, called the "Tulsi Vivaha", inaugurates the annual marriage season in most parts of India.
In the Christians traditions, it is said that Tulsi grew around the place of Crucifixion.. Tulasi is also has a mention in the Shiite writings.
Tulsi (Thulsi) is the cure for cardiac disorders, diabetes, stress, Cholesterol control, smooth muscle relaxant, Anti-microbial agent, reduces primary urinary track infection. It is also believed that regular consumption of Tulsi leaves shorten the course of illness and also sharpens the memory. In addition, it also protects the surrounding from the hazardous Ultra-Violet rays. Researches has proved that the Thulsi Plant has the capacity to emit ozone along with oxygen thus reducing the air pollution.
Usage of Tulasi as an Ayurvedic medicine
Tulasi's extracts are used in ayurvedic remedies for common colds, headaches, stomach disorders, inflammation, heart disease, various forms of poisoning, and malaria. Traditionally, tulasi is taken in many forms: as an herbal tea, dried powder, fresh leaf, or mixed with Honey or Ghee. Essential oil extracted from Karpoora Tulsi is mostly used for medicinal purposes and in herbal toiletry. For centuries, the dried leaves of Tulasi have been mixed with stored grains to repel insects.
Many research and studies suggest that Tulasi may be a COX-2 inhibitor, like many modern painkillers, due to its significant amount of eugenol (1 - hydroxygen, 2 - methoxy - 4 -allylbenzene) Researches also give Tulsi to be effective for diabetes, by reducing blood glucose levels. The same study showed significant reduction in total cholesterol levels with Tulsi. Another study showed that Tulsi's beneficial effect on blood glucose levels is due to its antioxidant properties.
Tulasi also shows some promise for protection from radiation poisoning and cataracts. The use of Tulsi for purification and as a medicine is widespread household medicine throughout India. Many Hindus - along with the ancient tradition of Ayurveda - believe that the healing properties of sacred herbs such as Tulsi were given by the Lord Himself, and can be used as a medicine out of reverence.
The other Medicinal usages of Tulsi as home remedies are listed below:
Tulasi leaves contains 'adaptinogen' an anti stress agent and also used as mosquito repellant; its medicinal properties and uses are listed below:
Tulsi is used in treating common cold ,cough and sore throat including asthama,bronchitis and othe respiratory disorders.
It is an anti-malarial agent and extracts of tulasi leaves prove very effective in repelling malaria causing mosquito. Its known to be propylactic, prevents insect bites through its larvicidal properties.
Used for treating Kidney stones; the juice of Tulasi along with honey relieves pain and flushes stones via urinary tracts.
Proven to be an effective anti allergen
Can also be given to children while treating common colds & cough, used to treat skin, teeth and even eye disorders
An anti -infertile agent it is an effective medicine both for males and females suffering from infertility- thats why women are found encirclingit daily (?) If excessively taken, say around 20 leaves a day, regularly for 96 days, then the same becomes contraceptive, and chances of one getting conceived during these days are minimum.
It has anti-fungal, anti-viral and anti diabetic properties. That's why, most of the herbal healing powders are added with Tulsi.
Tulsi can help keep swine flu away: Ayurvedic experts.
Wonder herb Thulsi can not only keep the dreaded swine flu at bay but also help in fast recovery of an afflicted person, Ayurvedic practitioners claim.
"The anti-flu property of Tulasi has been discovered by medical experts across the world quite recently. Tulsi improves the body's overall defence mechanism including its ability to fight viral diseases. It was successfully used in combating Japanese Encephalitis and the same theory applies to swine flu," many herbal medicine practitioners believe.Because of its immunizing properties, apart from acting as a preventive medicine in case of swine flu, Tulsi can help the patient recover faster."Even when a person has already contracted swine flu, Tulsi can help in speeding up the recovery process and also help in strengthening the immune system of the body," the herbal therapists claim.According to Dr Bhupesh Patel, (a lecturer at Gujarat Ayurved University, Jamnagar) is also of the view that Tulsi can play an important role in controlling swine flu. "Tulsi can control swine flu and it should be taken in fresh form. Juice or paste of at least 20-25 medium sized leaves should be consumed twice a day on an empty stomach." This increases the resistance of the body and, thereby, reduces the chances of inviting swine flu," believes Dr. Patel.
Thulsi or Tulsi just cannot be plucked simply from the plant. There is a specific slokha that is to be recited and only after offering the prayer one can take the leaves, and that too, one should not use his/her nails to cut the leaves. For the benefit of the readers, I give below the slokha in image format, in Sanskrit, Tamil and the rough phonetic English verse:
Thulasi amrudajanmaasi sadaa Dwam Kesavapriye |
Kesavaarththam lunaami Dwaam varadhaa bhava shobane ||
Thulasi Sthuthi:
Tulasi s(h)ree sakhi subE pApahAriNim puNyadheNamasthE nAradanuthE namO nArAyaNa priye
तुलसी श्रीसकि शुभॆ पापहारिणीम् पुण्यते ।
नमस्तॆ नारनुडे नमॊ नारायणप्रियॆ ॥
Tulasi Vivaha or Marriage day of Tulasi:
A Tulasi plant decorated for worship, with fireworks display.
