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*Om bhur bhuvah swah*
*Tat savitur varenyam*
*Bhargo devasya dheemahi*
*Dhiyo yo nah prachodayat*

This is a favorite Mantra of mine. Chanting this mantra I know has helped me in many situations
that would have put me in peril. Chant this from the heart understanding what it means. With
my love I share this mantra. Namaste.
Gayatri mantra has been bestowed the greatest importance in Vedic dharma.This mantra has
also been termed as Savitri and Ved-Mata, the mother of the Vedas. The literal meaning of the
mantra is:
O God! You are Omnipresent, Omnipotent and Almighty. You are all Light.
You are all Knowledge and Bliss. You are Destroyer of fear, You are Creator of this Universe,
You are the Greatest of all. We bow and meditate uponyYour light. You guide our intellect in the
right direction.
The mantra, however, has a great scientific importance too, which somehow got lost in the
literary tradition.The modern astrophysics and astronomy tell us that our Galaxy called
MilkyWay or Akash-Ganga contains approximately 100,000 million of stars. Each star is like our
sun having its own planet system. We know that the moon moves round the earth and the earth
moves round the sun along with the moon. All planets move around the sun.

Each of the above bodies revolves round at its own axis as well. Our sun along with its family
takes one round of the galactic centre in 22.5 crore (225 million) years. All galaxies including
ours are moving away at a terrific velocity of 20,000 miles per second.
And now the alternative scientific meaning of the mantra step by step:
(A) Om bhur bhuvah swah:
Bhur the earth, bhuvah the planets (solar family), swah the Galaxy. We observe that when an
ordinary fan with a speed of 900 RPM (Rotations Per Minute) moves, it makes noise. Then, one
can imagine, what great noise would be created when the galaxies move with a speed of 20,000
miles per second.
This is what this portion of the mantra explains that the sound produced due to the fast-
moving earth, planets and galaxies is Om. The sound was heard during meditation by Rishi
Vishvamitra, who mentioned it to other colleagues. All of them, then unanimously decided to
call this sound Om the name of God, because this sound is available in all
the three periods of time, hence it is set (permanent). Therefore, it was the first ever
revolutionary idea to identify formless God with a specific title (form) called upadhi. Until that
time, everybody recognized God as formless and nobody was prepared to accept this new idea.
In the Gita also, it is said, Omiti ekaksharam brahma, meaning that the name of the Supreme
is Om, which contains only one syllable (8/12). This sound Om heard during samadhi was
called by all the seers nada-brahma a very great noise), but not a noise that is normally beyond
a specific amplitude and limits of decibels suited to human hearing. Hence the rishis called this
sound Udgith musical sound of the above, i.e., heaven.They also noticed that the infinite mass
of galaxies moving with a velocity of 20,000 miles/second was generating a kinetic energy = ?
MV2 and this was balancing the total energy consumption of the cosmos. Hence they named it
Pranavah, which means the body (vapu) or store house of energy (prana).
(B) Tat savitur varenyam:
Tat that (God), savitur the sun (star), varenyam worthy of bowing or respect. Once the form of a
person along with the name is known to us, we may locate the specific person. Hence the two
titles (upadhi) provide the solid ground to identify the formless God, Vishvamitra suggested. He
told us that we could know (realize) the unknowable formless God through the known factors,
viz., sound Om and light of suns (stars). A mathematician can solve an equation x2+y2=4; if
x=2; then y can be known and so on. An engineer can measure the width of a river even by
standing at the river bank just by drawing a triangle. So was the scientific method suggested by
Vishvamitra in the mantra in the next portion as under:-
(C) Bhargo devasya dheemahi:
Bhargo the light, devasya of the deity, dheemahi we should meditate. The rishi instructs us to
meditate upon the available form (light of suns) to discover the formless Creator (God). Also he
wants us to do japa of the word Om (this is understood in the Mantra). This is how the sage
wants us to proceed, but there is a great problem to realise it,
as the human mind is so shaky and restless that without the grace of the Supreme (Brahma) it
cannot be controlled. Hence Vishvamitra suggests the way to pray Him as under:
(D) Dhiyo yo nah prachodayat:
Dhiyo (intellect), yo (who), nah (we all), prachodayat (guide to right Direction). O God! Deploy
our intellect on the right path.
