Tulasi or Tulsi is a sacred plant for Hindus. Hindus consider it as the holy manifestation of the Goddess. She is considered as the great worshipper of Lord Vishnu. The offering of its leaves is compulsory in ritualistic worship of Vishnu and his forms like Krishna or Vithoba. Tulasi plant is planted in the center of the central courtyard of Hindu houses.


The plant is grown for its spiritual and medicinal purposes and for its essential oil. In Hindu Mythology Tulasi is known as Vaishnavi.  The Tulasi with green leaves is called Shri-Tulasi and Shri is a synonym for Lakshmi. The Tulasi with dark green or purple leaves and purple stem is called Shyama-Tulsi or Krishna-Tulsi. This variety is considered as special sacred to Krishna, as its purple color is as same as Krishna’s complexion. 


While tree worship is not uncommon in Hinduism, the Tulasi plant is considered the holiest of all plants. The Tulasi plant is considered as the threshold point between the earth and heaven. A traditional prayer tells that the creator God Brahma resides in its branches, all pilgrimage centers remain in the roots and the Ganges flow throw its roots and the Vedas remain in the upper part of its branches.


The Tulasi plant is grown in or near almost every Hindu house, especially by Brahmins and Vaishnavas. A person who waters and cares daily is believed to gain Moksha and the divine grace of Vishnu, even if he does not worship it. The plant is regarded as women’s deity and a “Symbol of ideal wifehood and motherhood”. Tuesdays and Fridays are considered as special sacred for worship. The Tulasi plant is often worshipped morning and evening, when a candle or a lamp is lit near it. The word Tulsi is used in many place names and family names. 



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