SOMANATH TEMPLE,GUJARAT

Significance

According to the legend, Soma or the Moon God built the temple in gold, Ravana in silver, and Shri Krishna in wood. Soma was cursed by his father-in-law Daksha to wane because Soma loved only one of his wives, all of whom happened to be Daksha's daughters. His other wives complained about this negligent behavior of Soma to their father Daksha, and thus the curse. He then built a Shivlinga at the Prabhas tirth (a Hindu pilgrimage) and prayed to Lord Shiva who removed the curse partially because asked upon by Soma's one wife (the one that he loved more than others). Thus, causing the periodic waning of moon.Pleased by the prayers Soma (Moon god), Lord Shiva decided to rest in that Lingam till eternity, and thus the Jyotirlingam.

Timeline

The first temple of Somnath is said to have existed before the beginning of the common era.

The second temple, built by the Yadava kings of Vallabhi in Gujarat, replaced the first one on the same site around 649 CE.

In 725 CE Junayad, the Arab governor of Sind, sent his armies to destroy the second temple.The Gurjara Pratihara kingNagabhata II constructed the third temple in 815, a large structure of red sandstone.

Somnath temple, 1869

In 1024 CE, the temple was once again destroyed by Mahmud of Ghazni who raided the temple from across the Thar Desert. The temple was rebuilt by the Gujjar ParamaraKing Bhoj of Malwa and the Solanki king Bhimadev I of Anhilwara, Gujrat (present dayPatan) between 1026 and 1042. The wooden structure was replaced by Kumarpal (r.1143-72), who built the temple of stone.

In 1296 CE, the temple was once again destroyed by Sultan Allauddin Khilji's army.According to Taj-ul-Ma'sir of Hasan Nizami, Raja Karan of Gujarat was defeated and forced to flee, "fifty thousand infidels were dispatched to hell by the sword" and "more than twenty thousand slaves, and cattle beyond all calculation fell into the hands of the victors". The temple was rebuilt by Mahipala Deva, the Chudasama king of Saurashtra in 1308 AD and the Linga was installed by his son Khengar sometime between 1326 and 1351 AD.

In 1375 CE, the temple was once again destroyed by Muzaffar Shah I, the Sultan of Gujarat.

In 1451 CE, the temple was once again destroyed by Mahmud Begda, the Sultan of Gujarat.

In 1701 CE, the temple was once again destroyed by Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb. Aurangzeb built a mosque on the site of the Somnath temple, using some columns from the temple, whose Hindu sculptural motifs remained visible.

Later on a joint effort of Peshwa of Pune, Raja Bhonsle of Nagpur, Chhatrapati Bhonsle of Kolhapur, Queen Ahilyabai Holkar of Indore & Shrimant Patilbuwa Shinde of Gwalior rebuilt the temple in 1783 AD at a site adjacent to the ruined temple which was already converted to a mosque.

Konark Sun Temple , Odisha

Konark Sun Temple

Peek into the past:
The most notable marvel of Orissan art is the stately Sun Temple of Konark, Built in AD 1250, during the reign of the Eastern Ganga King Narasimhadeva-I. The temple was built with the intent to enshrine the image of Sun ("Arka"), the patron deity of the place. The temple was built is an interesting fashion, in the shape of a colossal chariot, carrying the sun God, Surya, across the heavens.

Crowning Glory of Orissa- Konark Sun Temple:
The exquisite Sun temple is a living monument of Orissa's glorious past, frozen on the sands of time. The Sun Temple of Konark is regarded as the peak of art and architecture in the ancient Kalinga era. The entire temple complex in Konark was designed in the form of a huge chariot drawn by seven spirited horses on twelve pairs of exquisitely carved wheels. The sanctum symbolises the majestic parade of the Sun God and marks the apex of the Orissan architectural style.

Prime attractions:

Konark dance festival: The three-day cultural extravaganza, held every year in the month of December, captivates the audience from world over. Various Indian classical dance forms like Bharatnatyam, Kathak, Odisi, Kathakali etc perform here. Besides the classical dance forms, Chau-Orissa's own folk dance form is also performed during the festival.