Full scientific interpretation of the Mantra:
The earth (bhur), the planets (bhuvah), and the galaxies(swah) are moving at a very great
velocity,the sound produced is Om, (the name of formless God.) That God (tat), who manifests
Himself in the form of light of suns (savitur) is worthy of bowing/respect(varenyam). We all,
therefore, should meditate (dheemahi) upon the light (bhargo) of that deity (devasya) and also
do chanting of Om. ?May He (yo) guide in right direction (prachodayat) our (nah) intellect
(dhiyo).
So we notice that the important points hinted in the mantra are:-
1) The total kinetic energy generated by the movement galaxies acts as an umbrella and
balances the total energy consumption of the cosmos. Hence it was named as the Pranavah
(body of energy). This is equal to ?
mv2 (2 means squared)
(Mass of galaxies x velocity2).
2) Realising the great importance of the syllable OM, the other later date religions adopted this
word with a slight change in accent, viz., amen and Ameen.
3)The God could be realised through the saguna (gross), upasana (method), i.e.,
a) by chanting the name of the supreme as OM and
b) by meditating upon the light emitted by stars (suns)


Hindu Culture
TULSI KYARO - TULSI VIVAH

Hindu culture has always taught that there is one consciousness pervading all living beings
including the vegetable kingdom. The Tulsi is the living example of that teaching. The holy
Tulsi has been given a special place in all religious ceremonies including ritual sacrifices and
other types of worship. We find the Tulsi plant in the small gardens of homes of Hindus and in
the temples.
From the medical point of view, the Tulsi is very useful. it is believed that it cures coughs and
colds, if its leaves are boiled In milk and the mixture taken. Since it is capable of killing
parasites, its leaves, if chewed daily, will prevent Malaria. It also helps in the digestion of food
and circulation of the blood.
It is a very dear plant to God. Krishna who weighed against gold ornaments was found
heavier, proved lighter when weighed against a single leaf of the Tulsi placed on the scale by
Rukmini. What is dear to God is also dear to us and therefore the Tulsi is a holy plant which
deserves respect.
There is an interesting story about the Tulsi. In olden days, there lived a king named
Jalandhar, who had a wife named Vranda. She was a very devoted wife and because of her
intense devotion to her husband, it was believed that the king could not come to any harm.
Knowing this, the king was rather cruel towards his subjects. Lord Vishnu thought that this
was unfair to the poor people, so he took the form of King Jalandhar and co-habited with
Vranda. When Vranda came to know of this, she cursed Vishnu who turned into a stone -
Shaligram. Vishnu, therefore, turned her into a plant and Vranda became Tulsi. Even today,
Hindu women worship the Tulsi plant by lighting a Deepak near the plant.
On the 11th day of the bright half of the month of Kartik, the Tulsi is ceremoniously married
to God. This is the festival of Tulsi Vivah.
Like the Tulsi, if we also endeavour to root out sins, diseases and other evil influences from
the society, we will become dear to God and useful to the people at large. Wherever there is
the Tulsi plant, the atmosphere appears auspicious and holy. Our salutations to the beneficent
and liberating plant, the Tulsi.

Tulsi Vivah Lord Vishnus
Wedding
Tulsi Vivah is considered the beginning of the wedding season in India in the
month of Kartik, which occurs in October/November every year. Tulsi vivah is
conducted on the day after Kartik Ekadashi (the eleventh bright day of the new
moon, Amavasya). According to Hindu mythology, Tulsi is ceremonially married
to Lord Vishnu on this day. The festival continues for five days and concludes on
the full moon day.
In 2010, Tulsi Vivah will be observed from November 17th
to November 21st.
The festival is based on the legend of the marriage
(or vivah) of the holy basil plant (or Tulsi) with Lord Vishnu.
The tulsi plant is considered holy by many hindus and
traditional hindu homes used to have tulsi plant growing in
the courtyard. Offerings were made to the tulsi plant every
morning and evening during the daily prayers. But how can
there be a festival devoted to the marriage of a plant and a
God? We have to turn to legend and mythology for an explanation.
Tulsi is considered to be an incarnation of Maha Lakshmi, who was born as
Vrinda in her previous birth. Vrinda was married to a demon king Jalandhar. But
she prayed to Lord Vishnu that her demon husband would be protected, with
the result that no God was able to harm him. However on the request of the
other gods, Lord Vishnu took the form of Jalandhar and stayed with the
unsuspecting Tulsi. When the truth emerged after Jalandhars death, Vrinda
crused Vishnu and turned him to stone (Shaligram) and collapsed. From her
body emerged the tulsi plant. That is why Vishnu pooja is considered incomplete
without tulsi leaves.. Since then, every year Tulsi is married to Lord Vishnu and
the event is known as Tulsi Shaligram Vivah. It is said that the person who
performs the custom of giving away Tulsi to Lord Vishnu, considering her to be
his own daughter, is considered to earn the credit of performing kanya-daan.
