Beruflich Dokumente
Kultur Dokumente
Thulasi in brief...
Thulasi the divine plant is a house hold name among Hindus regarded as
the ultimate symbol of purity. Thulasi is a Sanskrit word literally means
the one that has no equals, the one which has no comparison, matchless,
and the one whose merits are invaluable. Thulasi is considered as very
sacred and divine plant that has both physical and spiritually healing
properties. It is worshipped as a Deity in Hindu religion since time
immemorial. In olden days presence of Thulasi in a house was considered
as a symbol of religious and spiritual bent of that family.
Thulasi in Legends...
River, having darshan of Narmada River and worshiping Thulasi are all
equal in merits.
In olden days and even to day in traditional Hindu families we find
women praying and circambulating the Thulasi plant, pouring water daily
in the morning and evening for the welfare and well being of her husband
and family.
While Thulasi is used in the worship of both Lord Vishnu as well as Lord
Shiva, one exception we find is that it is not prescribed in the worship of
Lord Ganapathi except on the day of Vinayaka Chaturthi.
Thulasi is a sattvik plant and it is said that by using Thulasi one will
improve his Sattvik nature. We find people wearing Thulasi Mala a chain
made out of Thulasi beads around their neck while performing Japa and
also during divine worship as a protection from getting negative thoughts
and evil influences.
While Thulasi as such can be given as charity, adding it to any other
charity will enhance the merits of such charity.
Medicinal Value of Thulasi
Thulasi plant in its entirety is extensively used in Ayurveda in curing
various diseases like allergy, skin infections, cold, cough and respiratory
infections, heart diseases, stomach disorders, sore throat, ear ache,
mouth infections, fever, head ache, sleeplessness.
It is said to be very effective in viral infections and malaria. In fact it is
suggested as a good remedy for Swine Flu. It is said that Thulasi is very
effective for controlling the Diabetes, kidney related disorders like kidney
stones. Thulasi decoction is also used as herbal tea.
Usage of Thulasi also helps in improving memory power. It is considered
as a very good Anti-Oxidant that prevents accumulation of bad
cholesterol and fights with free radicals in the body. Thulasi is believed to
be an antidote to Snake venom and other insect bites.
Thulasi is used liberally in the manufacture of shampoos preventing
dandruff, soaps and other beauty care products. Among various varieties
Thulasi) its leaves cannot be plucked by women. They are only entitled to
worship and perform pooja. Perhaps these are some of the spiritual
reasons and there could be other reasons also.
Thulasi Festival
Kartheeka Sukla Dwadasi also known as Uttana Dwadasi is celebrated as
a festival of Goddess Thulasi when Thulasi plant is symbolically married to
a Salagrama Shila (Lord Vishnu) called Thulasi Damodara Vivaha with all
grandeur. On this day while worshipping we find people keeping a branch
of Amla tree (Amalakki) besides the Thulasi plant. This day also marks
the end of Chaturmasam the day on which Lord Sri Maha Vishnu gets up
from His Yoganidra. If that day is missed out it is generally celebrated on
the Full Moon day, Kartheeka Pournami.
Types of Thulasi
There are many varieties of Thulasi viz. Krishna Thulasi, Rama Thulasi,
Lakshmi Thulasi, Vana Thulasi, Karpoora Thulasi, Rudrajada Thulasi,
etc Krishna Thulasi is sacred for pooja and worshiping while Rama
Thulasi that is green in colour is suitable for offering to Sri Maha Vishnu.
Thulasi is not a seasonal plant it is a perennial plant whose flowers are
available
throughout
the
year.
Generally Thulasi plant will be in green or light red colour and emanates
pleasant fragrance, astringent in taste and grows up to 100 cm height.
Thulasi is an indoor plant which also grows extensively in forests and we
find people growing Thulasi as a garden. Botanical name of Thulasi is
Oscimum Sanctum and is known as Holy Basil in English. Even in this
botanical name we find sanctity in the word Sanctum.