Tulsi Devi (Holy Basil) is a sacred plant in Hindu belief. She is regarded as an earthly manifestation of the goddess Srimati Tulsi Devi, and is as an avatar of Lakshmi, and thus the consort of Vishnu. The offering of her leaves is mandatory in worship of Bhagavan Sri Krishna. Tulsi is regarded as the holiest of all plants and a bridge between heaven and earth. A traditional prayer teaches the creator Brahma and the Ganges resides in her branches, all holy pilgrimage centers in her roots, all deities are in her stem and leaves, and the Vedas are found in the upper part of her branches. The Tulsi herb is a center of household devotion, and is often referred to as the “women’s deity” and “a symbol of wifehood and motherhood.” Vaishnavites consider it as the manifestation of god in the plant kingdom. Tuls Devi is one of Krishna’s most intimate servants coming to bless us all with extraordinary fortune. She has delicate purple and green leaves, flower tassels (like miniature temple spires), and an arresting, sweet fragrance famous for attracting the minds of yogis to Krishna’s service via Bhakti Yoga. Tulasi’s wood is carved into the japa beads on which devotees chant Krishna’s holy name. Devotees wear strands of Tulasi beads around their necks. Her leaves and flowers decorate the deity of Krishna in the temple and are placed on food offered to Him. Tulsi Devi has taken the form of a tree so that everyone, even the poorest person, can offer something wonderful to Krishna. This is her divine, mystical story.
