Tulasi in Hinduism

"Vrinda" redirects here. For the font, see Vrinda (font).

Tulasi
Personification of the Tulasi plant
Murti of Vrinda at ISKCON Temple, Vrindavan
Other namesVrinda
Devanagariतुलसी
Sanskrit transliterationTulasi
AffiliationDevi, Lakshmi
AbodeBhuloka, Vaikuntha
SymbolTulasi plant
FestivalsTulasi Vivaha
Parents
  • Dharmadhvaja (father)
  • Kalanemi and Svarna (as Vrinda)[1]
Consort
Holy basil plant that represents Tulasi.
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Vaishnavism
Closeup of Vishnu, seated in the lotus position on a lotus. From depiction of the poet Jayadeva bowing to Vishnu, Gouache on paper Pahari, The very picture of devotion, bare-bodied, head bowed, legs crossed and hands folded, Jayadeva stands at left, with the implements of worship placed before the lotus-seat of Vishnu who sits there, blessing the poet.
Supreme deity
Vishnu / Krishna / Rama
Important deities
Dashavatara
Other forms
Consorts
Related
Holy scriptures
Puranas
Sampradayas
Others
Teachers—acharyas
Related traditions

Tulasi (Sanskrit: तुलसी, romanized: Tulasī), Tulsi or Vrinda (holy basil) is a sacred plant in Hindu tradition. Hindus regard it as an earthly manifestation of the goddess Tulasi; she is regarded as the avatar of Lakshmi, and thus the consort of the god Vishnu. In another iteration, as Vrinda, she is married to Jalandhara. The offering of its leaves is recommended in ritualistic worship of Vishnu and his avatars, like Krishna and Vithoba.

Traditionally, the tulasi is planted in the center of the central courtyard of Hindu houses.[2] The plant is cultivated for religious purposes, and for its essential oil.

  1. ^ Puranic encyclopaedia : A comprehensive dictionary with special reference to the epic and Puranic literature. 1975. ISBN 9780842608220.
  2. ^ Simoons 1998, pp. 17–18.