Tulasi Mahatyam - Summary
Tulasi Mahatyam
Tulasi Mahatyam is a fascinating aspect of Hindu mythology, highlighting the significance of Tulasi, also known as Vṛndā, who is the beautiful daughter of the demon king Kālanemi and the young queen. She marries Jalandhar, who possesses tremendous power due to being born from the fire of Lord Shiva’s third eye. Jalandhar deeply loves the devoted queen Vṛndā.
The Importance of Tulasi
Tulasi is an embodiment of Goddess Mahalakshmi herself, which is why she is highly cherished by Lord Vishnu. In a test of devotion, Lord Krishna favored a single Tulasi leaf offered by Rukmini over the immense riches presented by Satyabhama. In our Sanatana Dharma, Tulasi has been praised in many ways, and it is said that a home without Tulasi is devoid of beauty.
How to Worship Tulasi?
The Tulasi plant must be worshipped daily with devotion and respect. Water should be offered, circumambulation performed, and respectful salutations made. This practice helps remove all inauspiciousness and brings in goodness. It is said that all sins are washed away, and personal wishes are fulfilled.
Many scriptures and puranas mention that a house with Tulasi is equivalent to a holy pilgrimage. Worship of Tulasi is immensely auspicious for women. Lighting a lamp in front of the Tulasi plant at dawn and dusk is considered extremely favorable. When the Tulasi plant is in the vicinity, no evil powers can harm the family.
One should stand by the Tulasi plant with a pot of water, turmeric, and kumkum, and offer prayers in this manner:
Namastulasi Kalyani! Namo Vishnupriye! Shubhe!
Namo Mokshaprade Devi! Namaste Mangala Prade!
Vrinda Vrindavani Vishvapujita Vishvapavani!
Pushpasara Nandini cha Tulasi Krishna Jeevani!
Reciting the Eight Name Stotra while worshipping Tulasi brings the fruits of the Ashwamedha Yagna:
Etannaamaashtakam chaiva Stotram naamaarthasamyutam
Yah pathet tam cha sampujya soshamedhaphalam labhet.
After this, the following verse should be recited as a prayer:
Yanmule sarvateerthaani yanmadhye sarvadevataah
Yadagre sarvavedascha Tulasiim tvaam namaamyaham.
Pour the water at the base of the Tulasi plant and offer salutations.
Tulasi Shreesakhi Shubhe Papa-Harini Punyade
Namaste Naradanute Narayana Manahpriye.
Furthermore, circumambulate the Tulasi plant. Doing so will remove all karmic sins.
Sanatana Dharma has a prescribed method for plucking Tulasi leaves for worship. Let’s understand that.
Tulasiim ye vichinvanti dhanyaaste karapallavaah – It is described in the Skanda Purana that those who lovingly pluck Tulasi leaves for worship are truly blessed.
Leaves should be plucked from the Tulasi plant on auspicious days such as Mangal, Shukra, and others, excluding days like Dwadasi, Amavasya, Purnima, Sankranti, and during birth or death ceremonies. These guidelines are found in the Nirnaya Sindhu and Vishnudharma Uttara Purana.
Without Tulasi, worship of God is incomplete, as mentioned in the Varaha Purana. Therefore, on prohibited days or certain Tithis, one should use leaves that naturally fall at the base of the Tulasi plant. If not possible, collect Tulasi leaves the day before to use the next day.
However, this restriction does not apply to Salagrama worship. Those who have Salagrama can pluck Tulasi leaves on any Tithi or day. This is because Salagrama itself is the form of Vishnu. When Lord Mahavishnu is present in the temple, no faults occur. This is explained in the Aahnika Sutravali. It is stated in the Padma Purana that one should not touch the Tulasi plant or pluck leaves without bathing and wearing foot protection.
Tulasi Mahatyam in Telugu
You can download the Tulasi Mahatyam in Telugu PDF using the link given below.