,
certain trees, plants and leaves enjoy an exalted, sacred status. These
trees, plants and leaves form part and parcel of many rituals and poojas and
hence, are vital to the daily life of a Hindu.
' essence and hence, are able to invoke them. The colored
leaves or patra are capable of attracting the deity and absorbing their
energy unto themselves. These patras are thus believed to be able to purify
the surrounding atmosphere. Only those patras should be offered to the
deity, which can absorb the deity principle. That is why only those leaves
are offered which are believed to be "liked" by that particular
Two such plants, which are considered most sacred by the Hindu pantheon,
include Bilva (or Bel leaves) and
(or Basil). Why are they so vital to the religion and what function do they
have to perform? What is the legend behind their existence and their
sanctity?
In this post, we bring you the legends of Tulsi and Bilva and discuss why
they enjoy such a sacred space in Hinduism.
Tulsi or Tulasi, also commonly referred to as Holy Basil, is one of the most
sacred plants in Hindu belief. Scientifically called Ocimum Tenuiflorum, it
is regarded by Hindus as the actual earthly manifestation of Goddess Tulsi,
who was a great devotee of Lord Sri Maha
.
Hence, the use of Tulsi leaves is mandatory in the worship of Vishnu and all
his forms, such as
and so on.
Hindus believe that the presence of a Tulsi plant in the house is capable of
warding off negativity and evil spirits. Hence, most Hindus grow this plant
in front of, inside or near their home. Those who have enough space in front
of their house often construct special cuboid structures known as the Tulsi
,
in order to let their Tulsi grow densely. This structure is usually placed
right in the center of the courtyard of their house. Incidentally, this
plant is cultivated for both religious and medicinal purposes. Regular
consumption of the Tulsi leaf is considered to be very good for the throat
and it is also known for its essential oil. It is believed to have many
other health benefits as well.
Each and every part of the Tulsi plant is considered to be sacred. Even the
soil around it is revered as being holy. The Padma Purana states that a
person who is cremated with Tulsi twigs in his funeral pyre immediately
gains moksha (liberation) and finds a place in Vishnu's Vaikuntha. That is
why people often offer a little water mixed with Tulsi leaves to the dying;
to help their souls ascend more easily and reach the Lotus Feet of the
Supreme.
In the middle of their lovemaking, Tulsi
realized that this was not her husband and demanded the impersonator to
reveal his true identity. Vishnu appeared before her and asked her to shed
her earthly body and return to his celestial abode as Lakshmi.
Accordingly, her mortal remains decayed and became the Gandaki River. Her
hair changed form and became the sacred Tulsi plant.
Alternate Legends
- According to a variant of the above-mentioned legend, Shankhachuda
is replaced with Jalandhara and Tulsi, with Vrinda. This tale too
relates how Vishnu destroyed Vrinda's chastity so that Shiva could
kill Jalandhara. Here, however, Tulsi is distinct from Lakshmi. The
story ends with Vrinda cursing Vishnu to become a stone. Thus, he
turned into the Shaligrama stone (which can be found only in the Kali
Gandaki River of Nepal). Vrinda self-immolated by jumping into her
husband's funeral pyre. Vishnu ensured that, instead of her body
turning into ashes, she transformed into the Tulsi plant on earth. In
both versions of the legend, Tulsi attained the status of a pure,
sacred Goddess.
- A Vaishnava legend connects Tulsi with the Samudra
Manthana (Churning of the Ocean) incident. The cosmic ocean was
once churned by the Devas and Asura.
Towards the end of the churning process, several entities came out of
the ocean. Dhanvantari, the Divine Doctor, was one of them. He held
the Amrita (the Nectar of Immortality) in his hands. When the Asuras
tried to steal it, Vishnu took the form of Mohini
and got it back for the Gods to consume. After that, Vishnu shed tears
of happiness, which fell into the Amrita and formed the Tulsi.
