LABIATE, B7'' 



^ 4* 



proper or "Tulasi amulet,'' from the Tulashnahatmya oi the 

 Bralimanda Purana, and the second, a hymn in honour of the 

 plant by a certain Pundarika. The Tulasi is invoked for the 

 protection of all parts of the body in life and death, and espe- 

 cially in its quality oiputradah putrakanksMnam, or " giver of 

 children." The plant is the beloved of the gods and of pious" 

 persons, to whom it affords its cmirita {hmhrosia) ; it is especially 

 dear to Yishnu and Lakshmi, whence its synonyms Haripriya, 

 Vishnupriya and Lakshmipriya. The divine Narada has sung 

 the praises of this immortal plant, which contains in itself 

 every perfection, cures every ill, and purifies and guides to the 

 heavenly paradise those who worship it. The mystery of the 

 Tulasi is the mystery of the Creator. 



ih 



recommended 



by the followers of Siva. Krishna, the popular incarnation of 

 Vishnu, has adopted this herb for his cult, whence the name 



Krishna-tulasi. 



turned 



into a Basil plant, which on this account bears the synonym 

 Sitahvaya. The connection between the Tulasi and the Amrita 

 is indicated by the suspension over the plant of a dropp 

 of water in the month Vaimkh. Worshippers of Vishnu 



B 



LsUnu dvtas or "messengers 

 When a Hind 



18 washed with water in which are placed Tulasi leaves and 

 Sesamum seeds, and a sprig of the plant is placed upon his breast 

 as a viaticum. According to the y{-ri>/dyogasaras, the devout wor- 



shipp 



privileged to ascend to Vishnu's paradise 

 accompanied by 10 millions of his kindred. The wretch who 

 destroys the plant is abhorred of Vishnu, and can never hope for 

 any prosperity ; it may only be plucked for religious or medicinal 

 use and when ofciug the following prayer :f« Mother " 



to the heart of Govindas. I 



worsHi, of Narayana , without tbee, bWd one, every work 



me As I gather thee with care, be merciful to me. Tulasi 

 mother of the world, I beseech thee " ' 



\ 