Another legend says that Tulsi came out of the ocean during Amrita manthan as
a younger sister of Lakshmi. She was devoted to Lord Vishnu and wanted to
marry him but Lakshmi, who was already married to him, did not like the idea
and cursed her to become a plant. Thus the tulsi plant was born. But the all
merciful Lord Vishnu took pity and fulfilling her wish declared that when he will
be in the form of a saligram she will remain close to him in the form of a tulsi
leaf.

Marriage of Shalagrama and Tulasi written by Sri Padmanabha Gosai.
Shri Vasishthaji said that what I have heard in ancient times from Lord Brahma about
the marriage of Tulasi I will now describe according to what is written in the Narada-
pancaratra. First one should plant Tulasi either in the house or the forest, and after
three years one may perform her marriage. The auspicious times when one may
perform the marriage of Shalagrama and Tulasi are described as follows. When the
sun is moving in the north, Jupiter and Venus are rising, in the month of Kartika, from
the Ekadashi to the full moon in the month of Magha, and when constellations that are
auspicious for marriage appear, especially the full moon day. - First one should
arrange a place for sacrifice (yajna-kunda) under a canopy (mandapa). Then after
performing shanti-vidhana, one should install sixteen goddesses, and do the shraddha
ceremony for his female maternal ancestors. One should call four brahmanas learned
in the Veda, and appoint one to be the Brahma, one to be the acarya, one to be the
rishi, and one to be the priest. One should establish an auspicious waterpot (mangala-
ghat) under that mandapa according to the Vaishnava rituals. Then one should
establish an attractive shalagrama-shila (Lakshmi-Narayana). After that one should
perform home sacrifice (griha-yajna), worship the sixteen goddesses, and do the
shraddha ceremony. - When it is dusk one should install a golden Deity of Narayana
and a silver murti of Tulasi according to one's means. With vasa-shanta mantra two
cloths should be tied together, with yadavandha mantra the marriage bracelets
(kangana) should be tied on the wrists, and with ko' dat mantra the marriage should be
consecrated. Then the host along with the acarya, rishi, and others should make nine
offerings in the yajna-kunda. After these marriage rites have been done, the wise
gurudeva should offer sacrifice according to the Vaishnava rituals chanting, "Om
namo bhagavate keshavaya namah svaha." - The host with his wife, friends, and
relatives should then do parikrama of Tulasi four times with shalagrama-shila.
Everyone should then recite the following prayers in front of the yajna-kunda:
shatkumbha-sukta, pavamani-sukta, shakti-kadhyaya, nava-sukta, jiva-sukta, and
vaishava-samhita. After this the ladies should blow conch and other similar
instruments, sing auspicious songs, and recite mangalacarana. Following this the final
sacrifice should be done (purnahuti) and then abhisheka. An ox is to be given to the
Brahma, a cow, cloth, and bed to the acarya, and cloth to the rishi. Dakshina should be
given to all. - In this way installing Tulasi Devi one should begin her regular worship
along with Lord Vishnu. Whoever sees the marriage of Tulasi Devi will have all of
the accumulated sins of his life removed. Whoever with devotion plants Tulasi,
collects her leaves, or installs her along with Vishnu will achieve liberation, the abode
of the Lord, all varieties of enjoyment, and will enjoy along with Shri Hari.
A Hindu perspective:
Tulsi Vivah or Marriage: This is perhaps the most sentimental but not the least
important festival which falls on the 11th day of the bright half of Kartik. This story
from padma Puram revolves round Tulsi, the plant Ocimum Sanctum which in her
former birth was Vrinda, the daughter of a giant named Nemi, and the faithful wife of
demon Jalandhar. Being born in water Jalandhar claims sovereignty over the ocean
and demands the 14 treasures churned out of the ocean in Vishnu's second
incarnation. He declares war and becomes a cause of danger to the gods. More so
because of a boon that he would be free drom death till his wife Vrinda was chaste.