Konark beach: This beach Offers spectacular views of sunrise and sunset. One of the finest beaches of the east coast is the the sprawling beach of Konark known as Chanrabhaga. Thousands of pilgrims assemble here on Kartik Purima and Magha Saptami to take a holy dip in the sea.

Visit Konark Temples ! Contact Us

» Ramachandi Temple:
About 10 km along the beach is the famous Ramachandi Temple on the banks of the river Kushabhadra. It is an ideal picnic spot.

» Balighai: 20 kms from Konark the unspoiled beach is girdled by casurina forests.It has a Sea Turtle Research Center.

» Beleswar(20 km): Saiva Shrine and Sea Beach

Chariot Temple:
The main temple complex consists of a sanctuary, its attached porch(jagamohan) and an isolated pillared edifice. The whole fabric was designed as the celestial chariot of the Sun God who is believed to course across the sky in a chariot of seven horses. The twelve pairs of wheel, which possibly symbolise the twelve months, are carved against the three sides of the platform and two side, of the front(east) staircase.

Sailors once called this Sun Temple of Konarak the Black Pagoda because it was supposed to draw ships into the shore and cause shipwrecks. The nata mandir in front of the Jagamohan is also intricately carved.There are carvings in the erotic style adorning the base and the ceiling of the temple. There are three images of the Sun God, positioned to catch the rays of the sun at dawn, noon and sunset. The beauty of Konark cannot be expressed in words. It has to be visited, seen and savoured again and again.

Plan Your Trip:
The grandeur of the Sun temple can be witnessed in one day. However the surrounding areas require you to spend some more time. Climate: The climate of Konark is suitable for tourists to visit throughout the year. The pkush greenery in the surrounding area attracts heavy monsoons in Konark. The best season to visit Konark is between October and March.

Wheels To Konark:
» By Air: Nearest airport Bhubaneshwar- 64 kms is connected with Calcutta, Delhi, Hyderabad, Madras and Nagpur.

» By Rail: Nearest railheads Puri- 31 kms and Bhubaneshwar- 64 kms are connected with the major places.

» By Road: Konark is well-connected with Bhubaneshwar as well as the major places.

PHOTOS OF TIRUPATHI

TIRUPATI, ANDHRA PRADESH

Tirumala Venkateswara Temple (Tamil: திருமலை திருப்பதி கோவில்,Telugu: తిరుమల వెంకటేశ్వర దేవాలయము), is aHindu temple in the hill town of Tirumala, near Tirupati in the Chittoor district of Andhra Pradesh, earlier Tamil Nadu South India. It is around 150 km (93 mi) from Chennai, 500 km (310 mi) from Hyderabad, and 250 km (160 mi) from Bangalore.

The Tirumala Hill is 853m above sea level and is about 10.33 square miles (27 km2) in area. It comprises seven peaks, representing the seven heads of Adisesha, thus earning the name Seshachalam. The seven peaks are called Seshadri, Neeladri, Garudadri, Anjanadri, Vrushabadri, Narayanadri, and Venkatadri. The temple is on Venkatadri (also known as Venkatachala or Venkata Hill), the seventh peak, and is also known as the "Temple of Seven Hills" (Saptagiri सप्तगिरी in Sanskrit,Ezhumalai ஏழுமலை in Tamil). The presiding deity of the temple is Lord Venkateswara, a form of the Hindu god Vishnu. Venkateswara is known by other names: Balaji, Govinda, and Srinivasa The temple lies on the southern banks of Sri Swami Pushkarini, a holy water tank. The temple complex comprises a traditional temple building, with a number of modern queue and pilgrim lodging sites.

The temple is the richest pilgrimage center, after the Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, of any faith (at more than INR 50,000 crore) and the most-visited place of worship in the world.The temple is visited by about 50,000 to 100,000 pilgrims daily (30 to 40 million people annually on average), while on special occasions and festivals, like the annualBrahmotsavam, the number of pilgrims shoots up to 500,000, making it the most-visited holy place in the world.