Followers of Hindu traditions often keep a Tulsi plant in front of their house. On a specific day each year known as 'Kartik Shukla Dwadashi' (usually or or about after a fortnight from Deepavali - Diwali) there is a tradition where Tulasi plants will be beautifully decorated with structures made of small banana trees, Mango leave bunches and flowers and then perform a Pooja - a form of worship is offered.
As with Deepavali known in Northern part of India as Diwali celebrations, there are usually clay lamps lit around the Tulasi plant and the house. In some parts of India people will have also have fireworks displays to mark the occasion. In northern India and in Gaudiya Vaishnava communities it is called the 'Tulsi vivah' or the wedding day of Tulasi with Lord Sri Krishna in his Sila form. There is another celebration called Tulsi Ekadashi where Tulasi is worshipped on the
Ekadasi day.
Quotes from the Scripts that relates to Divine Tulasi :
"As by chanting the name of The Ganga (River Ganges), one becomes free from all kinds of worldly sins; if someone chants the name of Tulasi or chants the glories of Lord Sri Hari with devotion, he gets the same merit." - Quote from The Naradiya Purana.
"Just by touching Tulsidevi one's body becomes pure. By praying to her, all diseases practically become removed. If one waters her or makes her wet, the fear of Yama Dharma Raja (The death personified) is destroyed." - Tha Skanda Purana
"Tulasi is most beloved of Lord Krishna and thus her leaves and flowers are also most dear to Him." - Srilasri Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswathi Thakura.
"Tulasi leaf is very, very dear to Lord Sri Mahavishnu ( Vishnu Tulasi Priyaa) - Sri Bhativedanta Swami Prabhupada.
"Tulasi Daivam Mahathmeeyam" - Tulasi in Itself is God, and the values are innumerable by counts - St. Vyasa Maha Muni.
"Vishnu Tulasi Priya" - Krishna Yajur Veda
Tulasi as a deity:
Tulsi as worshiped in deity form. The presence of a Tulsi plant in a home is considered as presence of Goddess Lakshmi herself; it symbolizes the religious bent of a Hindu family. In a Srivaishnavite household, it is considered incomplete if it doesn't have a Tulasi plant. Many families have the Tulasi planted in a specially built structure, which has images of deities installed on all four sides, and an alcove for small earthen oil lamp.
Some households can even have many plants and varities in their fore-house or at their verandah; affordable persons even cultivate it in their garden forming a "Tulsi-van" or "Tulsi-vrindavan" - a mini- basil garden.
Places that tend to inspire concentration and places ideal for worship, according to the Gandharva tantra, include "grounds overgrown with Tulsi plants".
The Tulsi Manas Mandir at Varanasi is one such famous temple, where Tulasi is worshipped along with other devas (demi-gods/goddesses). Vaishnavites, or followers of Vishnu, revere the Tulasi leaf because it pleases Lord Sri Maha Vishnu the most and thus is as an inherent part of offerings of naivedyam and then offer these Tulsi to the devotees as Prasad. They also wear beaded necklaces made of Tulasi stems. The manufacture of these Tulasi necklaces is a cottage industry in places of pilgrimage spots and at most srivaishnav temple towns.
The other names used by different sects of Srivaishnavas such as Gaudia, Chaitanya Sect are Vrindadevi, meaning 'the goddess of Brindavan aka Vrindavan. Only Sri Andal, the Tamil poet considered as one of the Azhwars stated in Her pasurams Tulsi as "Thiruthuzai".
Interestingly, the following bit of information was supplied to me via E-mail, by one Ms. Vani Pillai (16 Years) from Singapore. She is very much interested in knowing about Hindu cultural and systems. She surfed these pages in detail and sent in few questions which I answered.
For Lord Shiva , the vilvam leaf is offered which is cooling effect as he has a fiery star.
Therefore , for Thirumal (Sri Mahavishnu), the Tulsi leaf has the heating effect as he was a cooling star.
That's why, it is not advised to present Tulsi (Thulsi) leaf to Shiva or vice versa.
Medicine
The one plant that you are guaranteed to find in my home is Tulsi, which is Sanskrit for Holy Basil. In fact, you will find the Tulsi plant in many Indian homes, as it is considered to be an auspicious plant that brings health, wealth, and prosperity. I will also let you know that Tulsi is not only my favorite plant, but it is also my favorite herb.
As we all know, plants in general purify the air, so in that sense, its always good to have plants around. Tulsi radiates positive energy and purifies the environment from any negativity that may be around. Beyond that, I love Tulsi because of all of its healing properties.
First of all, one of the easiest home remedies for a cough is Tulsi. For any kind of cough, drink Tulsi tea. Boil one cup of water with about 3 to 4 fresh Tulsi leaves and drink the tea at least 4 times a day and it will cure the worst of coughs. Fresh leaves work best, but dry leaves are fine as well.