As a last resort to kill Jalandhar, Vishnu beguiles Vrinda by assuming her husband's
form. Vrinda in her wrath cruses and turns Lord Vishnu into a Black stone (Salagram)
for his deceit. Vishnu too retaliates but in admiration of her impeachable chastity and
piety, he transfers her into the sacred Tulsi plant and promises to marry her annually
on this day of Kartik. The origin of the ammonite black stone or Salagram found on
the bed of the river Gandaki may be attributed to their legend.
As a consequence, all devout Hindu women worship the Tulsi plant with flowers and
milk assuming Lord Krishna to be present on it on this auspicious day. Literally a
mock marriage is performed between the Tulsi and the Salagram. The belief is that
one who performs this ceremony of giving away Tulsi considering them to be one's
own daughters, gets the credit as making a Kanyadan which is regarded as an
extremely meritorious act in pur religion. This sacred ceremonial day marks the
auspicious opening of the annual marriage season of the Hindus.





http://www.salagram.net/sstp-TulasiDevilinks.html

The story of Tulasi Devi in short

Srimati Tulasi devi is one of the most exalted devotees of the Sri Krishna. All
scriptures stress on the importance of getting the mercy of Tulasi devi if one has to
make progress in the path of devotion. In the Skanda Purana it is said: Tulasi is
auspicious in all respects. Simply by seeing, simply by touching, simply by
remembering, simply by praying to, simply by bowing before, simply by hearing
about or simply by sowing this tree, there is always auspiciousness. Anyone who
comes in touch with the Tulasi tree in the above-mentioned ways lives eternally in the
Vaikuntha world."
Vrinda devi
*********
Above this material world is the eternal spiritual world comprised of millions of
Vaikuntha planets. The topmost planet in Vaikuntha is Goloka which is presided by
Sri Krishna in His original form. Here resides Vrinda devi, an intimate associate of
and an expansion of Srimati Radharani. Her partial expansion is Tulasi devi in the
Vaikuntha planets and they are all considered non-different from her.
As the embodiment of the lila-sakti (pastime potency), Vrinda devi is the organizer of
all the transcendental pastimes between Sri Krishna and Srimati Radharani. In Goloka
every thing is animate (cit) and only for the pleasure of Sri Krishna. Vrinda devi
makes this happen. She is assisted by many confidential associates (which include two
parrots) and with their help she makes sure that every thing is pleasing to Sri Krishna.
She controls how the wind blows, when and where it rains, how the trees bend, and so
many other things for the pleasure of the Divine Couple.
Manifest Vrindavana
*****************
Five thousand years ago when Sri Krishna descended on Earth to do His pastimes,
Vrinda devi created the proper environment for His pastimes in Vrindavana. Millions
of years before the descent of Sri Krishna, Vrinda devi had appeared as the daughter
of the pious Emperor Kedera. Then she performed penances for sixty thousand years.
Pleased by her penances, Lord Vishnu gave the benediction that any austerities
performed in Vrindavana would be very potent. Thus Vrinda devi sanctified the place
and it got the name Vrindavana. Later Vrinda devi once again descended here as
Tulasi devi, the daughter of King Kushadvaja to perform penances and attain
perfection here.
Pastimes of Radha-Krishna
**********************
Vrindavana is completely under the control of Vrinda devi. Without her mercy it is
not possible to even approach the confidential pastimes of Radha-Krishna, even as an
audience. Even being allowed into Vrindavana dhama indicates that one has received
some mercy from Vrinda devi.
In Krishna lila she appeared as a young gopi friend of Srimati Radharani. Under the
instructions of Purnamasya (Yogamaya), she would arrange secret meeting between
Krishna and Radha. She would also make all the material arrangements, like saffron,
fruits, flowers, music etc. for Radha Krishna. Thus she carried on her eternal service
in Goloka Vrindavana in the earthly Vrindavana.
Once Srimati Radharani was so pleased by the service of Vrinda devi that with the
help of the other gopis she arranged a magnificent throne and had Krishna and Vrinda
devi sit on it. Lalita sakhi acting as the priest recited the mantras and performed the
marriage cermony of Krishna and Vrinda devi. Thus by the mercy of Srimati
Radharani, Vrinda devi got Krishna.
In another pastime, Vrinda devi offered all the forests of Vrindavana to Srimati
Radharani. Thus Radharani is also known as Vrindavaneshwari or the queen of
Vrindavana.
Tulasi devi becomes a plant
**********************
Pastimes involving pure devotees are only for the benefit of conditioned souls in the
material world. This pastime, given in the Padma purana and in the Brahma-vaivarta
purana involvong Tulasi devi reveals this clearly.