Tulsi Vivah
Tulsi Vivah signifies the marriage ceremony of Tulsi to Vishnu in his
Shaligrama or Krishna avatara. It also marks the end of the inauspicious
monsoon season and the beginning of the auspicious wedding season,
according to the Hindu almanac.
The Padma Purana details the relationship between Tulsi and Vishnu,
culminating in holy matrimony. When Vrinda realized that she had lost her
chastity to Vishnu, she cursed him that he would turn black in color and
would be separated from his wife, Lakshmi. This curse was later fulfilled,
when Vishnu transformed into the black Shaligrama stone (which is actually
a fossil). In his Rama avatara, he got separated from his beloved wife,
Sita, who was kidnapped by Sri Lanka's demon king, Ravana. Vrinda then
drowned in the ocean and Vishnu himself transferred her soul into a plant,
which was, from then on, called Tulsi. As per Vishnu's promise to marry
Vrinda in her next birth, he married her in his form of the Shaligrama
stone, on the Prabodhini Ekadashi day.
Another minor legend narrates that Goddess Lakshmi killed a demon on this
very day and remained on earth as the Tulsi plant.
Wedding Ceremony
The Tulsi Vivah ceremony resembles the traditional Hindu wedding. It is
conducted in homes and temples. First, a fast is observed on the day,
until evening, when the actual ritual begins. A marriage mandap is built
around the courtyard where the Tulsi plant is placed. The bride Tulsi is
decorated with an ornate saree and all the usual bridal ornaments. A paper
face is drawn, on which is stuck a bindi and a nose-ring.
The groom is a brass image of Vishnu, Krishna or a Shaligrama; sometimes,
even Balarama. This idol or image is clothed in a dhoti. Both the bride
and groom are bathed and decorated with flowers and garlands, just before
the wedding. The couple is then joined together with a cotton thread tying
them.
The wedding expenses are usually borne by a daughterless couple, who act
as the parents of the vadhu (bride). They perform the kanyadaan ceremony
(giving away the bride to the groom) - this act is considered to be an
immensely beneficial karma to the couple performing the ceremony. The
bridal offerings are given away to a Brahmin priest or female ascetic,
after the ceremony is over.
Celebrations
- In many villages, the Tulsi Vivah ritual is collectively conducted
by the whole villages. At Prabhu Dham in Saunja, it is celebrated for
three days. The festival starts with vedic chanting of the
Ramcharitmanas or Ramayana. On the second day, a Shobha Yatra
(procession) is undertaken. This is a major attraction, which brings
in hundreds of spectators from far and wide. The third day marks the
Tilakotsav and Vivahotsav of Vishnu and Vrinda. On this day, the
villagers prepare 56 types of prasad, known as Chappan Bhog and
distribute the same to everyone.
- In Maharashtra, this ceremony is conducted in the typical
Maharashtrian way, with a white cloth held between the bride and
groom. The priest recites the Mangal Ashtaka mantras and goes on to
complete the wedding ceremony in the traditional way. Rice, mixed with
vermilion, is showered upon Tulsi and Vishnu by the attendees, at the
recitation of the mantra, "Savdhan". The white curtain is then removed
and Vishnu is offered sandalwood paste, men's clothing and the sacred
thread. The bride is offered sarees, turmeric, vermilion and the
mangalsutra. This ceremony is mostly performed by women and the
wedding menu includes all the items that are traditionally offered at
Maharashtrian weddings. Prasad includes sugarcane, coconut chips,
fruits and groundnut.
- In a couple of Rama temples in Saurashtra, the ritual is far more
elaborate. Invitation cards are sent to the groom's temple by the
bride's temple. Then a baraat (bridal procession) of Lalji
(Vishnu/Krishna) is taken to the bride's temple. He is placed in a
palanquin and taken to the outskirts of Tulsi's village, where he is
welcomed by singing and dancing devotees. Tulsi is planted in an
earthen pot and people desirous of children perform the kanyadaan for
her. Hymns and bhajans are sung all night and in the morning, Lalji's
baraat returns to their village along with Tulsi.
