Why do we worship Tulasi plant ?

In Hindu culture, Tulasi (basil) occupies a revered position among shrubs and herbs – a position of importance from the point of view of health and religion . In the scriptures, tulasi is described as the “ Mother of the Universe”. Lord Vishnu is supposed to take abode in a house where tulasi is grown. Having a tulsi plant in the house believes, it spreads a spiritual aura and promotes material prosperity and well-being of the household. Tulasi is an important component of Lord Vishnu puja in temples as well as homes. Tulasi thirtha ( water in which tulasi leaves are soaked) is the prasada given in Vaishnavite temples. In Sanskrit, "Tulanaa naasti athaiva tulasi" - that which is incomparable (in its qualities) is the Tulasi.

As one story goes, Tulasi was the devoted wife of Shankhachuda, a celestial being. She believed that Lord Krishna tricked her into sinning. So she cursed Him to become a stone (shaaligraama). Seeing her devotion and adhered to righteousness, the Lord blessed her saying that she would become the worshipped plant, tulasi that would adorn His head and also that all offerings would be incomplete without the tulasi leaf - hence we worship tulasi.
She also symbolises Goddess Lakshmi, the consort of Lord Vishnu. Those who wish to be righteous and have a happy family life , will worship the tulasi. Tulasi is married to the Lord with all pomp and show as in any wedding.

This is because according to another legend: Lord Krishna blessed Sathyabhama to be His consort. Satyabhama once weighed Lord Krishna against all her legendary wealth. The scales did not balance till a single tulasi leaf was placed along with the wealth on the scale by Rukmini with devotion. Thus the tulasi played the vital role of demonstrating to the world that even a small object offered with devotion means more to the Lord than all the wealth in the world.

The Hindus cling to the tulsi even in the last moments of their lives. Ganga water, further sanctified by the presence of tulsi in it, is dropped into the mouth of the dying person in the belief that the soul would attain liberation.Thus tulsi occupies an exalted position because of its spiritual, medicinal and scientific properties.

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. In Karnataka and Andhrapradesh Tulasi Pooja / Tulasi Vivaha is celebrated.
(I will try to collect more information on that pooja and write as a seperate posting)

The high esteem for tulsi has a scientific basis. In addition to its spiritual qualities, tulasi has been found to possess great medicinal value and is used to cure various ailments, including the common cold , extraordinary qualities of healing and promoting health. Researchers in modern chemistry have found tulasi to have the properties of killing harmful micro-organisms and that tulasi is a herbal plant with great medicinal value. Tulasi removes bad odour from the environment and controls pollution. It is used as medicine for controlling and curing heart diseases. Thus, the wind that carries the fragrance of tulsi spreads health and well-being wherever it blows.

Tulasi Slokam :
(1) :
Yanmule sarvatirhaani

Yannagre sarvadevataa

Yanmadhye sarvavedaascha

Tulasi taam namaamyaham

(2) :

Thulasi amrudajanmaasi sadaa Dwam Kesavapriye
Kesavaarththam lunaami Dwaam varadhaa bhava shobane

(3) :
Tulasi s(h)ree sakhi s(h)ubae paapahaari

Nim punyadae namasthae naaradanuthae

namo naaraayana priyae
Source : Wikipedia , www.indusladies.com