Cultivating Bhakti with Srila Prabhupada’s Tulasi Paradigm

This is part 4 of a series of 4 articles. Here is part 1, part 2, and part 3.

Unveiling the spiritual significance of every action, from morning rituals to the careful picking of leaves, Govinda Dasi provides a comprehensive guide of do’s and don’ts sourced from the teachings of Srila Prabhupada. As we delve into the sacred instructions, we discover the art of worshiping Tulasi as a divine expression of devotion, where each act becomes an offering to Lord Krishna. Join us in exploring the sacred nuances of serving Tulasi Devi, a journey that goes beyond rituals to touch the very heart of devotion.

The following article is an excerpt from the writings of Govinda Dasi (ACBSP) published in Back To Godhead Magazine January/February 1993 edition 

Worshiping Tulasi Devi

Govinda Dasi: The following list was compiled from scriptures and from Srila Prabhupada’s instructions.

• Tulasi’s body is spiritual. Although Tulasi appears as many individual trees, she is one person, and she comes wherever she sees devotion to Krishna.
• Every morning devotees should water and pray to Tulasi Devi and circumambulate her three times.
• Worship Tulasi with nice food, flowers, incense, a ghee lamp, and other traditional articles of worship.
• Protect the delicate Tulasi seedlings from birds and insects. It is an offense to turn the seedlings back into the soil.
• In places where Tulasi cannot survive the winters when planted in the ground, provide a suitable house for her.
• Every day provide Tulasi fresh air, water (as needed—be careful not to water too much), and sunshine (or plant lights).
• Neglecting to care for or water Tulasi properly is a great offense. Do everything carefully.
• When picking Tulasi leaves, chant the following mantra

tulasy amṛta-janmāsi
sadā tvaṁ keśava-priyā
keśavārthaṁ cinomi tvāṁ
vara-dā bhava śobhane

“Oh Tulasi, you were born from nectar. You are always very dear to Lord Kesava. Now, in order to worship Lord Kesava, I am collecting your leaves and manjaris. Please bestow your benediction on me.”

Pick only the leaves that grow next to the manjaris (flowers) and the leaves that are ready to drop—they will turn a pale color—not the new, green ones. Pick the manjaris as soon as they blossom. Avoid letting them go to seed, which takes much energy from the plant that can be used to make more leaves and flowers for Krishna’s service. Pick the leaves one at a time with your fingertips. Don’t shake or stroke the branch and damage healthy leaves. Pick with care and attention. Avoid using cutting tools.

• Never cut or prune Tulasi Devi. This is a great offense. Remove dead branches if absolutely necessary. If branches obstruct a passageway, tie them back, but don’t cut them.
• Pick Tulasi leaves and flowers in the morning, never at night (from sunset to sunrise).
• Never use chemical sprays on Tulasi.
• Collect leaves once in the morning for worshiping Krishna and for putting on the plates of food to be offered to Him. Put at least one leaf on each preparation. Never pick Tulasi leaves for any other purpose than to offer to the Lord.
• Lord Krishna likes garlands of Tulasi leaves. Tulasi leaves mixed with sandalwood pulp and placed on the lotus feet of the Lord is the topmost worship. Do not place Tulasi leaves on the feet of anyone other than Lord Vishnu in His various forms. Srimati Radharani can be given a Tulasi leaf in Her hand for offering to Lord Krishna.
• Krishna accepts even dry Tulasi leaves.
• Tulasi wood (taken after a plant has fully dried naturally) can be used to carve worship paraphernalia, such as beads. Place leftover Tulasi wood within the earth.
• Never use Tulasi leaves or flowers to make teas or juices, even after they’ve been offered to Krishna. It is a great offense to cook or heat Tulasi, or to use her for mundane purposes, such as medicines and ointments.
• Never cut down or pull up living Tulasi plants. This is a great offense.
• Avoid stepping on Tulasi Devi’s shadow.
• Tulasi Devi is very, very dear to the Lord. Therefore, most important is to serve her with love and devotion.