Tulasi Pooja Vidhanam – Kannada Tradition and Ritual Procedure
Tulasi Pooja, or the worship of the sacred Tulasi plant (Holy Basil), holds a very special place in Hindu households, especially in South India. In the Kannada tradition, Tulasi Pooja is a daily ritual observed with deep devotion, particularly by women. The plant is revered not just as a sacred herb but as an incarnation of Goddess Lakshmi, the consort of Lord Vishnu.
In this article, we explore the Tulasi Pooja Vidhanam (procedure) followed in Karnataka, the significance of this ritual, and the spiritual benefits associated with it.
Significance of Tulasi in Hinduism
- Tulasi Devi is believed to be the earthly manifestation of Vrinda, a great devotee of Lord Vishnu.
- It is said that Lord Vishnu resides wherever the Tulasi plant is grown.
- Tulasi is considered a protector of the household, removing negative energies and diseases.
- Performing Tulasi Pooja is believed to bring peace, prosperity, and spiritual upliftment.
Tulasi Pooja Vidhanam in Kannada Households
The pooja is usually performed daily in the morning and/or evening, and especially on Thursdays, Ekadashi, Kartik month, and Tulasi Vivaha day (usually in November). Here’s a step-by-step guide to the ritual:
Preparation (ಸಿದ್ಧತೆ):
- Clean the Pooja area – especially around the Tulasi plant.
- Apply cow dung or water mixed with turmeric around the Tulasi Brindavana.
- Decorate the Tulasi pot with rangoli (ರಂಗೋಲಿ).
- Light a diya (deepa) using ghee or sesame oil.
Pooja Procedure (ವಿಧಾನಮ್):
- Dhyana (ಧ್ಯಾನ) – Meditate on the form of Tulasi Devi and Lord Vishnu. “Om Tulasyai Namah”
- Aavahanam (ಆವಾಹನ) – Invite Tulasi Devi with devotion. “Tulasi Tvam Namamyaham”
- Archana (ಅರ್ಚನೆ) – Offer: Water (ಅರ್ಘ್ಯ), Flowers (ಪೂಷ್ಪ), Akshata (ಅಕ್ಷತೆ), Kumkum and Turmeric, Incense (ಅಗರಬತ್ತಿ), Deepa (ದೀಪ)
- Tulasi Ashtottara Shatanamavali – Chant the 108 names of Tulasi Devi.
- Naivedya (ನೈವೇದ್ಯ) – Offer cooked rice, jaggery, fruits, or simple sweets.
- Pradakshina (ಪ್ರದಕ್ಷಿಣೆ) – Circumambulate the plant 3 or 7 times.
- Namaskara (ನಮಸ್ಕಾರ) – Bow and seek blessings for the wellbeing of the family.