There are several legends associated with the manifestation of the Lord in Tirumala. According to one legend, the temple has a murti(deity) of Lord Venkateswara, which it is believed shall remain here for the entire duration of the present Kali Yuga. Tirumala has remained a highly frequented pilgrimage site in Tamilakam throughout most of its history and was a principle temple in the country of Tondai Nadu before the territory was transferred to Andhra Pradesh in the 20th century CE. Almost all the epigraphs of the temple are in Tamil and interspersed with Grantha characters and 50 inscriptions are in Kannada and Telugu,thanks toKrishnadevaraya in 16th century.

Murugan Temple,Bantu caves,Malaysia

Batu Caves is a limestone hill that has a series of caves and cave temples in the Gombak district, 13 kilometres (8 mi) north of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. It takes its name from the Sungai Batu or Batu River, which flows past the hill. Batu Caves is also the name of the nearby village.

The cave is one of the most popular Hindu shrines outside India, dedicated to Lord Murugan. It is the focal point of Hindu festival of  Thaipusam in Malaysia.

 

MURUDESHWAR TEMPLE,KARNATAKA ·

Murudeshwar (Kannada: ಮುರುಡೇಶ್ವರ) is a town in Bhatkal talukof UttaraKannada district in the state of Karnataka, India. "Murudeshwar" is another name of the Hindu god Shiva. Famous for the world's second-tallest Shiva statue, Murudeshwar beach town lies on the coast of the Arabian Sea and is also famous for the Murudeshwar Temple. The nearest airport to Murudeshwar is Mangalore International Airport at distance of 160 kilometer. Murudeshwar has railway station on Konkan railway route.

Ambarnath Temple , Maharastra

The Ambarnath Temple is situated in the town of Ambarnath (which takes its name from this 

ancient temple), a station near Kalyan, Ulhasnagar on the central railway route of Mumbai

 railway.

The temples construction started sometime in 1061 AD (in the year Saka 982), by Chittaraja , a 

Shilhara king and continued in the time of his successor Nagarjuna. His younger brother, 

Mammuni is said to have made latter additions to its structure and completed its constructions
.
The Shilharas were vassals of the Rashtrakutas and later the Kadambas. They ruled over regions

 of Kolhapur , Thane, Kolaba and Mumbai in present day Maharashtra state

The temple is built from black basalt stone and is constructed in the Bhumija style, which was so

 popular in the Deccan region of those times.A lot of Chalukyan and Gujrat Solanki (like in the 

Sun temple at Modhera) architectural influence is also evident.
The temple is an architectural marvel with beautifull sculptures,statuetes,figurines and motifs

 covering almost every nook and corner of the temple.

The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva .It measures 60 ft in length. The plan is star shaped.The

 Garbhagriha (sanctum sanctorum,13ft in length and breadth, its door being 9X4 ft) is in a 

underground cellar accessible after climbing down a series of stairs (9 nos, 8 ft below level) and 

houses a 'swayambhu' (not man made) Shivalinga. The vestibule consisits of pillars carved with 

figurines of various Gods and Godesses along with a a ornate lotus shaped ceiling which 

immediately catches the eye. The roof is missing and temple is directly exposed to the sky (ambar) ,

 which is how the temple may have derived its name.

Lord Venkateshwara Crowns,Tirupati

MEENAKSHI TEMPLE, MADURAI

Meenakshi Amman Temple (also called: Meenakshi SundareswararTemple, Tiruaalavaai  and Meenakshi Amman Kovil) is a historic Hindu temple located on the southern bank of the Vaigai River in the temple city of Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India. It is dedicated toParvati, known as Meenakshi, and her consort, Shiva, here named Sundareswarar. The temple forms the heart and lifeline of the 2500 year old city of Madurai and is a significant symbol for the Tamil people, mentioned since antiquity in Tamil literature though the present structure was built between 1623 and 1655 CE. It houses 14 gopurams (gateway towers), ranging from 45-50m in height. The tallest is the southern tower, 51.9 metres (170 ft) high, and two golden sculptured vimanas, the shrines over the garbhagrihas (sanctums) of the main deities. The temple attracts 15,000 visitors a day, around 25,000 on Fridays and receives an annual revenue of sixty million . There are an estimated 33,000 sculptures in the temple. It was on the list of top 30 nominees for the "New Seven Wonders of the World". The annual 10-day Meenakshi Tirukalyanam festival, celebrated during April and May, attracts 1 million visitors.

