The Birth of Tulsi Story English
Tulsi Story English: According to the scriptures, Tulsi, though primarily recognized as a tree, was initially a goddess, then a human, and eventually transformed into the divine tree, Tulsi or Tulsi Devi. To understand the profound history of Tulsi Devi, we must delve into various scriptures and puranas with an inquisitive mind. The glory of Tulsi Devi has been repeatedly mentioned in many scriptures, and I will attempt to recount it as much as possible here.
The Greatness of Tulsi Devi from the Brahma Vaivarta Purana
Let us begin by listening to some words about the greatness of the goddess from the ‘Brahma Vaivarta Purana’. In the ‘Prakriti Khanda’ of this Purana, Narada asks Narayana about how the virtuous Tulsi became the wife of Narayana, her previous birth, her identity, and the penance that led her to attain the supreme god, Narayana.
The Lineage Leading to Tulsi Devi
Narayana, in response to the sage’s questions, narrates that there was a Manu named Daksha Savarni, a distinguished, virtuous, and great Vaishnava born from a part of Vishnu. His son was Dharma Savarni, who was also extremely pious and a devotee of Vishnu. Dharma Savarni’s son was Vishnu Savarni, a devout follower of Vishnu with self-control. Vishnu Savarni’s son was Deva Savarni, another great devotee of Vishnu. Deva Savarni’s son was Raja Savarni, a fervent worshiper of Vishnu like his ancestors. Raja Savarni’s son was Vrishadhvaja, who was dearly loved by Shiva, residing in his hermitage for three yugas. Vrishadhvaja ceased the worship of all deities except Vishnu and even stopped the celebrations of Mahalakshmi Puja and Saraswati Puja. He did not participate in sacrifices or Vishnu worship and would criticize those who did. None of the deities dared to curse him due to fear of Shiva. Eventually, the sun god cursed him to lose his prosperity.
The Wrath of Shiva and Narayana’s Assurance
Shiva, enraged by the sun god’s curse on his beloved devotee, chased the sun god with his trident. Seeking refuge with Brahma, the sun god, along with Brahma, went to Vaikuntha to seek Narayana’s protection. Despite this, Shiva pursued them to Vaikuntha. Seeing Shiva approach with his trident, Brahma, Kashyapa, and the sun god were terrified and sought Narayana’s help. Narayana assured them that they had nothing to fear as long as he was there to protect them. He explained that he himself takes on different forms for creation and preservation and assured them of their safety.
The Peaceful Resolution
When Shiva arrived, he bowed down to Narayana, who was adorned with a crown and earrings, holding a discus, and wearing a yellow garment. Shiva then greeted Brahma. The sun god also reverently bowed to Shiva. Kashyapa, with great devotion, praised Shiva. After praising Vishnu, Shiva sat down, and Vishnu’s attendants fanned him with white chamara. Shiva, having calmed down, praised Narayana with his five mouths. Narayana, pleased, spoke to Shiva with sweet, enchanting words, addressing him as the source of all good and asking why he had come.
Shiva explained that his beloved devotee, Vrishadhvaja, had been cursed by the sun god, which made him furious and led to his confrontation. He asked Narayana about the fate of his devotee. Narayana, with compassion, informed him that several yugas had passed in Vaikuntha’s time, and Vrishadhvaja had already died due to the sun god’s curse. His son Hansadhvaja also lost his prosperity and died over time. Vrishadhvaja’s grandsons, Dharmadhvaja and Kushadhvaja, became devout Vaishnavas but lost their wealth due to the curse. However, they performed severe penance to Lakshmi and regained their prosperity. Lakshmi promised to incarnate as their daughters.
Vedavati and the Tale of Sita
Narayana narrated that Kushadhvaja’s wife, Malavati, gave birth to a daughter named Vedavati, an incarnation of Lakshmi, who performed severe penance to marry Narayana. Despite Ravana’s attempts to woo her, she cursed him to destruction and ended her life through yogic powers. Vedavati was later born as Sita in King Janaka’s household, leading to Ravana’s downfall.
The Birth of Tulsi and Her Penance
Lakshmi’s other part incarnated as a beautiful daughter named Padma, born to Dharmadhvaja’s wife, Madhavi. She had auspicious marks and grew up to be a goddess-like figure, named Tulsi by the wise men. Tulsi, immediately after birth, went to Badrikashrama for penance to obtain Narayana as her husband. She performed intense austerities, subsisting on fruits, water, and air, until Brahma, pleased with her penance, offered her a boon. Tulsi expressed her desire to marry the dark, handsome Narayana.
The Transformation into Tulsi Devi
Brahma revealed that Sudama, a part of Krishna, had become the demon Shankhachuda and would marry her. Tulsi, remembering her past life as a gopi serving Krishna, was pleased with this but sought Krishna’s blessings to overcome Radha’s curse. Brahma granted her a mantra to please Radha, assuring her of Krishna’s favor. Tulsi continued her penance and ultimately attained her desired boon, leading a blissful life with her divine consort.
Conclusion
Tulsi Devi’s story is one of devotion, penance, and divine blessings. Her transformation from a goddess to a tree symbolizes the deep connection between the spiritual and natural worlds. Tulsi’s significance in Hinduism is profound, with her leaves being indispensable in worship and rituals, highlighting her revered status as a divine entity and a symbol of purity and devotion.
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