Worship of Tulsi
Tree worship is quite common among Hindus. However, the Tulsi plant is
regarded as the holiest of all plants, as it is considered to be the
threshold between heaven and earth. According to a traditional prayer,
Lord Brahma resides in its branches; all major Hindu pilgrimage centers
reside in its roots; the Ganga flows through its roots, all deities reside
in its stem and leaves; and the Vedas in the upper part of its branches.
Such is the exalted status of the Tulsi plant in this pantheon.
The person who cares for the Tulsi and waters it daily is believed to gain
moksha (liberation) effortlessly. He or she also begets the grace of
Vishnu, even if they did not otherwise worship Vishnu. Traditionally, the
responsibility of taking care of the plant is given entirely to the woman
of the household, as Tulsi is regarded as a "women's deity" and a "symbol
of motherhood and wifehood". The Tulsi is usually planted in a separate
platform called the Tulsi Manch, which is usually made of clay.
Tuesdays and Fridays are considered especially sacred for the worship of
Tulsi. Rituals involve cleaning the area around and near the plant,
watering it, offering food, flowers, incense and so on, creating rangoli
designs in front of it, praying for the Goddess' grace, lighting a lamp
and finally circumambulating it.
Intererstingly, in the 19th century in Bengal, there were entire families
who considered her to be their family deity and separately identified
themselves not as Hindus, but as exclusive Tulsi worshippers.
Festivals
The Tulsi Vivaha ceremony is performed by Hindus between Prabodhini
Ekadashi (eleventh lunar day of the waxing moon of Kartika) to Kartik
Poornima (full moon in Kartika). This festival celebrates the wedding of
Tulsi to Vishnu, in his Shaligrama, Rama or Krishna forms. Both the bride
and groom are worshipped and then married off as per traditional Hindu
wedding rituals. This festival marks the end of the Chaturmasa
(four-month) period, which corresponds to the monsoon season and is
considered inauspicious for any mangala (auspicious) event like this.
In Odisha, on the first day of the Hindu month Vaishakha (April-May), a
small vessel with a hole is hung over the Tulsi plant. It is then filled
with water, so that a steady stream of water flows over the plant for an
entire month. In this hot summer month, anyone that offers cool water or
shade to Tulsi is believed to be cleansed of all sin. The stream of water
is also considered to be a prayer for good rains in the forthcoming
season.
Further, Tulsi Pujan Diwas is celebrated on 25th December every year.
Tulsi Japamalas
Being so sacred, Hindus often make
japamalas
or strings of prayer beads from Tulsi leaves. Some create elaborate
garlands made of 1000 leaves. Traditionally, Vaishnavas use japamalas made
from Tulsi stems or even roots. These malas are known as Tulsi malas and
are an important symbol of a person's initiation into Vaishnavism.
Tulsi malas are considered to bring great good to the wearer, as they are
believed to be able to connect him with Vishnu or Krishna and confer
constant protection on him. They are either worn around the neck or are
held in the hand and used as a rosary. Some pilgrims even carry Tulsi
plants on their pilgrimage to Dwarka, the legendary capital of Krishna;
also one of the seven holiest Hindu cities.
Bilva
The Bilva or the Bel tree can be found almost in all parts of India,
irrespective of the weather and water conditions in that area, nature of
the soil and so on. This leaf tastes bitter and has an astringent and
rather dry feel to it. Tall and imposing, the tree is quite unlike the
Tulsi and has a gnarled trunk and sharp thorns, which discourage people to
go too close to it.
Bilva is also referred to as Bael or Bael Sriphal. Its fruit, called
'stone apple', is rather large and pale yellow when ripe. The botanical
name for the tree is Aegle Marmelops and it belongs to the Rutaceae
family.
Bilva is Lord Shiva's tree - the Lord is always worshipped with its
leaves. It is believed that the tree is beloved to him. Practically every
Shiva
temple in India will have a Bilva tree in or around its area. This
tree can also be found in many Devi temples, where it is treated with
great veneration and respect.