DHARBA

DHARBA

Dharbham the Holy Grass

The Holy Grass known as Dharbham or Dharbai - Kush Grass, Kusa - Eragrostis cynosuroides
This article is on one of the practices widely used by Indian Brahmins all over using a Holy Grass named Dharbham or Dharbai. The botonical name is Eragrostis cynosuroides and Hindi they call
as Kus or Kusha. Brahmins in general and Srivaishnavites in particular use this Darbai grass in all functions, auspicious or inauspicious, a performing person needs to wear a ring made of this
Dharbham. But many have lost the reason of why it is to be used in the first place.
What I learnt from my father is proved to be accurately correct by a Medicine Practitioner. A medical practitioner named Dr. Sadhashiv Rao, once visited my home. When the topic turned to many
subjects, I needed to tell him about the Holy Grass named Dharbham. When I told him about the usage and the values, he could not just believe my words. So, he took out a bunch of the Dharbham
from me, went straight to the clinic to take an x-ray of his palm, by covering his hand with the Dharbham. To his utter surprise, he found that the grass absorbed about 60% of the (x-ray) radiation!
When the so powerful X-ray radiation can be absorbed by the Holy Grass, why can it not absorb the ill-radiations spread over the atmosphere? While chanting and reciting some Vedic phrases and
versus, one needs to wear a ring made of Dharbham on his right hand ring finger. This is most essential, while performing all the rituals, such as Agni Santhanam, Thiru-Aaradhanam, all sorts of
Havans known as Homam etc.
The count of leaves depends upon the function that is held viz.: for some functions related to death only Single leaf Dharbham is used; for Auspicious and daily routine a ring made of two leaves is
used; for inauspicious but not death related functions, (i.e. Amavasya Tharppanam,Pithru Pooja etc) a three leaf Dharbham ring is used. And for the Temple Prayer and Pooja, a Four-leaf Dharbham
ring is used.
Also, when a fire ritual known as Agni Santhana is performed, these Dharbham are spread all the four sides of the Agni Kundam. Also, during the Eclipse time, these Dharbham are used to cover all
food items to protect them from the harmful ultra violet radiation.
Whenever any function is held, firstly they perform a site-cleansing act known as "Sudhhi Punyaahavachanam". While reciting the selective versus, they hold the Dharbham bunch in their hand and
placing the tip point of it over the vessel containing water. Thus the recited vibration values are absorbed by water in the vessel through the Dharbham.
They found that the Holy Grass known as Dharbham has the highest value in conducting the phonetic vibrations through its tip. Later, they sprinkle the Holy water at every nook and corner of the place,
where the function is held. A Dharbham without the tip is considered of no value, as the conductor-type value is lost in it.
If dharbam is cut & collected on the Avani Amavasya day (falls during 15th August & 15th Sept) it can be retained for usage for one full year. Also, if cut on the Masi Amavasya day then also one can
use it for full year. There is a specific slokha for cutting dharbam (the holy grass) that is to be recited while cutting it; I give below the same for readers to know. If Dharbam is obtained from a
Brahmin who doesn't know this slokam or versus, the Dharbam is useless, states the Vedic scripts!
My father, Late Shri Ramabathrachariar of Mukkur, fondly called by everyone as Sriraman, has taught me the immense values of Dharbham and its usage. With Sanskrit phonetic sound and
vibration, using the Dharbham increases its value. The usage varies according to the functions. It is really a marvel, that in those days of Vedic Era, the Sages & Saints of Hindu land used to control
the Magnetic path disturbances, just by simply using this Dharbham! One more important thing about the Dharbam is, which is not commonly known to many, that one case use the same Dharbam again and
again for seven times, provided, it is washed and dried properly before reuse. This is permitted only when/where no fresh Kusa Grass the Dharbai is available for regular usage. However, the Dharbam used for
