Worship During The Month of Kaartik

From a satsang with Pt. Umadutt Maharaj, Spiritual Leader, SWAHA Bhakti Jyot Mandali

In the Devi Bhagwat, Tulsi Maa is honoured through many references, especially in connection with the sacred month of Kaartik, (October 18 – November 15, 2024). Worshipping Tulsi during this auspicious time brings immense blessings, allowing devotees to fulfil their righteous desires. The Tulsi plant, revered for its purifying qualities, should be treated with the utmost respect. Tulsi is also cherished in Ayurvedic medicine for its many healing properties.

In the Devi Bhagwat, Brahmaji speaks with Tulsi Maa and also describes the numerous benefits of worshipping her:

• Tulsi must be worshipped during Satyanaaraayan puja, for she is very dear to Naaraayana.
• Those who worship Tulsi Maa become free from negativity.
• Worshipping Tulsi breaks the bonds of worldly attachments and draws one to Shree Krishna.
• Initiation with Tulsi water brings the fruits of all spiritual practices.
• If Ganga jal is unavailable, placing Tulsi in water purifies it, granting the same sacredness as Ganga water.
• Offering a single lota of water with Tulsi to Vishnu Bhagwan yields the same merit as performing thousands of water offerings.
• The fruits of giving gowdaan (a sacred cow offering) can be achieved by offering Tulsi leaves, especially in Kaartik.
• Holding Tulsi leaves while reciting the Guru mantra at the time of death elevates the soul to Vishnu Lok.

Daily practices involving Tulsi are highly recommended by spiritual guides and Ayurvedic doctors alike. Holding Tulsi leaves in hand, reciting the Guru mantra, and consuming it while facing the rising sun purifies the soul. Similarly, consuming three neem leaves and one Tulsi leaf in the morning cleanses the intestines, promoting physical health. Wearing a Tulsi garland creates a positive aura and enhances divine vibrations, while performing pranayama (breathing exercises) near Tulsi plants purifies the mind and increases the brain’s oxygen levels.

Tulsi Maa is said to grant all siddhis (divine powers) to those who worship her. The mantra Om Sreem Hreem Kleem Aim Brindavan Yai Swaha is a powerful invocation, likened to the mythical kalpa vriksh (divine wish-fulfilling tree), that brings prosperity. Tulsi worshippers are honoured by all, including Vishnu Bhagwan himself.

Offerings are not considered pure if Tulsi is not included, and thus, it is essential to include Tulsi in all offerings. Listening to the glories of Tulsi frees one from disease, pain and the cycle of birth and death, bringing liberation and fearlessness.

Tulsi is regarded as the holiest of all plants, bringing mental peace and purification wherever she resides. In this sacred month of Kaartik, let us seek the divine blessings of Tulsi Maa through regular worship, invoking the grace of the Divine Mother.