तुलसी नमस्तुभ्यम्

Every Sanskrit word explained in English

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Word-by-Word Breakdown

तुलसि

Tulasi

O Tulasi (the sacred holy-basil plant, a goddess)

श्रीसखि

Shri-Sakhi

O dear friend of Shri (Goddess Lakshmi)

शुभे

Shubhe

O auspicious one

पापहारिणि

Papa-Harini

O remover of sins

पुण्यदे

Punya-De

O bestower of merit (punya)

नमस्ते

Namaste

Salutations to you

नारदनुते

Narada-Nute

O one praised by Sage Narada

नारायणमनःप्रिये

Narayana-Manah-Priye

O one dear to the heart of Narayana (Vishnu)

यन्मूले सर्वतीर्थानि

Yan-Mule Sarva-Tirthani

At whose root reside all the sacred pilgrimage-waters (tirthas)

यन्मध्ये सर्वदेवताः

Yan-Madhye Sarva-Devatah

In whose middle (stem) dwell all the gods

यदग्रे सर्ववेदाः

Yad-Agre Sarva-Vedah

On whose tips reside all the Vedas

त्वां नमाम्यहम्

Tvam Namamyaham

I bow to you

तुलस्यमृतजन्मासि

Tulasy-Amrita-Janmasi

O Tulasi, you are born of the nectar (amrita, from the churning of the ocean)

सदा त्वं केशवप्रिया

Sada Tvam Keshava-Priya

You are forever the beloved of Keshava (Vishnu)

केशवार्थं चिनोमि त्वाम्

Keshavartham Chinomi Tvam

I pluck (your leaves) for the sake of Keshava (for his worship)

वरदा भव शोभने

Varada Bhava Shobhane

Be a bestower of boons (grant my wish), O beautiful one

Complete Translation

हे तुलसी, लक्ष्मी की प्रिय सखी, शुभे, पापों को हरने वाली और पुण्य देने वाली — आपको नमस्कार, हे नारद-वन्दिता, नारायण के मन को प्रिय! जिसके मूल में समस्त तीर्थ, मध्य में समस्त देवता, और अग्रभाग में समस्त वेद विराजते हैं — हे तुलसी, मैं आपको प्रणाम करता हूँ। हे तुलसी, आप अमृत से उत्पन्न हैं और सदा केशव को प्रिय हैं; मैं केशव की पूजा हेतु आपके पत्र चुनता हूँ — हे शोभने, वरदायिनी होकर मुझे वर प्रदान कीजिए।

Origin & History

Source: Puranic Tulasi-Puja tradition (Padma Purana and allied texts)

Author: Unknown (preserved in the Pauranika and ritual tradition)

Period: Puranic / classical

The Puranas, especially the Padma Purana, exalt Tulasi as a goddess born of the nectar churned from the cosmic ocean and as Vishnu's dearest devotee, without whose leaf his worship is incomplete. These verses entered daily practice as the prayers of Tulsi Puja: one greets Tulasi as the friend of Lakshmi and remover of sins, bows acknowledging that all tirthas, gods and Vedas dwell within her, and seeks her permission before plucking her leaves for the Lord. The worship culminates each year in Tulsi Vivah, her sacred marriage to Vishnu.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do we worship the Tulsi plant?▼

Tulasi (holy basil) is revered as a goddess and the most beloved of Lord Vishnu. Her leaves are offered in all Vishnu and Krishna worship, she is said to remove sins and bestow merit, and her presence is believed to bring health, purity and Lakshmi's prosperity to the home.

Why ask permission before plucking Tulsi leaves?▼

The verse 'Keshavartham Chinomi Tvam' is spoken to seek the plant's leave before taking her leaves, explaining that they are gathered only for Keshava's (Vishnu's) worship. This reverent request honours Tulasi as a living deity and is part of proper ritual etiquette.

When is Tulsi worship most important?▼

The month of Kartik (October–November) is the holiest time for Tulsi Puja, when a lamp is lit before her each evening. Tulsi Vivah — the ceremonial marriage of Tulasi to Lord Vishnu (Shaligrama), on Dev Uthani Ekadashi — is the most celebrated Tulsi festival.

Are there days when Tulsi leaves should not be plucked?▼

By tradition, Tulsi leaves are not plucked at night, nor on Ekadashi, Sundays, Dvadashi, eclipses, or by an unbathed person. Already-fallen fresh leaves may be offered. The prayers above are recited whenever leaves are respectfully gathered.

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