any inauspicious ceremonies viz. Death and karma rituals, should never be used again!
While I was just preparing this article, I received an interesting E-mail from Sri. Vijay Narasimhan, which I give below without
editing:
Quote:
Basically all our Vedas and Upanishads are written in Sanskrit, Which basically is a phonetic based language. So I have a feeling that it is not just the mantras being powerful but mainly due to
the effects "Sound" has over a humans body. I feel that our ancestors had mastered the art of sound; phonetics and acoustics as such. So when the Vedas was written and the tone set for its
deliverance that had no effect whatsoever on a "Man's" body but it should have definitely had a profound effect on a "Woman's" body that would have been the reason why ladies are not allowed
to chant mantra or the Vedas or Upanishads or for that matter any of the slokas that a man recites. When we do Paaraayanam, I feel that the reason why girls are not allowed to do that is basically
their physique cannot take the tremendous changes effected due to sustained practice of known as Recital.
This is something that my grandpa's younger brother told me about, when we perform the Kumbabhishekam in a temple, At least 20 learned Vedic scholars would stand near the "kumba jalam"
( holy water kept in the copper or brass vessel) and holding a "Dharbam",one end in their hand and other end in the water would recite all the slokas need or rather do the "Japam" - I think this is
because "Dharbam" is a very good conductor of acoustic vibrations - When this happens you can surely find the difference in the water's state before and after such a japam. The reason why i am
saying this has reference to my stating that Sanskrit is a phonetic based language and "Sound and Acoustics" does really change things.
Our ancestors would have done lot of research into acoustics management resulting in they mastering the art of sound and acoustics and using them to both, their constructive and destructive benefits.
Again this is purely my and only my own opinion.
Keep up the good work.
Thanks and Regards - Vijay Narasimham
Unquote.
Apart from the above, Dharbham cannot be planted and grown everywhere. It only grows naturally at selective places and available almost in every state in India. Several persons at many
occasions tried to cultivate this plant but failed to see its growth. Why, anyone can try this now if it is possible for them to plant & cultivate in their locations! Sorry, it will not grow as one might
think. It has its potential soil selection, magnetic path locations and soil conditions that add value to its growth only in selective places! Some learned scholars name it after Saint Vishwaamitra - hence
Dharbham is known and also called as "Vishwaamitra". If it is kept for a longer time, say for more than six months, (excepting the one cut during Masi & Avani Amavasya days.) then it loses its
value and the power of absorbing the radiation or magnetic path control values. However, the same can be used even after six month, only if it is re-energized with specific counts of Gayatri Mantra
and when the Gayatri Japa mantra water is sprinkled on it. There is a system and ritual to revibrate/renergize the Dharbam after its lapes of six month!
Dharbham cannot just be plucked straight or cut on any day; There is a specific Slokha given above, that is to be recited before cutting it; That too it can be cut only on the day next to Full Moon -
known as Krishna Paksha Pradamai. A Dharbham without its tip portion is not to be used for making a Ring like item known as "Pavithram".
A word of caution for the new users of this Dharbai / Dharbam. It is sharper than a blade! The edges are so sharp, it might even hurt & cut your palm if handled carelessly, that you'll notice only
when you find blood oozing from your palm! Yes, you'll not feel the pain while injuring, but later one feels it. Only when it is wet, you can twist it to the form you need to make the called Pavithram
or Bugnams.

