Tulsi Mantra — Lyrics with Meaning
In Hindu homes the tulsi plant is honoured as a mother and as dear to Lord Vishnu. This mantra is said while offering water to tulsi in the morning and lighting a lamp near her in the evening. It bows to Tulsi Mata as Vrinda, beloved of Keshav, the goddess who grants devotion to Vishnu.
Vrindayai tulasi-devyai priyayai keshavasya cha | vishnu-bhakti-prade devi satyavatyai namo namah ||
Maha-prasada-janani sarva-saubhagya-vardhini | adhi-vyadhi-hara nityam tulasi tvam namo'stu te ||
Meaning
Verse 1
Vrindayai tulasi-devyai priyayai keshavasya cha | vishnu-bhakti-prade devi satyavatyai namo namah ||
Salutations to Vrinda, Goddess Tulsi, dear to Lord Keshav. O Goddess who grants devotion to Vishnu, O truthful one — salutations again and again.
Verse 2
Maha-prasada-janani sarva-saubhagya-vardhini | adhi-vyadhi-hara nityam tulasi tvam namo'stu te ||
O Tulsi! You give rise to the great prasad, increase all good fortune, and are traditionally honoured as the remover of troubles of mind and body — I bow to you.
Meanings written in simple language by the KathaMantra team.
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Frequently asked questions
When should the Tulsi mantra be recited?
In the morning while offering water to tulsi after bathing, in the evening while lighting a lamp near her, and on Tulsi Vivah (Dev Uthani Ekadashi).
How many times should one circle the tulsi plant?
Traditionally devotees walk around the tulsi 3 or 7 times while saying the mantra. Reciting the mantra once or three times is enough.
Why is Tulsi called 'Vrinda'?
According to Puranic stories, Tulsi was a devoted woman named Vrinda in an earlier birth. The name Vrindavan is also linked to a forest of tulsi (vrinda).