The Basil Plant:

In India the basil plant commonly known as ‘Tulsi’ is considered sacred and is worshipped among Hindus. Almost all Hindu households have a basil plant in their garden, or indoors in a little pot. No self respecting Hindu household is considered complete without the Tulsi plant, this is because the presence of a Tulsi plant in a home signifies the presence of Goddess Lakshmi herself .This plant is potted and placed on a structure called the ‘Tulsi Vrindavan.’ In urban homes where space is an issue and one does not have a garden or yard to place a Tulsi vrindavan, the tulsi plant is grown in pots and placed in the balcony or terrace or even on the window sill. No matter how small the house, there will be a place for a tulsi plant in a Hindu home.

Every morning the lady of the house waters it and offers her respects to the basil plant. In the evenings people light a lamp and place it by the plant or in the pot. The plant according to Hindus is a representation of goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of prosperity. This plant goddess is considered to be Lord Vishnu’s wife. Every year, Hindus celebrate the onset of the wedding season after the diwali festival by performing the marriage ceremony of the Tulsi plant with an idol of lord Krishna, an avatar of lord Vishnu.

There are two main types of basil plants: one with bright green leaves and the other with purple leaves. The plant with purple leaves is called a “Krishna tulsi”.

This plant has many medicinal and healing properties and that could be a reason why it is considered sacred and thus worshipped. Scientific research has proved that the Tulsi Plant gives out ozone along with oxygen thus reducing the air pollution. It also continues to give out oxygen even at night when most other plants give out carbon dioxide in the absence of sunlight.The ability of this plant to give out ozone means that the presence of this plant protects the surroundings from the hazardous Ultra-Violet rays. This plant also helps in keeping mosquitoes away.

As an herbal cure, Tulsi helps heal colds, coughs, stomach disorders, skin infections among many others; it is also a cure for cardiac disorders, diabetes and stress. Cholesterol can be controlled with tulsi. Tulsi is also an Anti-microbial agent and it helps in reducing primary urinary track infection. Fresh Tulsi juice helps in strengthening the immune system of the body. Boiling a couple of leaves in a cupful of water and sipping it helps to refresh you.

Tulsi is also used as a seasoning in cooking. It adds a distinct flavour and aroma to the dishes it is added to. It is usually added to the "naivaidya" and "prasad" or food that is prepared as an offering to the Gods and blessings recieved from the Gods respectively. Tulsi leaves are used in many pujas related to Lord Vishnu.

It is no wonder that this amazing plant no matter how plain to look at has a place of prestige and is worshipped in our homes.