TULASI

TULASI

Tulsi - Thulsi - Thulasi - तुल्सि - துளஸி
The Botanical name of Tulsi is Ocimum tenuiflorum (commonly known as Holy basil in English, Thiruthuzhai in Tamil and Tulasi or Tulsi in Sanskrit); this plant is a close cousin of the Thai Basil. It is a well known natural aromatic plant in the family of Lamiaceae. Apart from its culinary uses, for which it is known across the world, it is also used as a medicinal plant, and has an important role within many traditions of Srivaishnavites and also generally with every Hindu Household. Every Vishnu devotee performs worship using Tulasi leaves. Native to India, it is a short lived perennial herbal, grown at most Hindu homes. The foliage is green or purple, strongly scented. Leaves have petioles, and are ovate, up to 5cm long, usually somewhat toothed. Flowers are white, tinged purple, borne in racemes. There is also some confusion among the users, that Thai basil is mistakenly sold as Sacred basil. The fact is, the Sacred Holy basil – The Tulsi is little hairy wherein Thai Basil is smooth and hairless and slightly different in its color. Also, the Sacred or Holy basil has an aromatic scent and spicy flavour, which is not so with its cousin Thai Basil.

Thulsi or Tulsi, a common household name to millions of Indian & Hindus Thulsi (Tulsi) is the ultimate symbol of purity. The only one word, yes - Thulsi (Tulsi) is referred to, in all Indian languages, (Ocimum sp. or Ocimum Sanctum) known as Holy Basil. The only exception is in Tamil, {Though every Tamilian knows it as Thulsi (Tulsi)}. wherein Sri Andal refers to Thulsi or Tulsi as "Natrathuzhai" meaning as a scented beautiful smelly Holy Basil.! For all Srivaishnavas, Thulasi (Tulsi) is known as Thiruthuzhai. Every Hindu is well aware of this plant and knows its value too!

What Rg Veda, Charaka Samhita state about Holy or Sacred basil - Tulasi
Known as Tulasi (alternate spelling Tulsi) in India it is an important religious symbol in many Hindu traditions that link the plant with the Goddess figure described in the ancient scripts known as Purana. The name "Tulasi" in Sanskrit literally means "the incomparable one". The Tulasi plant is known in India is available and grown in two forms viz. dark Krishna or Shyama Tulsi and White or light green known as Rama Tulasi or White Tulsi. Though both the Tulsi plant possess a lot of medicinal value, the former has greater medicinal value and is commonly worshipped by Hindus.

In India, that is Bharat, from time immemorial, Tulasi has been known and worshiped and used as a prime herb in Indian Medicine known as Dhanvantri and Ayurvedic medicines. It is also used as home remedy for treating commonly known ailments and used mainly for its diverse healing properties. The Charaka Samhita - a nodal Ayurvedic script and The Rg-Veda, both mentions Tulsi as a life saving one herb which contains a kind of ‘elixer of life' and promotes longevity.

Quite apart from its medicinal values, in all the Sri Vaishnava & Sri Mahavishnu Temples, this Holy basil known as Thulsi (Tulsi) is given as prasadam to the devotees. For Lord Sri Lakshmi Nrusimha and Sri Hanuman, garlands made of Thulsi are offered.

In the ancient medical scripts, such as Padaartha Guna Chinthamani, Agasthiyar Kural. Dhanvantri, Sushrutha Samhita, Charaka Samhita, Ashtangahridya, etc., the medicinal values and qualities are mentioned. Even today, Thulsi (Tulsi) is used as a traditional medicine as an integral part of household medicine. Even to treat a new born child, they administer the essence of Thulsi (Tulsi) and this practice persists to this day in most Indian homes.

A number of passages in the ancient scripts known as Puranas and other Vedic scriptures, that state to the importance of tulsi within religious worship. Tulasi is regarded as Lakshmi (The Goddess of Wealth) - a consort of Sri Maha Vishnu. A garland of tulasi leaves is the first offering to the Lord, in many Srivaishnavite Temples, as part of the daily ritual. Tulsi is accorded the sixth place among the eight objects of worship in the ritual of the consecration of the Kumb or Kalasa, a copper vessel, the container of holy water.

According to one story, Tulasi was a servant (known as Gopi) who fell in love with Lord Sri Krishna and so had a curse laid on her by His consort Radha. She is very dear to Vishnu. Tulsi is also mentioned in the stories of Mira and Radha immortalised in Gita Govinda (by Shri Jayadeva). One story has it that when Krishna was weighed in gold, not even all the ornaments of His consort Sathyabhama could outweigh Him. But a single tulsi leaf placed on one side by his another consort Rukmini tilted the scale.

Tulsi is ceremonially married to Vishnu annually on the eleventh bright day of the month of Karthika in the Luni/Solar Calander. This festival continues for five days and concludes on the full moon day, which falls in mid-October. This ritual, called the "Tulsi Vivaha", inaugurates the annual marriage season in most parts of India.

In the Christians traditions, it is said that Tulsi grew around the place of Crucifixion.. Tulasi is also has a mention in the Shiite writings.

Tulsi/Thulasi (Thulsi) is the cure for cardiac disorders, diabetes, stress, Cholesterol control, smooth muscle relaxant, Anti-microbial agent, reduces primary urinary track infection. It is also believed that regular consumption of Tulsi leaves shorten the course of illness and also sharpens the memory. In addition, it also protects the surrounding from the hazardous Ultra-Violet rays. Researches has proved that the Thulsi Plant has the capacity to emit ozone along with oxygen thus reducing the air pollution.