White Metal Shiva Wall Hanging
At midnight on the eve of the
Durga
and Kali pooja, a tantric ritual called Bel Varan is carried out with
appropriate mantras. A particular energy is invoked from the tree and is
placed in a kalash (pot). This energy is then transferred to the effigy of
Durga or
Kali.
The process, which is called prana pratishtha, is believed to be able to
empower the statue with the life force of the tree. Once the pooja is
over, the energy is released. This is called visarjan.
Medicinal Properties
- Ayurveda states the Bilva tree has tremendous medicinal properties
and that each of its parts, including its root, fruit and leaves are
capable of curing multiple diseases afflicting the human body.
- The Atharva Veda
describes the Bilva tree to be so sacred that its wood cannot be
burned for fuel. Even today, it is worshipped as a totemic deity by
certain aboriginal tribes in India. Not only is it sacred; it also has
immense medicinal properties.
- The fruit has a hard rind, which is green when not ripe and turns
pale yellow to brown as it ripens. Its flesh is sweet and astringent
and contains tannin, which is good for the bowels. It has a rather
pleasant and aromatic flavor and can act as an excellent dietary
supplement. The fruit contains vegetable acid, gums and small doses of
sugar, white seeds and a transparent gel-like substance. The pulp of
this dried fruit, mixed with arrowroot, is considered to be very good
for health.
- This mixture is believed to be able to stop dysentery and diarrhea,
particularly in the case of children. The unripe fruit cures excess
vata and kapha, indigestion and other mild stomach problems and
dyspepsia. When mixed with honey, it can even help stop vomiting.
While the half-ripe fruit is digestive, anti-diarrhoeal and can bind
the bowels, the ripe fruit is laxative, and acts as an appetizer and
blood purifier as well.
- The dark trifoliate of the Bel leaves represent the three eyes of
Shiva. They also comprise a small percentage of Shiva's substance,
Mercury. The leaves have a pleasing smell and are used in the worship
of both Shiva and Parvati. They also form an essential part of tantric
rituals. It is said that offerings of water sprinkled on these leaves
will also remain fresh.
- Bilva leaves too help control excess vata and kapha and can be
helpful in the treatment of diabetes mellitus. Chewing a few leaves on
a daily basis and drinking their fresh juice is believed to be
beneficial to this condition, over the long term.
- They also produce more perspiration, thus reducing temperature and;
in this manners; treating mild fevers. They also are believed to act
as an aphrodisiac. Combined with black pepper, this can cure mild
cases of jaundice and when diluted with water or honey, this can
control feverishness as well. Interestingly, there are sadhus
(mendicants and sannyasis) who live on the consumption of Bilva leaves
alone.
- The root of the Bel tree is the most important part, medicinally.
The root's outer skin is first removed. A preparation made from this
root with ginger and toasted rice cures vomiting. The root mixed with
the root of Padha can be used for the treatment of piles, dysentery
and diarrhea. The oil extracted from the root and boiled along with
the juice of Bilva leaves is applied to the head to treat some minor
nasal and ear conditions. The Vilvadi Lehiyam is also made from this
root.
The Bilva Tree and the Shiva Purana
The Shiva
Purana
states that the Bilva tree is the manifest form of Lord Shiva himself. All
the great tirthas (pilgrimage spots) are believed to reside at its base.
The one who sits under the Bilva and worships Shiva can effortlessly
attain the state of the Lord himself. Washing one's hair by this tere is
said to be equivalent to be bathing in all the sacred rivers.
It is further said that the one who performs Bilva pooja with flowers and
incense achieves Shiva Loka; the abode of pure consciousness; and also is
showered with happiness, peace and prosperity. When the
devotee
lights the holy lamp before this tree, he or she can easily merge into
Shiva himself. The Shiva Purana also says that if a devotee plucks out new
leaves from a branch and worships the tree with them, they will be forever
free of vice. One that feeds a devotee sitting under the Bilva tree with
grow in virtue.