Once Tulasi devi descended as the daughter of King Kushadvaja. She was married to
Jalhandara. It is said that Samudra deva the demigod controlling the nether regions
had Lakshmi devi as a daughter (since she appeared from him at time of the churning
of the ocean) and Jalandara (one who is born from water).
Jalandara was married to Tulasi devi and drew strength from her purity and chastity.
So firm was her chastity that even Lord Shiva could not defeat Jalandara in battle and
all the demigods went to Lord Vishnu for help.
At this time, Lord Vishnu went to Tulasi devi assuming the form of her husband,
Jalandara. When Tulasi devi greeted Him, thinking Him to be her husband, her
chastity was momentarily broken. Taking advantage of this the demigods killed
Jalandara.
When Tulasi devi understood what happened, Lord Vishnu revealed His original
form. An enraged Tulasi devi cursed Lord Vishnu for His stone hearted behavior to
become a stone. Honoring His pure devotee, Lord Vishnu accepted this curse and
promised to appear as the Saligrama shila in the Gandika river (now in Nepal). He
also gave Tulsai devi the benediction that she will eternally reside with Him as His
consort in Vaikuntha. He said that for the benefit of every one she will assume the
form of a plant which will be most auspicious for anyone performing devotional
service.
Thus devotees never offer anything to Krishna without a Tulasi leaf. He always
adorns Himself with a Tulasi garland. The goddess of fortune, Laksmi, is sometimes
envious of the Tulasi leaves which are placed at the lotus feet of the Lord, for they
remain fixed there and do not move, whereas Laksmiji, although stationed by the
chest of the Lord, sometimes has to please other devotees who pray for her favor.
Laksmiji sometimes has to go to satisfy her numerous devotees, but tulasi leaves
never forsake their position, and the Lord therefore appreciates the service of the
tulasi more than the service of Laksmi.
Tulasi as the source of bhakti
************************
The scriptures are full of pastimes that reveal the potency of Tulasi in developing
devotion for the Lord.
The Srimad Bhagavatam talks about this pastime with the four Kumaras, the sons of
Lord Brahma who were very much attached to the impersonal aspect of Godhead.
When the breeze carrying the aroma of tulasi leaves and saffron from the lotus feet of
the lotus-eyed Personality of Godhead entered through the nostrils into the hearts of
those sages [the Kumaras], they experienced a change in both body and mind, even
though they were attached to the impersonal Brahman understanding.'
Thus by simply smelling the fragrance of the Tulasi leaves the four Kumaras became
pure devotees of the Lord.
In Caitanya lila Srila Advaita Acarya was very much disturbed to see the growth of
irreligiosity. Therefore He decided to call for the Personality of Godhead Krsna to
descend by worshiping the Lord with tulasi leaves and the water of the Ganges. When
Sri Krishna was please by this devotion He descended as Caitanya Mahaprabhu.
Haridasa Thakura a great devotee of Caitanya Mahaprabhu purified a prostitue who
had come with the intention of seducing him with instructions to chant the holy name
and worship Tulasi. She became so elevated by this service that even great
Vaishnavas would come to get her mercy.
Glories of Tulasi devi
*****************
Quoting from the Gautamiya-tantra, the Hari-bhakti-vilasa states:
tulasi-dala-matrena
jalasya culukena va
vikrinite svam atmanam
bhaktebhyo bhakta-vatsalah
Sri Krsna, who is very affectionate toward His devotees, sells Himself to a devotee
who offers merely a tulasi leaf and a palmful of water.
In the Nectar of Devotion, service to Tulasi is glorified as one of items of devotional
service.
In the Srimad Bhagavatam (3.15.19) it is said that although flowering plants like the
mandara, kunda, kurabaka, utpala, campaka, arna, punnaga, nagakesara, bakula, lily
and parijata are full of transcendental fragrance, they are still conscious of the
austerities performed by tulasi, for tulasi is given special preference by the Lord, who
garlands Himself with tulasi leaves.
In the Skanda Purana there is a statement praising the Tulasi tree as follows: Let me
offer my respectful obeisances unto the Tulasi tree, which can immediately vanquish
volumes of sinful activities. Simply by seeing or touching this tree one can become
relieved from all distresses and diseases. Simply by offering obeisances to and
pouring water on the tulasi tree, one can become freed from the fear of being sent to
the court of Yamaraja [the King of death, who punishes the sinful]. If someone sows a
tulasi tree somewhere, certainly he becomes devoted to Lord Krsna. And when the
tulasi leaves are offered in devotion at the lotus feet of Krsna, there is the full
development of love of Godhead.
