Vishnu and Thulasi

Tulasi is considered to be very sacred in India and offering of Tulasi leaves in Vishnu temples plays an integral part in the worship of Lord Vishnu. Ever wondered why there is such a close relationship between Tulasi and Vishnu? There is a very interesting story behind the worship of Tulasi.

Tulasi is the reincarnation of an asura queen named Vrinda, who was a great devotee of Lord Vishnu. She was married to Jalandhar, a very powerful king born from Lord Shiva’s third eye, which made him invincible.

Vrinda was the epitome of chastity and this made her husband more powerful. He became very arrogant and waged wars against the Devas, chasing them from their kingdom.

The Devas ran to Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu for help. They all realized that the power behind Jalandhar was his chaste wife Vrinda and decided that the only way to stop Jalandhar was by tricking Vrinda into losing her chastity.

Therefore, Lord Vishnu, disguised as Jalandar went to the abode of Vrinda. Vrinda failed to recognize Lord Vishnu’s disguise and hence lost her chastity. Jalandhar immediately lost all his powers and was defeated.

Vrinda was heartbroken when she realised that Lord Vishnu had deceived her though she was his ardent devotee. She cursed Lord Vishnu to turn into a stone for his heartless doing. He accepted the curse, turning into the Shaligram, a stone found only on the banks of River Gandaki in Nepal.

Vrinda then ended her own life. Lord Vishnu became very remorseful and gave Vrinda a boon that a holy plant named Tulasi will be born from her ashes and that  ‘Tulasi’ will be married to him.

Therefore, worship of Lord Vishnu is complete only with the offering of Tulasi leaves. It is believed that planting Tulasi plant in our homes and worshipping Tulasi will bring all auspiciousness to the household.