The Hunter and the Bilva Tree
The Shiva Purana relates an interesting tale about the Bilva tree. As the
story goes, there was a cruel
hunter
by the name of Gurudruh. He lived with his family, deep inside the dense
forest. On the auspicious day of Maha Shivaratri, he had to go hunting, as
his family had nothing to eat. Maha Shivaratri is one of the most sacred
days for Hindus. It is a time for prayer, fasting and offerings. Shiva
being a kshipraprasadi (easily pleased), even the smallest and most
involuntary acts of devotion are capable of begetting his abundant grace.
Gurudruh had set out for the hunt early in the morning. However, he had
not found anything even by sunset. So, he walked up to the vicinity of a
lake and climbed a tree and waited for some unsuspecting animal to come
for a drink of water. He was unaware that the tree he climbed on was the
Bilva tree and that there was the sacred Shivalinga beneath it, plus a pot
of water hanging in the branch just above it.
After a longish wait, Gurudruh spied a deer walking up to the lake to
quench her thirst. He immediately prepared to shoot an arrow at her. As he
drew his bow, he accidentally knocked the pot of water hanging in the
branch. Some of the water fell on the
Shivalinga
beneath, along with a few Bilva leaves.
Thus, Gurudruh had performed a pooja to Shiva, in the first quarter of the
holy night, without even knowing he had done so. As a result, his heart
was automatically purified a little. In the meantime, the deer got
startled by the movement in the tree, looked up and saw the hunter. She
pleaded to the hunter not to kill her and to let her go to her home and
take care of her children first. She promised him that she would return
after feeding her family. He could then kill her and take her to his
family. the hunter, who had softened by now, felt bad for her plight and
let her go, provided that she would return to him in the morning to give
up her body as food for his family.
Around the second quarter of the night, the deer's sister came looking for
her. Once again, Gurudruh took aim at her. Once again, he unwittingly
disturbed the water pot and a bit of water and Bilva leaves fell on the
Shivalinga. His heart was further purified and this time too, he allowed
the animal to go back to her home, provided that she would return in the
morning.
The third quarter of the night approached and the deer's mate came in
search of her. The same set of events occurred for the third time in a row
and the hunter let the deer's mate too leave under the same conditions.
Meanwhile, the three deer met together and they discussed who should go
sacrifice their life for the hunter and his family. Even their children
offered to give up their lives. After a long discussion, the whole family
decided to surrender to the hunter's wishes, as none of them could imagine
living without the others. So, they all went up to the lake to look for
the hunter.
When they arrived at the spot, Gurudruh was very pleased to see them and
immediately prepared to kill them. He took aim and, for the fourth time,
and in the same accidental manner, performed his worship to the Shivalinga
beneath. This final act brought about a sea-change in his entire
character. His heart overflowed with pity, love and compassion for the
gentle, selfless animals. Tears rolled down his eyes as he thought of how
cruel and selfish he was; only thinking about his family's comforts. He
got down from the tree and apologized to the animals, requesting them to
go back home in peace. Thus, the cruel Gurudruh was completely transformed
and he was released from his past bad karma, by the grace of Lord Shiva
and the Bilva tree.
Why Bilva is So Dear to Shiva
The famous Bilvashtakam extols the many virtues of the Bael tree and talks
about Shiva's love for it. There are many reasons why Shiva is believed to
be closely associated with this tree.
The tripatra or the trifoliate leaves represent not only his Trinetra or
three eyes, but also the Divine
Trinity
of Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva; the Trishakti of volition, action and
knowledge; the three types of
Jyotirlingas,
that is, Itaralinga, Baanalinga and Swayambhu linga; the three actions of
Creation, Preservation and Destruction; the three gunas of Satva, Rajas
and Tamas; and the three syllables of
AUM,
the primordial sound that resonates Shiva's very essence.
