In every Hare Krishna temple, you’ll find a graceful green plant on a raised altar, encircled by lamps and prayers. She is not just a sacred shrub — she is Tulsi Devi, the most beloved of Lord Krishna. Revered in scriptures and adored by devotees, Tulsi Devi is much more than a botanical presence — she is a goddess, a gateway to bhakti, and a daily reminder of Krishna’s mercy.
Who is Tulsi Devi?
According to the Skanda Purana, Tulsi is the purest devotee of Lord Vishnu, and she resides eternally at His lotus feet. She took the form of a plant on earth to bless conditioned souls with an opportunity to connect with Krishna through her service. Worshipping Tulsi Devi is not merely symbolic; it is direct devotional service to the Supreme Personality of Godhead.
Spiritual Benefits of Worshipping Tulsi Devi
Worship of Tulsi Devi is described extensively in Vedic scriptures. It is said:
“Whoever worships Tulsi with devotion, offers her water, ghee lamp, and incense, such a person becomes dear to Lord Krishna.”
– Padma Purana
Benefits of Tulsi worship include:
• Accelerated spiritual progress
• Purification of heart and mind
• Protection from bad karma
• Devotional strength and peace of mind
Tulasi Arati – A Daily Offering of Love
At Hare Krishna temples like ISKCON Ahmedabad, a beautiful ceremony called Tulasi Arati is held every morning and evening. Devotees circumambulate Tulsi Devi while singing her glories:
“Vrindayai tulasi-devyai priyayai kesavasya cha…”
Offering even a single leaf of Tulsi to Lord Krishna is considered more valuable than gifting gold or jewels. In fact, no offering to Krishna is complete without a Tulsi leaf.
Why Every Vaishnava Home Should Have Tulsi
Keeping a Tulsi plant at home invites divine blessings. Her very presence sanctifies the home. At Hare Krishna Mandir, devotees are encouraged to grow and care for Tulsi, treating her not as a plant but as a divine personality.
If you wish to start your devotional journey, begin with Tulsi worship. Just watering her daily, singing her prayers, and offering her a lamp will open your heart to Krishna consciousness.
Tulsi Devi in Krishna’s Pastimes
In Vrindavan, Tulsi plays a confidential role in uniting Radha and Krishna. It is said that Krishna never accepts an offering without a Tulsi leaf. Even during Govardhan Puja, devotees make mountains of food (Annakut) and top each dish with Tulsi to please Krishna.
Support Seva to Tulsi and Vrindavan Traditions
At Hare Krishna Mandir Ahmedabad, we preserve the spiritual culture of Tulsi seva. From daily Tulasi Aratis to sacred festivals, we ensure that Tulsi Devi is always honored.
