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Home > Temples of Kerala > Thulasi ThulasiIt is believed to be an embodiment of Sree Lakshmi Devi and therefore considered sacred. The circumstances leading to the birth of Thulasi are described in Devi Bhagavatha (Navama-skanda) and its importance and uses in Padma Puraarna. Thulasi leaves are used in all temples except in certain temples of Goddess Bhadrakaali where red flowers alone are used. The sanctity attached to this plant is also described in Skanda-puraana, Naarada-samhitha, Agasthya-samhitha etc. Being a sacred plant there are certain stipulations in plucking its leaves. The leaves can be plucked after watering the plant, doing pradakshina to it and chanting the following hymn. Yan moolay sarva-theerthhaani yan madhye sarva-devatah Yad agra sarva vedas cha Thulasim thm namamyahain (I adore that Thulasi in whose roots are all the sacred places of pilgrimage, in whose centre are all deities and in whose upper branches are all the vedas). On the Dwaadasi day (12th day of the Moon) the leaves are not plucked. A devout person who observes Ekaadasi Vratha 'breaks his fast by watering the plant after bath and drinking a few drops that drip down from its leaves. The sand from the soil in which it is planted is used to make a mark on the forehead. In almost all houses of devout Hindus Thulasi is planted and the inmates make pradakshina around it every evening after lighting a lamp beneath it. The plant is reared with great care by constantly watering and keeping it afresh. Old plants are removed but their stems are used for making small beads which can be strung together. The garland thus made is used for counting manthras and also for wearing. Being a medicinal plant it is used for healing the sick and also as a remedy for insect poison.
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