Trinity - Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva - Poster
According to the Skanda Purana, the Bilva tree grew from the sweat
droplets of Goddess Parvati, which fell on the Mandrachal Mountain. It is
believed that she resides in the tree, in all her forms; in the leaves, in
the flowers and in the fruit and root too. Goddess Maheshwari resides on
its shoulder, Dakshayani on its branches and Parvati in its leaves. It is
believed that Lakshmi too resides in the Bael tree. This is why Shiva is
so fond of Bilva.
Tulsi and Bilva as Pooja Dravya
There are clear rules as to what types of trees, plants and leaves can and
cannot be considered to be pooja dravya (worthy of offering during
worship). As far as Bilva and Tulsi are concerned, these rules are as
follows:
- Only Bilva patras with 3 leaves qualify as a pooja dravya. However,
any type of Tulsi patras can be offered to the deity, irrespective of
how many leaves they contain
- If Tulsi leaves are not available, its twigs can also be used for
pooja
- If that is not available either, the mud around the plant is
considered equally sacred and can be used as pooja dravya as well
Is Tulsi Forbidden for the Worship of Shiva?
There is some degree of confusion regarding the usage of Tulsi for the
worship of Lord Shiva. Some schools of thought believe that only Bilva can
be used for his worship. However, there is no scriptural reference to
prove this. Many experts aver that Tulsi may also be offered to Shiva, as
it represents the deity's omnipresent nature. Interestingly, the
Shivalinga is sometimes considered to be made from the black soil from the
roots of the Tulsi plant. In fact, in the case of the Arunachala Linga,
the early morning pooja is performed by offering Tulsi leaves; the mid-day
pooja with Amalataasa and Bael flowers; and the evening pooja, by chanting
the Aghora Mantra.
Hence, nowhere has it been clearly stated that Shiva should not be offered
the Tulsi plant. However, since it is not his favorite, it is not commonly
used in his worship.
However, Tulsi is clearly not prescribed for the worship of the Devi, as
its pungent smell is believed to anger her. It is also not used for the
worship of
Ganesha.
This plant is considered an important aspect of Hanuman
worship. In Odisha, it represents all local deities and hence, Tulsi is
used for the worship of all Gods. The Nayars of the Malabar region in
Kerala offer Tulsi to pacify evil spirits and also use it as varamalas
(garlands) for the bride and groom during wedding ceremonies.
Can Used Tulsi and Bilva Leaves be Reused for Worship?
Some schools of thought aver that used Tulsi and Bilva leaves can be
reused for worship, after washing them and cleaning them of surface dirt
and/or dust.
The Rudrakaamyaarchana vidhi states:
pankajam pancha ratreshu
saptaratreshu bilvakam |
tulasi dasaratreshu pujitah parameshwarah ||
This means that the lotus can be worshipped for 5 nights, bilva for 7
nights and tulasi for 10 nights. The Tulsi can also be used for Shivalinga
worship.
The Shiva Rahasya says:
ratna svarna vinirmitoru kusumam ya
drukcha sankshalitam
purve dadyuh pratipaditam girisute samyakpunah pujayet |
tat vakshalita bilvasugaje pankshyalitam pujaye
tatralabhavidhou sivarchanavidhou nirmalyatanochita ||
This means that flowers of gold and bilva patra, once offered, can be
reused for worship after prakshalana. If bilva patra is difficult to
procure, then the bilva patra can be used for worship again.
The sacred Seer of Kanchi, Maha Periyava, has prescribed the above vidhi
(method) as well.
However, this belief is not universal. The Sringeri Bharati Tirtha
Mahaswamigal has forbidden the reuse of used Tulsi and Bilva leaves.
According to him, it would be most inappropriate to offer the Lord
something that has already been offered to him once.
Conclusion
Irrespective of the several schools of thought and their beliefs, it is an
undeniable fact that including sacred plants and leaves, incense and other
pooja dravyas in everyday prayer purifies the atmosphere and brings peace
and joy to the mind of the devotee. There is much wisdom in ancient
sciences and everything has been prescribed for a reason.
Hence, the right application of certain vidhis and the use of the right
material for poojas will undoubtedly prove to be beneficial to the
follower in the long run.