Stepping on the shadow of Tulasi Maharani

[Guest guest]

Dear devotees.

Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada.

 

Here at New Vrajamandala for years and years during Tulasi puja there has

been postioned a low wattage lamp by the side of tulasi devi to illuminate

her in the otherwise dimly lit Temple room.

 

Now all of a sudden, it has been said that we should not walk on the shadow

of Tulasi devi. The lamp has been banished! Tulasi puja is just not the same

without seeing her nicely illuminated manjaris.

 

Severely ruffled, I did a search on Folio and could not find any reference

to stepping on the shadow of Tulasi at all.

 

Can anyone shed any light on all this (pun intended!).

 

Are there shastric references? Why does Srila Prabhupada not mention this in

the Nectar of Devotion, or somewhere else...does he?

 

If we cannot step on the shadow of Tulasi devi, I presume it must be because

she is a pure devotee. Therefore, is it an offence to step on the shadow of

a pure devotee? If so, then it seems that we should immediately compile a

list of pure devotees in ISKCON, and either keep them away from strong

lights, or, warn everyone not to step in their shadows! What about Madhyama

devotees? I guess Kanisthas get what they deserve!

 

Also are there degrees of shade that are acceptable to step in? Maybe really

dim shadows are less of an offense to step in?

 

If someone can come up with some good bonafide references that prove that we

should not step on the shadow of tulasi devi (and other devotees), then I

will accept. Otherwise I am going to protest!

 

Your perplexed ruffled and defiant servant

Samba das