All glories to Tulasi devi !!

The Benefits of Rendering Service
To Srimati Tulasi Devi

NIRMITA TVAM PURA DEVAIR ARCITA TVAM SURASURAIH
TULASI HARA ME PAPAM PUJAM GRHNA NAMOSTUTE
(HARI BHAKTI VILASA 9/101 from SKANDA PURANA)
Oh Tulasi, you previously appeared in this world due to the demigods. The
demigods and demons together worship you. Please remove all of my sins. I pay
my obeisances unto you. FOOTNOTE
YA DRSTA NIKHILA AGHA SANGHA SAMANI SPRSTA VAPUH PAVANI
ROGANAM ABHIVANDITA NIRASINI SIKTANTAKA TRASINI
PRATYA SATTI VIDHAYINI BHAGAVATAH KRSNASYA SAMROPITA
NYASTA TACCARANE VIMUKTI PHALADA TASYAI NAMAH
(HARI BHAKTI VILASA 9/104 from SKANDA PURANA, AVANTI KHANDA)
Just by looking at you (Tulasi), all sins become removed. Just by touching
you, one's body becomes pure. By praying to her, all diseases practically
become removed. If one waters her or makes her wet, the fear of Yamaraja
(death personified) is destroyed. Just by planting or transplanting, one
achieves nearness to the Supreme Personality of Godhead. If someone offers
Tulasi at the lotus feet of Lord Sri Krsna, she awards liberation and devotion
to Him, therefore I pay my humble obeisances to such a wonderful Tulasidevi.
PRADAKSINAM BHRAMITVA YE NAMASKURVANTI NITYASAH
NA TESAM DURITAM KINCID AKSINAM AVASISYATE
(HARI BHAKTI VILASA 9/111 from AGASTYA SAMHITA)
If someone daily goes around Tulasi and pays obeisances to her, there is no
more sin to be destroyed in him.
HITVA TIRTHA-SAHASRANI SARVAN API SILOCCAYAN
TULASI KANANE NITYAM KALAU TISTHATI KESAVAH
(HARI BHAKTI VILASA 9/116 from SKANDA PURANA)
In Kali-yuga, Lord Sri Kesava, after giving up thousands of places of
pilgrimage and holy days, He resides in the forest of Tulasidevi.
DRSTVA SPRSTVA TATHA DHYATA KIRTITA NAMITA SRTA
ROPITA SEVITA NITYAM PUJITA TULASI SUBHA
NAVADHA TULASIM NITYAM YE BHAJANTI DINE DINE
YUGA KOTI SAHASRANI TE VASANTI HARER GRHE
(HARI BHAKTI VILASA 9/126,127 from SKANDA PURANA conversation
between Lord
Brahma and Narada Muni)
Any person who daily sees Tulasi, touches Tulasi, chants Tulasi's prayers,
meditates on Tulasi, pays obeisances to her, hears about her, transplants and
worships her, he achieves all auspiciousness. Any person who does these nine
kinds of service goes to the abode of the Supreme Lord Hari and remains there
eternally.
SNANE DANE TATHA DHYANE PRASANE KESAVA ARCANE
TULASI DAHATE PAPAM ROPANE KIRTANE KALAU
(HARI BHAKTI VILASA 9/132 from SKANDA PURANA, AVANTI KHANDA)
In Kali-yuga, Tulasidevi burns up all of a person's sins who bathes her,
gives her in charity, meditates on her, eats her leaves, worships Lord Sri
Kesava with her, transplants her or sings her glories.
TULASY ALANKRTA YE YE TULASI NAMA JAPAKAH
TULASI VANA PALAYE TE TYAJYA DURATO BHATAH
(HARI BHAKTI VILASA 9/133 from SKANDA PURANA, KASI KHANDA
Yamaraja instructs
his messengers)
Oh messengers, anybody who is decorated with Tulasi wood or chants her name,
always protects a Tulasi forest, you should give up bringing such persons to
my abode.