Tulsi is pungent and bitter in taste; therefore, it decreases Vata and Kapha and slightly increases Pitta. However, because the quality of Tulsi is light and dry, it can actually balance Pitta as well. Tulsi has anti-bacterial and anti-viral properties. It can be applied topically for skin lesions and fungal infections. It decreases pain and swelling and is recommended for fevers. It is excellent for all respiratory related imbalances, such as coughing, asthma, and pulmonary tuberculosis.
Tulsi improves digestion and is especially good for the colon. It is also an excellent herb for the nervous system and all autoimmune diseases, as Tulsi promotes and enhances the functioning of Ojas. And the list continues. Depending on the condition, the leaf, root, or seeds are used. Tulsi is one of the most potent, sattwic (pure) herbs.
If I ever feel a cough or cold coming on, and even for family and friends, I simply boil a cup of water with Tulsi and fresh ginger and I am able to prevent an illness from coming forth. Doesn’t that sound rather simple? I would also like to add that drinking Tulsi tea with ginger will also prevent your chances of catching the swine flu, as it does increase Ojas, your immunity.
The entire science and knowledge of Ayurveda is actually quite simple with a simple approach to health. There is a science behind the combination of spices and when you combine various spices and herbs, you can heal just about any imbalance.
Tulsi, which is Sanskrit for "the incomparable one", is worshiped throughout India, most often regarded as a consort of Vishnu in the form of Mahalakshmi. There are two types of Tulsi worshiped in Hinduism—"Rama Tulsi" has light green leaves and is larger in size; "Krishna Tulsi" has dark green leaves and is important for the worship of Vishnu and Narayana. Many Hindus have tulsi plants growing in front of or near their home, often in special Tulsi pots. It is also frequently grown next to Vishnu temples, especially in Varanasi.Tulsi is ceremonially married to Vishnu annually on the eleventh bright day of the month of Kartika in the lunisolar calendar.
That day also marks the end of the four month cāturmāsya period, which is considered inauspicious for weddings and other rituals, and so the day inaugurates the annual marriage season in India. The ritual lighting of lamps each evening during Kartika includes the worship of the Tulsi plant, which is considered auspicious for the home. Vaishnavas especially follow the daily worship of Tulsi during Kartika.
Vaishnavas traditionally use japa malas made from tulsi stems or roots, which are an important symbol of initiation. Tulsi malas are considered to be auspicious for the wearer, and believed to put them under the protection of Vishnu or Krishna. They have such a strong association with Vaishnavas, that followers of Vishnu have long been called "those who bear the tulasi round the neck".
Tulsi (meaning "incomparable") is highly revered in Ayurveda and Tulsi extract has been used in Ayurvedic medicines for thousands of years. Tulsi is high in antioxidants and offers many health benefits. It is also known to build immunity and relieve stress.Tulsi tea is easy to make and is a excellent pick-me-upper.Just make your tea the way you like it (strong , light or black) and add 1-2 drops of
Tulsi extract to it. Tulsi goes well with milk too.On days when you feel stressed out, try having a cup of Tulsi tea
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Krishna Tulsi""1(1) Krishna Tulsi Plants: This variety is found in almost all regions of India. It is used to treat infection of the throat and the respiratory system, cough, enteric fever, nasal lesions, infected wounds, earache, urinary disorders, skin diseases, etc. (2) Drudriha Tulsi Plants: This variety is found mainly in Bengal, Nepal, Chatgaon and Maharashtra. Its use purifies the gaseous humour - Apaan Vayu. It relieves dryness of the" throat, lubricates it, and reduces the viscosity of phlegm. It cures inflammation of hands and feet, and rheumatism. Rama Tulsi""1(3) Ram Tulsi Plants: This variety of Tulsi is found in China, Brazil, Eastern Nepal, as well as in Bengal, Bihar, Chatgaon and the southern states of India. All the parts of the plant emit a strong aroma. Ram Tulsi has a characteristic fragrance. Crushing its leaves between the palms releases a stronger fragrance than other varieties of Tulsi. This variety of Tulsi is used to treat diseases like leprosy. (4) Babi Tulsi Plants : This Tulsi is found in hot and the temperate regions of India, from Punjab to Trivandrum. It is also found in Bengal, Bihar, etc. The plant grows to a height of one to two feet.
The stem and the branches are green or light yellow. The leaves are one to two inches long, oval, pointed and sharp. The ends of branches are laden with inflorescences. The ovaries are located in the inflorescences. The seeds are small in size, black in colour, slightly elongated, round at one end and flattened at the other, with thick edges. They possess no fragrance, and have an oily and sharp, tingling taste. They become sticky when soaked in water. The plant exudes a pleasing aroma when dried.It is hot, dry, sharp and bitter. It stimulates nerve-endings causing a tingling sensation. Its leaves taste like cloves, and so are widely used for flavoring vegetables etc.
(5) Tukashmiya Plants: This Tulsi is found in western regions of India and in Persia. It is used in the treatment of throat disorders, acidity and leprosy. It imparts strength to weakened muscles.
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