Introducing Tulsi

After this, rishi Narada requested Lord Shiva to tell him about the Triratri Vrata (three nights fast) Tulsi Vrata ( Tulsi fast). Lord Shiva described then the details of this vrata to rishi Narada in several holy mantras. He said:

" Oh, Narada! You have to keep awake for three nights, worshipping Vishnu and Laxmi with flowers, fruits, Ganga water and Tulsi leaves. This vrata helps one to learn the art and science of music and dance if those are practiced during this period of fast. "

The Padmapurana states:

Leaves, flowers, fruits, root, branches and the main stem and everything about Tulsi is sacred; even the soil under the Tulsi plant is holy. ( Padmapurana 24/2)

Even one plant of Tulsi put into the fire of the funeral pyre is capable of providing salvation ( moksha) to an individual. ( Padmapurana 24/2)

In Sanskrit Tulsi is known by many names, including Surasah, Ajaka, Parnasa, Manjari, Haripriya (the beloved of Lord Vishnu) and Bhutagni (the dstroyer of demon). Hindu denominations defer in how they regard the Tulsi plants as the Goddess. Generally worshipers of Lord Vishnu revere Tulsi as Lakshmi or Vrinda, devotees of Lord Rama honor Tulsi as Sita , while followers of Lord Krishna vernerate Tulsi as Vrinda, Radha and Rukmani . There are many other different names of Tulsi in the various languages and dialect of India.

Sanskrit is considered the oldest recorded language.

The Vedas are the most ancient scriptures of the Hindus.

Vishnu is one of the three supreme gods of Hindus. Brahma represents the Creator, Vishnu the Preserver and Shiva the Destroyer.  

Literally, "Nectar from the feet of God". When the devotee forgets his ego and touches the feet of God, he receives the blessings in the form of the Charanamrita . It traditionally consists of cow's milk, yogurt, honey, Ganga water and Tulsi leaves, and is offered by the worshipper to the deity, blessed during the ritual and, returned afterwards by the Hindu priest. This prasad (offering) is later consumed by the devotee.

Rudra is the destructive aspect of Lord Shiva.

Naimisharayana is a holy place near Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, where many revered rishis resided, such as Vedavyash, the writer of the Mahabharata , which contains the Bhagvad Geeta .

Prayag is the confluence of the rivers Ganga, Yamuna and the mythical Saraswati.

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