Significance of Tulasi
Synonyms: Holy basil, Sacred basil, Ocimum sanctum, Krishna tulsi, Tulsi
In Dutch: Tulasi; In German: Tulasi; In Finnish: Tulasi; In Spanish: Tulasi
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Tulasi'
In Buddhism, Tulasi is a plant whose leaves were sanctioned for medicinal use. This plant's leaves were specifically used to treat the unwell, according to the provided text.
From: Vinaya (2): The Mahavagga
(1) A specific plant whose leaves were sanctioned for application in the context of providing treatment to those who were unwell, as indicated in the text.[1]
Hindu concept of 'Tulasi'
In Hinduism, Tulasi is a sacred plant deeply revered and linked to devotion. It's associated with Vishnu and Krishna worship, purity, and is used in rituals. Often offered, it symbolizes love, devotion, and spiritual significance, particularly in Vaishnavism.
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) Tulasi, though seen as an enjoyable object in the material world, is nondifferent from the Supreme Lord and worshipable even without invoking life in it.[2] (2) The Lord would offer water to this sacred plant, circumambulate her, and then accept foodstuffs given by Lakshmipriya.[3] (3) Tulasi is described as an eternal maidservant of Krishna, whose leaves and flowers are dear to Keshava, and should be included when offering foodstuffs.[4] (4) A sacred plant that is deeply revered and holds significant importance within a particular spiritual or religious context.[5] (5) A sacred plant that was carried in front of the Lord upon his return after chanting.[6]
From: Garga Samhita (English)
(1) This refers to the sacred basil plant, whose leaves are considered the most auspicious and superior among all types of leaves.[7] (2) The shade of Tulasi, particularly when forming a forest-like area, is considered an auspicious place for performing shraddha and offering akshaya to the pitas.[8] (3) Tulasi is the subject referred to by the term 'tulasyah' in the original verse, whose glory is so immense that even a great deity cannot fully articulate it.[9] (4) This is the name of a sacred plant, whose dedicated care and maintenance are directly linked to the attainment of significant spiritual rewards described in the ancient teaching.[10] (5) This is a plant that, when planted, allows a person to liberate their family.[11]
From: Sri Krishna-Chaitanya
(1) The holy tulasi, dearly loved by Krishna, was offered by Sri Advaita Acharya in his worship, symbolizing a pure and simple method of devotion.[12] (2) A sacred plant in Hinduism worshipped by devotees and associated with the rituals and devotion to Krishna.[13]
From: Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu
(1) This is a sacred plant; viewing it eliminates all sins, physical contact with it purifies, revering it ends suffering, watering it saves from death, planting it creates devotion to Krishna, and offering it to Krishna's feet grants liberation.[14] (2) The fragrance of this is carried by a breeze and affects the sages.[15] (3) A holy basil plant revered in Vaishnavism, often associated with worship of Krishna.[16]
From: Haribhakti-sudhodaya
(1) This plant is most favourite to Sri Vishnu.[17]
From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)
(1) A sacred plant honored in Vaikuntha; represents purity and devotion, adorned by the Lord and praised by other flowers.[18] (2) A sacred plant, whose fragrance is most adored by Bhagavan, symbolizing great austerities performed by the plant.[19]
From: Srila Gurudeva (The Supreme Treasure)
(1) A sacred plant revered in the Hindu tradition, whose circumambulation was emphasized as a devotional practice.[20] (2) A sacred plant associated with devotion, representing purity and connection to Shri Bhagavan, and significant in the practice of bhakti.[21]
From: Bhajana-Rahasya
(1) A sacred plant highly valued in Vaishnavism, often associated with devotion and used during worship.[22] (2) A sacred plant revered in Hindu rituals, often used in worship of Krishna.[23] (3) a sacred plant used by Vaishnavas in worship.[24]
From: Chaitanya Mangala
(1) A sacred plant, water touched by tulasi was accepted by Dhruva on days he did not eat.[25]
From: Devi Bhagavata Purana
(1) Tulasi is a figure who was made an object of worship by Narayana, and she is described as having a high position and receiving boons, being the essence of all flowers.[26] (2) Tulasi is the name Lakshmi would take in Bharata, and is known as the purifier of the three worlds, as per the narrative.[27] (3) The flower, offering of which to Bhagavan Hari leads to residing in His temple.[28] (4) The name given to the daughter of Madhavi, recognized for her beauty and divine attributes.[29] (5) The daughter of Vrishadhvaja, described in her blooming youth and involved in a narrative of love and desire, representing purity and divine charm.[30]
From: Garuda Purana
(1) Tulasi, or Holy Basil, is identified with various species known for their therapeutic applications.[31]
From: Journal of Ayurveda and Integrated Medical Sciences
(1) This is used as Bhavana Dravya in Tribhuvanakirti Rasa and in Sameerapannaga Rasa, known for properties that contribute to its effect.[32] (2) Tulasi has Katutikta Rasa, Usnaveerya, Vatahara, and Kaphahara properties, acting as Krimighna, Swasahara, Kasahara, and Jwaraghna.[33] (3) It is an herb studied in the treatment of Jwara.[34] (4) A plant whose extracts and seed oil have demonstrated the ability to modulate immune responses, potentially through GABAergic pathways.[35] (5) This is a good anti-viral agent, even treating viral encephalitis, indicating its potential in addressing viral infections and its effectiveness in treating a specific condition.[36]
From: International Research Journal of Ayurveda and Yoga
(1) It has Katu and Tikta tastes and possesses Laghu and Ruksha properties with Ushna potency.[37] (2) This ingredient has Katu, tikta, kashaya rasa, laghu, ruksha, tikshnaguna, ushnavirya, katuvipaka, deepanhrudya, kaphahara, pittahara, vatahara, krimiaghna properties.[38]
From: Rasa Jala Nidhi, vol 4: Iatrochemistry
(1) Tulasi is a type of juice that should be used with suryavarta, nirgundi, white aparajita, agniballi, ginger, chitraka roots haritaki, bhanga, and kakamachi to rub the compound.[39] (2) A sacred plant whose juice is used for its medicinal properties in the preparation.[40]
From: Kathasaritsagara (the Ocean of Story)
(1) A sacred basil leaf taken by a wise housewife and sprinkled with Ganges water during an eclipse.[41]
The concept of Tulasi in local and regional sources
Tulasi refers to a plant that a grandmother circled as part of her daily prayers, highlighting its significance in religious or spiritual practices according to regional sources.
From: Triveni Journal
(1) The grandmother went around the Tulasi plant as part of her prayers before the end of the day.[42]
The concept of Tulasi in scientific sources
Tulasi, an Ayurvedic herb, is recognized for its adaptogenic qualities, offering protection against stress. It is also utilized in Ayurveda for its health benefits, including its use in floral remedies.