DARSANAM NARMADAYAS TU GANGA SNANAM VISAM VARA
TULASI DALA SAMSPARSAH SAMAM ETAT TRAYAM SMRTAM
ROPANAT PALANAT SEKAD DARSANAT SPARSANAT NRNAM
TULASI DAHATE PAPAM VANG MANAH KAYA SANCITAM
(HARI BHAKTI VILASA 9/139,140 from PADMA PURANA)
Oh best of the Vaisyas, seeing Narmada, taking bath in the Ganges, and
touching Tulasi leaves are equally meritorious. If somebody plants, protects,
waters, sees or touches Tulasi, then that person's sins acquired by body, mind
and words are burnt into ashes.
YAD GRHE TULASI BHATI RAKSABHIR JALASECANAIH
TAD GRHAM YAMA DUTAS CA DURATO VARJAYANTI HI
(HARI BHAKTI VILASA 9/145 from PADMA PURANA, KARTIKA
MAHATMYA)
In any house where Tulasi Maharani is very carefully protected and watered,
the messengers of Yamaraja give up that house from a distance.
VISNOS TRAILOKYA NATHASYA RAMASYA JANAKATMAJA
PRIYA TATHAIVA TULASI SARVA LOKAIKA PAVANI
(HARI BHAKTI VILASA 9/151 from AGASTYA SAMHITA)
As the daughter of Janaka, Sri Sitadevi, is very dear to Lord Rama, the
master of the three worlds, similarly, Tulasidevi, who purifies all of the
planets, is very dear to Him.
TULASI VAPITA YENA PUNYARAME VANE GRHE
PAKSINDRA TENA SATYOKTAM LOKAH SAPTA PRATISTHITAH
(HARI BHAKTI VILASA 9/157 from GARUDA PURANA)
Oh king of the birds (Garuda), anyone who has planted a garden of Tulasi,
either in the forest or in the house, I truthfully say that he has won the
seven planetary systems.
SANSARA-PAPA VICCHEDI GANGA NAMA PRAKIRTITAM
TATHA TULASYA BHAKTIS CA HARI KIRTI PRAVAKTARI
(HARI BHAKTI VILASA 9/161 from BRHAN NARADIYA PURANA)
As by chanting the name of Ganges, one becomes free from all kinds of worldly
sins, if someone chants the name of Tulasi or chants the glories of Lord Hari
with devotion, he gets the same merit.
TRNANI TULASI MULAT YAVANTYAPAHINOTI VAI
TAVATTIR BRAHMA HATYA HI CHINATY EVA NASAMSAYAH
(HARI BHAKTI VILASA 9/165 from BRHAN NARADIYA PURANA conversation
between
Yamaraja and Bhagiratha)
Anybody who removes the straw or dirt from the root of Tulasidevi, as many as
he has removed, that many sinful reactions of killing brahmanas will be
removed from him without a doubt.
DURLABHA TULASI SEVA DURLABHA SUNGATIH SATAM
DURLABHA HARI BHAKTIS CA SANSARARNAVA-PATINAM
(HARI BHAKTI VILASA 9/170 from BRHAN NARADIYA PURANA)
Those people who have fallen in the midst of this material world, among them
worship of Tulasi is very rare, the association of real saintly persons is
very rare, and real devotion to Lord Hari is also very rare.
YASMIN GRHE DVIJA SRESTHA TULASIMULA MRTTIKA
SARVADA TISTHATE DEHE DEVATA NA SA MANUSA
TULASI MRTTIKA YATRA KASTHAM PATRAN CA VESMANI
TISTHATE MUNI SARDULA NISCALAM VAISNAVA PADAM
(HARI BHAKTI VILASA 9/183,186 from SKANDA PURANA conversation
between Lord
Brahma and Narada Muni)
Oh best among the brahmanas, in anybody's house or on his body, if the mud
from Tulasi is available, they are not just men, but they are equal to the
demigods. Oh best among the sages, in anyone's house, if there is the clay of
Tulasi, Tulasi wood, and Tulasi leaves available, that house is certainly a
place of Lord Visnu.
TULASI MULA SAMBHUTA HARI BHAKTA PADODBHAVA
GANGODBHAVA CA MRLLEKHA NAYATY ACYUTA RUPATAM
(HARI BHAKTI VILASA 9/189)
Any person who puts on tilaka from the mud or clay from the root of Tulasi,
mud from the lotus feet of Sri Vaisnava, and mud from the Ganges is said to be
equal to the form of Lord Sri Visnu.