Usage of Tulasi as an Ayurvedic medicine
Tulasi’s extracts are used in ayurvedic remedies for common colds, headaches, stomach disorders, inflammation, heart disease, various forms of poisoning, and malaria. Traditionally, tulasi is taken in many forms: as an herbal tea, dried powder, fresh leaf, or mixed with Honey or Ghee. Essential oil extracted from Karpoora Tulsi is mostly used for medicinal purposes and in herbal toiletry. For centuries, the dried leaves of Tulasi have been mixed with stored grains to repel insects.

Many research and studies suggest that Tulasi may be a COX-2 inhibitor, like many modern painkillers, due to its significant amount of eugenol (1 – hydroxygen, 2 – methoxy – 4 -allylbenzene) Researches also give Tulsi to be effective for diabetes, by reducing blood glucose levels. The same study showed significant reduction in total cholesterol levels with Tulsi. Another study showed that Tulsi's beneficial effect on blood glucose levels is due to its antioxidant properties.

Tulasi also shows some promise for protection from radiation poisoning and cataracts. The use of Tulsi for purification and as a medicine is widespread household medicine throughout India. Many Hindus — along with the ancient tradition of Ayurveda — believe that the healing properties of sacred herbs such as Tulsi were given by the Lord Himself, and can be used as a medicine out of reverence.

The other Medicinal usages of Tulsi as home remedies are listed below:

Tulasi leaves contains 'adaptinogen' an anti stress agent and also used as mosquito repellant; its medicinal properties and uses are listed below:

Tulsi is used in treating common cold ,cough and sore throat including asthama,bronchitis and othe respiratory disorders.

It is an anti-malarial agent and extracts of tulasi leaves prove very effective in repelling malaria causing mosquito. Its known to be propylactic, prevents insect bites through its larvicidal properties.

Used for treating Kidney stones; the juice of Tulasi along with honey relieves pain and flushes stones via urinary tracts.

Proven to be an effective anti allergen

Can also be given to children while treating common colds & cough, used to treat skin, teeth and even eye disorders

An anti -infertile agent it is an effective medicine both for males and females suffering from infertility- thats why women are found encircling
it daily (?) If excessively taken, say around 20 leaves a day, regularly for 96 days, then the same becomes contraceptive, and chances of one getting conceived during these days are minimum.

It has anti-fungal, anti-viral and anti diabetic properties. That's why, most of the herbal healing powders are added with Tulsi.

Tulsi can help keep swine flu away: Ayurvedic experts.

Wonder herb Thulsi can not only keep the dreaded swine flu at bay but also help in fast recovery of an afflicted person, Ayurvedic practitioners claim.

"The anti-flu property of Tulasi has been discovered by medical experts across the world quite recently. Tulsi improves the body's overall defence mechanism including its ability to fight viral diseases. It was successfully used in combating Japanese Encephalitis and the same theory applies to swine flu," many herbal medicine practitioners believe.

Because of its immunizing properties, apart from acting as a preventive medicine in case of swine flu, Tulsi can help the patient recover faster.

"Even when a person has already contracted swine flu, Tulsi can help in speeding up the recovery process and also help in strengthening the immune system of the body," the herbal therapists claim.

According to Dr Bhupesh Patel, (a lecturer at Gujarat Ayurved University, Jamnagar) is also of the view that Tulsi can play an important role in controlling swine flu. "Tulsi can control swine flu and it should be taken in fresh form. Juice or paste of at least 20-25 medium sized leaves should be consumed twice a day on an empty stomach." This increases the resistance of the body and, thereby, reduces the chances of inviting swine flu," believes Dr. Patel.

