In Hindu culture, Tulsi, also known as holy basil, is seen as a symbol of purity, devotion, and healing. And wearing a Tulsi Mala is believed to bring therapeutic benefits to one’s body and mind.
But that’s not it. There’s more to why tulsi holds great significance in Hindu culture and the benefits one can reap by wearing it. Let's understand everything in detail in this comprehensive guide.
What is Tulsi Mala?
A Tulsi Mala is a garland or string of beads made from the wood or seeds of the Tulsi plant. It’s often used in prayers while chanting mantras or meditating. Or is worn as a necklace or bracelet.
But here’s the thing—it’s not just a religious item. Many people wear it for its calming and healing properties, even if they’re not particularly spiritual.
How is Tulsi Mala Made?
Here’s what goes into the process of making a Tulsi Mala:
- Harvesting Tulsi Wood: Firstly the stems or roots of mature Tulsi plants are collected. Hereafter, they are stored and properly taken care of to maintain their sanctity.
- Shaping Beads: The harvested wood is dried and carefully carved into beads. Each bead is smoothened to make it comfortable to wear.
- Threading the Mala: The beads are strung together on cotton or silk threads. Some Malas include a larger bead, known as the Meru bead, which signifies the starting or ending point for chanting.
Importance of Tulsi Mala
In Hindu culture, Tulsi is associated with Goddess Laxmi and Lord Vishnu and hence signifies devotion, dedication, and commitment towards god.
From a wellness perspective, Tulsi is considered a powerful adaptogen i.e., active ingredients in certain plants that help the body combat stress, detoxify the system, and boost immunity. Wearing the mala brings these benefits closer to you, literally and figuratively.
Benefits of Wearing Tulsi Mala
Now that you know enough about the Tulsi mala and its significance, let's learn more about the benefits of wearing it. You’d probably be surprised to know what a simple garland can do for your mind and body:
1. Cleanses the Mind and Body
Tulsi Mala is known for its purifying energy and helps clear negativity from your surroundings and even your own aura. Moreover, it makes you feel lighter, calmer, and more focused in life.
2. Enhances Focus and Meditation
If you’re into meditation or chanting, a Tulsi Mala can be your perfect companion. Each bead on the mala works as a tactile guide for mantra repetition, helping you stay focused during the process. Over time, this improved focus can help in your daily life, improving your ability to concentrate on tasks and stay calm under pressure.
3. Reduces Stress and Promotes Emotional Balance
Tulsi is known for its adaptogenic properties which help the body adapt to stress and maintain equilibrium. Wearing a Tulsi Mala provides a constant source of calm, acting almost like a natural stress-relief accessory. Whether it’s anxiety, anger, or emotional turmoil, the subtle energy of Tulsi beads can help stabilize your mood, and make you feel more centered and at peace.
4. Protects Against Negative Energies
In Hindu mythology, Tulsi is believed to create a barrier that keeps negative energies and unwanted influences at bay. People often wear a Tulsi Mala as a talisman to guard against negativity in their environment, and to ensure that they remain positive and unaffected by external stressors.
5. Boosts Physical Health and Immunity
In Ayurveda, Tulsi is known for its healing properties, and wearing a Tulsi Mala is thought to extend these benefits to the one wearing it. Tulsi is naturally antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory, which makes it a potent health booster. When worn, the mala keeps these healing energies close to the body and supports your immune system to protect you against illnesses.
How to Wear a Tulsi Mala – Rules & Rituals
Here are a few things to keep in mind while wearing a tulsi mala:
- Wash your tulsi mala with Ganagajal and allow it to dry before wearing.
- Chant Vishnu mantras like “Hare Ram, Hare Krishna’ daily to seek the blessing and grace of Lord Vishnu and Goddess Laxmi.
- Avoid consuming non-vegetarian food, alcohol, or engaging in any unethical or impure activity.
- Once you wear the tulsi mala, avoid removing it every now and then.
- Over time, the tulsi mala might wear down or break. If this happens, replace it with a new mala and immerse the old tulsi mala in the river.
Read More:- Benefits of Rudraksha Mala
How to Know if a Tulsi Mala is Genuine?
Here’s how you can identify a genuine Tulsi Mala:
- Texture: Real Tulsi beads have a smooth yet natural texture.
- Fragrance: Genuine Tulsi beads have a faint yet distinct holy basil aroma.
- Color: Authentic tulsi beads have an off-white or pale wood color, sometimes with natural imperfections.
- Weight: A fake tulsi mala is generally much lighter than the original one. Hence, if a mala feels lighter than usual, it is probably made of plastic or synthetic materials.
While at it, always make sure to buy the tulsi mala from trusted sellers. This will ensure that you only receive 100% authentic products.
Conclusion
The Tulsi Mala works as a versatile spiritual accessory that connects you to higher energies while promoting physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q. Why wear Tulsi Mala?A. Wearing Tulsi Mala purifies the body, improves immunity, and protects you from negative energies.
Q. Who can wear Tulsi Mala?
A. Anyone, irrespective of gender or age, can wear a Tulsi Mala, especially the ones seeking spiritual growth and well-being.
Q. How to wear Tulsi Mala?
A. Wear it around your neck or wrist after purifying it with Gangajal and offering prayers.
Q. What happens after wearing Tulsi Mala?
A. If you wear the Tulsi mala daily, you’ll often feel calmer, more focused, and spiritually aligned.
Q. Who cannot wear Tulsi Mala?
A. People engaging in impure activities, such as consuming non-vegetarian food or alcohol, should avoid wearing the mala.
Q. What are the four rules of wearing Tulsi Mala?
Here are a few rules to keep in mind while wearing Tulsi Mala:
- Keep it pure.
- Avoid wearing it in unclean places or during impure activities.
- Chant mantras regularly.
- Immerse it in the river if and when broken and replace it with a new mala.
Read More:- 7 Benefits of Hanuman Chalisa
