Sprouting and uprooting of Saili. The Story of the sacred Tulsi in Kangra

Abstract

The Goddess comes in many forms,” said Brinda Devi, a reflective, middle-aged woman, when I asked about the sacred basil plant growing in her courtyard. “This is one of the forms of the Goddess that we worship.” She made this observation during the lunar month of Kartik (October/November), when the plant was wrapped in a gauzy, spangled red cloth, all dressed up as an auspicious Goddess and bride. In Brinda Devi’s home, as in the homes of all the uppercaste Kangra villagers I visited, the sacred basil plant held the place of honor on a raised stone stand in the centre of the courtyard. Called ocymum sanctum linn, by botanists, this plant with small purple blossoms is known as tulsi in Sanskrit, and as saili in the Kangri dialect. Show more