Thulsi or Tulsi just cannot be plucked simply from the plant. There is a specific slokha that is to be recited and only after offering the prayer one can take the leaves, and that too, one should not use his/her nails to cut the leaves. For the benefit of the readers, I give below the slokha in image format, in Sanskrit, Tamil and the rough phonetic English verse:

Thulasi amrudajanmaasi sadaa Dwam Kesavapriye |

Kesavaarththam lunaami Dwaam varadhaa bhava shobane ||

Thulasi Sthuthi:

Tulasi s(h)ree sakhi subE pApahAriNim puNyadhe
NamasthE nAradanuthE namO nArAyaNa priye

துளஸி ஸ்ரீஸகி சுபே பாபஹாரிணிம் புண்யதே
நமஸ்தே நாரதனுதே நமோ நாராயணப்ரியே

तुलसी श्रीसकि शुभॆ पापहारिणीम् पुण्यते ।

नमस्तॆ नारनुडे नमॊ नारायणप्रियॆ ॥

Tulasi Vivaha or Marriage day of Tulasi:
A Tulasi plant decorated for worship, with fireworks display.

Followers of Hindu traditions often keep a Tulsi plant in front of their house. On a specific day each year known as 'Kartik Shukla Dwadashi' (usually or or about after a fortnight from Deepavali – Diwali) there is a tradition where Tulasi plants will be beautifully decorated with structures made of small banana trees, Mango leave bunches and flowers and then perform a Pooja - a form of worship is offered.

As with Deepavali known in Northern part of India as Diwali celebrations, there are usually clay lamps lit around the Tulasi plant and the house. In some parts of India people will have also have fireworks displays to mark the occasion. In northern India and in Gaudiya Vaishnava communities it is called the 'Tulsi vivah' or the wedding day of Tulasi with Lord Sri Krishna in his Sila form. There is another celebration called Tulsi Ekadashi where Tulasi is worshipped on the Ekadasi day.

Quotes from the Scripts that relates to Divine Tulasi :
"As by chanting the name of The Ganga (River Ganges), one becomes free from all kinds of worldly sins; if someone chants the name of Tulasi or chants the glories of Lord Sri Hari with devotion, he gets the same merit." – Quote from The Naradiya Purana.

"Just by touching Tulsidevi one's body becomes pure. By praying to her, all diseases practically become removed. If one waters her or makes her wet, the fear of Yama Dharma Raja (The death personified) is destroyed." – Tha Skanda Purana

"Tulasi is most beloved of Lord Krishna and thus her leaves and flowers are also most dear to Him." – Srilasri Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswathi Thakura.

"Tulasi leaf is very, very dear to Lord Sri Mahavishnu ( Vishnu Tulasi Priyaa) - Sri Bhativedanta Swami Prabhupada.

“Tulasi Daivam Mahathmeeyam” – Tulasi in Itself is God, and the values are innumerable by counts – St. Vyasa Maha Muni.

“Vishnu Tulasi Priya” - Krishna Yajur Veda

Tulasi as a deity:

Tulsi as worshiped in deity form. The presence of a Tulsi plant in a home is considered as presence of Goddess Lakshmi herself; it symbolizes the religious bent of a Hindu family. In a Srivaishnavite household, it is considered incomplete if it doesn't have a Tulasi plant. Many families have the Tulasi planted in a specially built structure, which has images of deities installed on all four sides, and an alcove for small earthen oil lamp. Some households can even have many plants and varities in their fore-house or at their verandah; affordable persons even cultivate it in their garden forming a "Tulsi-van" or "Tulsi-vrindavan" — a mini- basil garden.

Places that tend to inspire concentration and places ideal for worship, according to the Gandharva tantra, include "grounds overgrown with Tulsi plants". The Tulsi Manas Mandir at Varanasi is one such famous temple, where Tulasi is worshipped along with other devas (demi-gods/goddesses). Vaishnavites, or followers of Vishnu, revere the Tulasi leaf because it pleases Lord Sri Maha Vishnu the most and thus is as an inherent part of offerings of naivedyam and then offer these Tulsi to the devotees as Prasad. They also wear beaded necklaces made of Tulasi stems. The manufacture of these Tulasi necklaces is a cottage industry in places of pilgrimage spots and at most srivaishnav temple towns. The other names used by different sects of Srivaishnavas such as Gaudia, Chaitanya Sect are Vrindadevi, meaning 'the goddess of Brindavan aka Vrindavan. Only Sri Andal, the Tamil poet considered as one of the Azhwars stated in Her pasurams Tulsi as “Thiruthuzai”.