Tulasi
The Sacred Basil and Devoted Plant
Tulasī
“Tulasi is the holy basil plant loved in Vaishnava homes. She is seen as a living goddess and the closest plant friend of Krishna and Vishnu. Her leaves are used in worship and offerings.”
- •Pure heart offered to God
- •Everyday devotion
- •Home protection and blessing
- •Bridge between devotee and Krishna
Associated Leelas
Vrinda's Devotion and the Birth of Tulasi
Traditional stories tell of a devoted woman named Vrinda. Her faith was strong and she was blessed to become the Tulasi plant so that devotees could always offer pure leaves to God.
Tulasi Vivaha
A sacred ceremony in which Tulasi is ritually married to Krishna or Vishnu. This marks an important time of worship and joy in many homes and temples.
Offering a Tulasi Leaf to Krishna
A simple, daily act: giving one Tulasi leaf to Krishna with a flower or fruit. This small offering is said to please the Lord greatly.
What It Is
Tulasi is a special, sacred basil plant. People in many Vaishnava traditions grow Tulasi near their homes or in temple courtyards. She is not only a herb for medicine and scent. Tulasi is also worshipped as a goddess who loves God. Her green leaves are used when people give gifts and food to Krishna and Vishnu.
Krishna's Loving Bond
Krishna loves the aroma and purity of Tulasi leaves. Devotees believe that offering even one Tulasi leaf with a flower or fruit brings great joy to Krishna. Tulasi is seen as a faithful servant and friend of Krishna. She stands near homes and temples to protect the family and to keep the place pure for loving service to God.
Stories and Leelas
patram puṣpam phalam toyaṁ yo me bhaktyā prayacchati — (Bhagavad Gita 9.26) — Even a leaf, a flower, a fruit, or water offered with love is dear to me.
Many traditional stories tell how Tulasi came to be a plant and how she became closely linked with Vishnu and Krishna. One common story speaks of a devoted woman named Vrinda who was pure and faithful. Her devotion was so strong that she helped protect the world. In some tales, when her human life ended, she was blessed to remain forever as the holy Tulasi plant so that devotees could always connect with God through her leaves.
Another common tradition is Tulasi Vivaha, a sacred ceremony when devotees symbolically marry Tulasi to Krishna or Vishnu. This ritual marks the start of the worship season in many homes and temples. Daily acts of care for the Tulasi plant and offering her leaves to Krishna are also described as little leelas of love between the devotee, Tulasi, and the Lord.
Symbolic Meaning
Tulasi stands for purity, devotion, and protection. She teaches that simple, steady love is powerful. The leaf of Tulasi used in worship means the devotee gives their pure heart to God. Tulasi is also a sign of a clean home and a life lived for service to Krishna. Many people see her as a bridge: she takes their love and returns Krishna's blessings.
Legacy in Devotion
Tulasi has a warm place in daily worship. Families water her, sing to her, and use her leaves in prayers. Temples and homes keep a small raised pot or courtyard for her called a Tulasi-vrindavan. Festivals and rites, such as Tulasi Vivaha and special prayers in the month of Kartika, keep her story alive. Her presence encourages simple acts of love and care, and she continues to be a living teacher of devotion for children and grown-ups alike.
Iconography & Art
Tulasi is often shown as a small plant in a raised square or circular pot called a Tulasi-vrindavan. In art and on altars, her leaves appear near the feet of Krishna or Vishnu. In ritual, a single Tulasi leaf is placed on food or on the deity's image to show pure devotion.
Cultural Legacy
Tulasi continues as a living part of Vaishnava homes and temples. Families tend her daily, teach children to offer her leaves, and celebrate her in festivals. She shapes simple devotional habits: caring for life, offering with love, and keeping the home clean and sacred. Through these small acts, Tulasi helps many people grow in faith and closeness to Krishna.
Tulasi is the living garland of the Lord. She stands in homes to bless devotion.
A single Tulasi leaf with love is a gift Krishna always accepts.
Sudarshana Chakra is the spinning discus of Lord Krishna (Vishnu). It is a bright, powerful wheel that protects dharma and destroys evil. Devotees see it as a symbol of God’s wisdom, justice, and care.
A string of beads made from the holy Tulasi plant. Devotees wear or hold it during prayer. It reminds the heart of love, purity, and service to Krishna.