Mangalore: Tulsi Puja – Celebrating Feminine Contributions and Virtues

Pic: Manju Neereshwallya
Daijiworld Media Network – Mangalore (SP)

Mangalore, Nov 7: People all over the country celebrate Tulsi Puja, or Tulsi Vivah, on Kartika Shukla Dwadashi day every year. The day is also known as ‘Utthana Dwadashi’.

Tulsi or holy basil plant, which finds a permanent place in the courtyard of every devout Hindu, is deemed to be an incarnation of Vrinda, who was granted the status of Goddess by Lord Vishnu.

As per legend, Tulsi (Vrinda) was the wife of demon Jalandhar, who used to harass angels and gods to no end. He could not be finished off, as he was backed by the powers of astute loyalty, devotion and continuous puja offered by his wife, Vrinda. Failing to find a way out, they approached Lord Vishnu. Lord Vishnu, it is said, disguised himself as demon Jalandhar, and approached Tulsi. Tulsi, who thought that the person who had come to her was her husband, lost the virtues incurred by her devotion and loyalty to her husband. Instantly, Jalandhar was killed. Many believe that on account of momentary distraction Tulsi had because of the illusion created by Lord Vishnu, she was born as Rukmini in her next birth, and married Krishna, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. There is also a belief that Tulsi plant represents Goddess Mahalakshmi, consort of Lord Vishnu.

Perhaps, people wanted a way to celebrate the presence of Tulsi plant among humans. In the past, remedy was found for almost every conceivable health problem like fever, cold, skin-related problems apart from beauty requirements, in Tulsi. Tulsi plant also acts as a good repellant of mosquitoes. Apart from health benefits, it is believed that anything offered to the gods reaches them only when the offerings are accompanied by a twig of Tulsi. Garlands made of Tulsi twigs are thought to be dear to the gods, while green tea made of tulsi has become popular among humans because of multifarious health benefits it offers.

MP Nalin Kumar Kateel performing Tulsi Puja

There are varieties of tulsi plant like Rama tulsi, Krishna Tulsi, Vana Tulsi, etc, and the benefits they offer vary depending on the colour of leaves and stems, climatic conditions where they are grown, and manure used.

Tulsi is predominantly worshipped by women folk. Many worship the plant on a daily basis by offering water, applying vermillion, and prostrating before the plant. The women hold Tulsi in awe mainly for her devotion to husband, sacrifices she had to make, and the benefits she left behind for humankind even in her death. Women belonging to Gowda Saraswat Brahmin community offer Chudi Puja to Goddess Tulsi and distribute the Chudis so worshipped, to friends and relatives, during the month of Shravana. This worship, they believe, results in longevity for their husbands, apart from appeasing the Goddess.

On the day of Tulsi Puja, which falls during Kartika month, considered to be a month of lights, people paint and decorate the pedestal on which tulsi plant is located, decorate the surroundings with lights, lamps, sugarcanes, mango leaves etc. They apply vermillion, and offer flowers, fruits, etc to the Goddess and light clay lamps around the pedestal. They then perform aarti to the plant and chant devotional songs praising Lord Vishnu. It is believed that devotion to tulsi directly reaches Lord Vishnu and the wishes of the worshippers are granted instantly.