Religious festivals provide us with the opportunity to immerse ourselves in the universal message of light and enlightenment, that is, the transformation of spiritual ignorance to the realisation of one’s true divine nature. Religious observances urge us towards this process of spiritual evolution. The month of Kaartik (October-November) in the Hindu calendar is considered one of the most auspicious periods of the year, with several religious occasions that bring us closer to our spiritual goals. In 2019, the month of Kaartik begins on October 14 until its culmination on November 12 with Kaartik Poornima Snaan.
The month of Kaartik offers many opportunities to increase our spirituality and release ourselves from attachment to negative qualities such as anger, greed, envy, lust and hatred. During this month Hindus are immersed in saadhan (spiritual discipline), which includes vrat (fasts), praarthnaa (prayers) and performing tapas (austerities), all of which yield self improvement.
The entire month is dedicated to tulsi worship. The tulsi or holy basil plant is worshipped as a form of the Divine Mother, Tulsi Devi. She symbolises the energy of sattva or piety and truth. Devotees who perform genuine worship of this form of the Divine Mother develop sattvic qualities of truth, righteousness and steadiness in thought, word and deed.
The presence of a tulsi plant in one’s yard produces positive vibrations in the environment. Every Hindu should have a tulsi in the home. The tulsi garden not only exudes a unique aromatic effulgence but it is also said to be curative and purifying. The well-known herb is cultivated for its medicinal value and is considered a mosquito repellent.
Daily tulsi puja is one of the practices recommended by the Devi Bhagavat Puraan. However, it is most effective to perform tulsi puja during the auspicious month of Kaartik (October-November). Worshipping the tulsi earns one the merits of visiting holy places or performing various sacrifices. The following mantra shows this special significance associated with the tulsi:
Moolay Tu Sarva Teerthani
Saakhaa Tu Sarva Devataa
Pattay Tu Sarva Yagyaari
Tulsi Tu Namaami-aham
Translation:
At the root of the tulsi reside all holy places
On the branches of the tulsi reside the Gods
The leaves represent the various yagyas
Oh Mother Tulsi, I offer prostration to you.
In the month of Kaartik, tulsi puja should be performed in the following way:
- Offer some sprinkled water on the plant, five times.
- Apply chandan (sandalwood paste).
- Offer dhoop (incense), pushpam (flowers) and
- Light a ghee deeya near the plant.
- Mantra jaap may be performed with the following Tulsi mantra: Om Sreem Hreem Kleem Aim Vrindavanyai Swaha.
This puja may be performed during the sandhya periods (dawn, midday and dusk). The many benefits of tulsi worship include the alleviation of obstacles and challenges as well as the fulfilment of legitimate needs and desires. By worshipping the tulsi and fully connecting with other festivals during the month of Kaartik, we will continue to transform our lives and advance towards the ultimate spiritual goal.
