The Pure and Divine Tusli Leaf

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Once Satyabhama, one of Krishna’s wives felt that she was loved the most, by Krishna. Satyabhaama enquired of Narada how she could ensure, that she attain Krishna as her husband, in her next life also. Narada said that you achieve that, in the next life, which you give away, in this life in charity.So Satyabhaama gave Krishna away to Narada. Narada decided to take Krishna away with him. All the queens panicked as they saw Krishna being led by Narada.

 

Then Narada promised to release Krishna if any of the wives, could give him something equivalent to Krishna’s weight! All the wives brought out their prized possessions, and placed them on the scale; but Krishna turned out to be heavier! Then Rukmani plucked a basil (Tulsi) leaf and placed it on the scale (with all her love).And Lo and Behold! Krishna was out-weighed!

 

This story of Satyabhama, Rukmini and the Tulsi is about the festival of Tulsi Vivaha (The marriage of Tulsi) which comes after Diwali and begins the wedding season in India , Tulsi is a most holy and Divine plant and a consort of Krishna.

 

Also Every Kartik Dwadashi, which comes in November after Diwali, Tulsi is married to Krishna and the winter wedding season of India begins after that.

 

Krishna wonderfully says in the 25th verse of the 9th Chapter of the Gita :

 

Patram pushpam phalam toyam, yo me bhaktyaa prayachhati,Tadaham bhaktyu pahritam ashnaami prayataat manah

 

Meaning :

 

I accept (that offering happily) of a leaf, a flower, a fruit, a little water, (which is given to me) with devotion and a pure mind! (heart)

 

As a result of the above story, a tulsi leaf is placed on any gift, as the final seal of giving. It is placed on a daughter's hand during the 'Kanyadaan' - giving away of the daughter during a Hindu marriage ceremony.

 

Om Sai Ram

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