Kingdom: Plantae
Division: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Lamiales
Family: Lamiaceae
Genus: Ocimum
Species: O. tenuiflorum
Botanical name: Ocimum tenuiflorum
The Indian herbal plant Tulsi has a lot of significance in the Hindu
religion. The term "Tulsi" is used in the context of one who
is absolutely incomparable. Tulsi has a lot of reverence for the Hindus.
Infact, people worship Tulsi everyday in the morning as well as evening
time. This Indian basil basically grows in the warm and tropical
regions. There are two main varieties of this aromatic plant, namely
Shyama tulsi and Rama tulsi. Well, out of the two, the former one is of
greater medicinal value. Rama Tulsi, on the hand, is primarily used for
worship.
In this section, we will cover the following aspects related to the
holy basil Tulsi:
Tulsi Benefits
Tulsi plant has a lot of significance for mankind, due to the manifold
medicinal benefits it provides. Tulsi leaves are widely used in the
preparation of Ayurvedic medicines. It is known to promote the longevity
of life. The extracts obtained from the plant are extensively brought to
use for curing various diseases such as the common cold, inflammation,
malaria, heart disease, headaches etc.
Tulsi Legends
Tulsi is considered to be highly sacred in the Hindu religion. Most of
the Hindus offer daily prayers to Tulsi Devi. But, not many people are
aware about the origin of Tulasi plant. Well, there are many interesting
legends about Tulsi. There is a famous legend about Krishna Tulsi, which
suggests that Tulsi was the incarnation of a gopi, who was deeply in
love with Lord Krishna. She was cursed by Radha, the consort of the
Lord.
Tulsi Vivah
Tulsi vivah is a grand festivity that has a lot of significance for
Hindus. There is an interesting legend behind the celebration of Tulsi
vivah festival. Tulsi is considered to be an incarnation of Maha
Lakshmi, who was born as Vrinda in her previous birth. Tulsi was married
to a demon king Jalandhar. She offered prayers to Lord Vishnu to protect
her husband from being harmed by any God.
Tulsi Puja
Tulsi is a consecrated plant that holds lot of importance for the
traditional Hindus. In most of the Hindu homes, people worship Tulsi
plant on a daily basis. Many people keep a plant of Tulsi in front of
their house, since Tulsi has a lot of reverence for them.
Tulsi as a Deity
Tulsi is a prominent Indian basil that is considered to be very sacred.
In the house of every Hindu family, you'll find a Tulsi planted in the
courtyard. In certain homes, Tulsi plant is kept in a specially
constructed structure and is surrounded by images of Hindu Gods and
Goddesses from all four sides.