PATRAM PUSPAM PHALAM KASTHAM TVAT SAKHA-PALLAVANKURAM
TULASI SAMBHAVAM MULAM PAVANAM MRTTIKADY API
(HARI BHAKTI VILASA 9/191 from PRAHLADA SAMHITA and VISNU
DHARMOTTARA)
Leaves of Tulasi, flowers of Tulasi, fruits of Tulasi, branches of Tulasi,
bark of Tulasi, sprout of Tulasi, blossom or bud of Tulasi, and clay of Tulasi
are all completely purified.
YAH KURYAT TULASI KASTHAIR AKSA MALAM SURUPINIM
KANTHA MALAM CA YATNENA KRTAM TASYAKSAYAM BHAVET
(HARI BHAKTI VILASA 9/199 from SKANDA PURANA, AGASTYA SAMHITA,
conversation
between Lord Brahma and Narada Muni)
Any person who makes a beautiful japamala or neck beads out of Tulasi wood
and uses them, if he does not perform any worship to Lord Sri Visnu, all of
his activities become unlimitedly resultful.
YASYA NABHI STHITAM PATRAM MUKHE SIRASI KARNAYOH
TULASI SAMBHAVAM NITYAM TIRTHAIS TASYA MAKHAIS CA KIM
(HARI BHAKTI VILASA 9/200 from SKANDA PURANA conversation between
Lord Brahma
and Narada Muni)
If anyone daily has Tulasi leaves on his navel, in his mouth, on his head, or
on both of his ears, what is the use of him going to the places of pilgrimage
in this world?
YAH KASCIT VAISNAVO LOKE MITHYACARO'PY ANASRAMI
PUNATI SAKALAN LOKAN SIRASA TULASIM VAHAN
(HARI BHAKTI VILASA 9/202 from SKANDA PURANA)
If any Vaisnava in this world becomes a liar or becomes degraded from his own
asrama, if he has a Tulasi leaf on his head, he can alone purify the three
worlds.
Srila Sanatana Gosvami gives his Digdarsani-tika commentary on this verse,
stating that if Vaisnavas wear articles which have been offered to the Supreme
Lord, then one may question how a Vaisnava can wear something which has not
been offered to the Supreme Lord. In answer to this, it can be stated that
only a lying or cheating "Vaisnava" can do such a thing because they are all
hypocrites and not real Vaisnavas.
BHAKSITAM LUBDHAKENAPI PATRAM TULASI SAMBHAVAM
PASCAD DISTANTAM APANNO BHASMI BHUTAM KALEVARAM
SITA SITAM YATHA NIRAM SARVA PAPA KSAYAVAHAM
TATHA CA TULASI PATRAM PRASITAM SARVA KAMADAM
(HARI BHAKTI VILASA 9/213,214 from SKANDA PURANA conversation
between Vasistha
and King Mandhata)
Even if a most sinful hunter eats a Tulasi leaf and dies afterwards, whatever
sins he has in his body turn into ashes. As whitish and blackish water (Ganges
and Yamuna water) remove all kinds of sins, in the very same way, white
(green) and black Tulasis removes all kinds of sins, and if he eats these
leaves (after offering them to Lord Krsna), all of his desires are perfectly
achieved.
KRTVA PAPA SAHASRANI PURVE VAYASI MANAVAH
TULASI BHAKSANAN MUCYET SRUTAM ETAT PURA HAREH
(HARI BHAKTI VILASA 9/218 from SKANDA PURANA conversation between
Vasistha and
King Mandhata)
Any person, in his young age commits thousands of sins but later on eats a
Tulasi leaf, he becomes free from all sins. This narration was heard
previously near Lord Sri Hari.
KIM CITRAM ASYAH PATITAM TULASYA
DALAM JALAM VA PATITAM PUNITE
LAGNADI BHALA STHALAM ALAVALA
MRTSNAPI KRTSNA AGHA VINASANAYA
SRIMAT TULASYAH PATRASYA MAHATMYAM YADYAPI DRSAM
TATHAPI VAISNAVES TAN NA GRAHYAM KRSNARPANAM VINA
(HARI BHAKTI VILASA 9/226,227)
What can I say about the wonderful glories of Tulasi? Her fallen leaves, her
rotten leaves and her water, even if fallen (mixed with her mud?) is
purifying. If even a minute quantity of the mud which has emanated from the
Tulasi root has been placed on one's head, all of one's sins are removed.
Although Tulasi is so glorious (and her leaves are so purifying), still
Vaisnavas never eat Tulasi leaves without first offering them to the Supreme
Personality of Godhead, Krsna.