Tulsi holds a very important position in the Vaishnavite tradition of Hinduism. People belonging to this religion worship Tulsi as Goddess regularly twice in a day. Therefore they would surely have this aromatic herb planted in their homes. It symbolizes the religious proclivity of the family. They have a strong belief that Lord Vishnu has strong liking for this sacred leaf. Therefore, Vaishnavites who worship Lord Vishnu wears necklace having beads made from Tulsi stems. Plant with purple colour Tulsi leaves is called as “Krishna Tulsi” or “Shyma Tulsi”. Mostly, this purple colour leaves plant is worshipped at the temples. In Varanasi, Tulsi is worshipped as Goddess at Tulsi Manas Mandir. The Puja procedure is same as for any other God or Goddess.

Tulsi in Ancient Scriptures – It is believed that Tulsi was princess who fell in love with Lord Krishna. Radha didn’t like this and she gave her the curse that she should be reborn as mortal woman. In puranas it is mentioned that after years of struggle Tulsi did get Krishna as her husband. In one of the other stories, unlimited gold was also insufficient to outweigh Krishna including all the jewelry of Satyabhama but only one Tulsi leaf tilted the scale and Lord Krishna was weighed easily. As Lord Vishnu is very fond of Tulsi, in the month of October every year on the 11th day of Kartika in lunar calendar (two weeks after Diwali) Tulsi is made to tie knot with Lord Vishnu following all the ritual of Hindu Marriage system. It is five days long ceremony and is called as “Tulsi Vivaha’. This is the auspicious day that instates the annual wedding season in India.

Role of Tulsi in Daily Puja - This sanctified plant is assigned the sixth position amid eight items of worship in the formal procedure of the sanctification of the Kalasha. Kalasha is the pot having the holy water. In all the rituals first and foremost this pot is placed and later the service to God starts. After Kalasha is established, Tulsi soaked water is used to sanctify the Deity and later the garland made of only Tulsi leaves is presented to the holy idol. This is followed by the rest of the puja steps. Finally, in the end fresh Tulsi leaves are put on the Prasad prepared for the Almighty. This ensures that Prasad is free from all odds and impurities and is sanctimonious to be offered to the creator of this world. Also, it is mentioned in Vedas that God does not accept any offering if it is without Tulsi leaves. Later, Tulsi-soaked water (used in initial Puja steps) along with the Prasad is circulated among the devotees.

Tulsi at Home - Hindu houses are unfinished till they have Tulsi plant at home. It is planted in the simple earthen pot or some people get the special pot with images of deities on the four sides along with the small alcove in the center to place small lamp. Everyday the lady of the house pours holy water on the pot. She also lights the lamp everyday in the evening. This brings name, fame and prosperity along with peace of mind for every member in the family. It is a faith in Hindu tradition that messenger of death does not enter the home with Tulsi plant.

Tulsi is incomparable. Nothing can equal its goodness. It only gives good and takes away the bad - this is what is believed in Hinduism. It has always been very important part of the religion and shall be so forever as importance and goodness of Tulsi is simply immortal.