Pt. Shri. Vedavyasacharya
General
One of the most essential items for worship of the Lord is Tulasi. It is said that without Tulasi, the Lord does not accept the worship. But why is it called Tulasi?
The Brahma Vaivarta Purana explains this with the following statement:
“Narāḥ nāryaścha tāṁ dṛṣṭvā tulanāṁ dātuṁ akṣamāḥ
tena nāmnā cha tulasīṁ tāṁ vadanti purāvidaḥ.”
This means that in ancient times, men and women tried to find a leaf that could be compared to Tulasi, but they could not find anything equal to it. Since no other leaf could be compared with it, it came to be known as Tulasi (that which cannot be equalled or compared).
Another example of Tulasi’s greatness is seen in the story of Tulabhara. When Satyabhama performed the Tulabhara (weighing ceremony) of Krishna, she placed pearls, gems, gold, and many precious items on the scale. Yet, the weight did not balance against Lord Krishna.
At that moment, Rukmini came and placed a single Tulasi leaf on the scale. Immediately, the scale balanced.
This story is often praised as an example of the greatness and spiritual power of Tulasi.
Therefore, since nothing can truly be compared with Tulasi, it is said that the name Tulasi came into use.
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