|
Thulsi
- The Essence of Purity
What does the East have that the West doesn't? Something the West can never have - its ancient civilizations. And if you can't have'em - buy 'em! Tourism is the vehicle which takes one around the wares of these civilizations - the artifacts, the ruins, the fake rehash of cultural epithets, the instant
Kathakalis and Poorams, the garlands and sindoor
As everything comes with a price tag, the ancient civilizations vie with one another to sell their wares for a few dollars more. The East is one big wayside
market..
But if you want to really learn - honestly, learn - about the spirit of the human race is the shrouded past beyond the reach of modern man's Information Technology, and perhaps come to respect these ancient peoples and imbibe some of their values and perspectives on life - you have to come to the right place.
One of the most remarkable elements of Indian culture is the recognition that it gives to the fellow begins that share the world with man (Remember the lolling cows in the streets?). The plethora of Hindu gods and goddesses have some animal as a means of transport and some plant or tree associated with reach of them. And as gods are revered, so are their associates. The virtues that Hinduism holds aloft are symbolized in these beings too. In this new column we take a look at the flora and fauna of India.
Thulsi
is the essence of purity. Thulsi (Ocimum
sp.) has an undisputed place in Indian culture. Every traditional Hindu household will have a bush of Thulsi in front of their residence, facing the east and planted prominently on a heightened base. Cared for every day, a holy lamp is lit beside at dusk. The family pays obeisance to it and takes care that the plant and its surroundings are not defiled.
In the ancient medical texts such as
Susrutha Samhita, Charaka Samhita, Ashtangahridya, etc, the medical qualities of Thulsi are described in great detail. In the temples
of south India, holy water is given to the devotees with a sprinkle of
Thulsi leaves I it. The tradition of using Thulsi as an integral part of household medicine persists to this day in most Indian homes.
The species of Thulsi that is most commonly found here is the
Krishna Thulsi (Holy Basil - Ocimum
sanctum). This plant belonging to the Labiatae family, grows to a height of about one meter The Krishna
Thulsi, which has dark blue stem and leaves, has been found to have the most medicinal properties among its relatives. Almost all parts of the plant are used for medicinal purpose.
|
