Tulasi

INTRODUCTION
In Sanskrit, tulnaa nasti athaiva tulasi-that which is incomparable in its qualities, is the Tulasi. For Hindus, it is one of the most sacred plants. Worshiped as a form of Lakshmi, it is very dear to Lord Vishnu. No worship without offering the Tulasi to Him.

TULASI MANTRAS
Tulasi Pradakshina Mantra (circumambulation chant)
Yani kani ca papani
Brahma-hatyadikani ca
Tani tani pranasyanti
Pradakshina pade pade

Tulasi Pranaama Mantra(Salutatory chant)
Vrndayyai tulasi-devyai
Priyayai kesavasya ca
Vishnu-bhakti-prade devi
Satyavatyai namo namah


THE STORY OF TULASI
It is said that Tulasi devi was the devoted wife of Shankachuda, a celetial being. She believed that Lord Krishna tricked her into sinning and cursed Him to become a stone(Shaligrama). Seeing her devotion and adherence to righteousness, the Lord blessed her to become the holy plant Tulasi to be used in His worship. He declared that all offerings would be incomplete without the Tulasi leaf-hence the worship of Tulasi.
Lord Krishna's wife, Satyabhama, once weighed Him against all her legendary wealth. The scales did not balance till His devotee Rukmini placed her humble offerings-a single Tulasi leaf along with all the wealth on the scale. Thus the Tulasi showed that even a small object offered with devotion means more to the Lord than all the wealth in the word.


BENEFITS OF TULASI
Tulasi gives spiritual as well as material benefits. Medicinal benefits of Tulasi include promoting long life, increased stamina(contains calcium and phosphorous) and reduced blood sugar levels. Its leaves contain Vitamin C-crushed and mixed with honey, it cures common cold, headaches and fever. Mixing with ginger cures stomach disorders. It is good for the eyes(has vitamin A) and cures inflammation, heart disease, poisoning and malaria. Its oil is an antiseptic and insect repellent. Paste made from its roots soothes insect bites and stings. It is an antidote to scorpion and snakebites.
Tulasi bestows spiritual and other benefits like righteous and happy family life,peace and prosperity and power of divine vision. It removes evils of all Vaastu flaws in a house and purifies the atmosphere. Its leaves do not decay after plucking and can be stored in containers for long periods.

Recipe for herbal tea to cure colds
Ingredients:10-12 Tulasi leaves, black pepper to taste, jaggery powder, one inch ginger piece.
Take 2 cups of water and add the items. Boil the water till it becomes half the original quantity. The tea in syrup consistency is ready to be consumed.