Why devotees worship Tulasi The Tulasi plant gets her name from Srimati Tulasi-devi, one of Lord Krishna’s dearmost eternal consorts, a pure devotee in the form of a gopi, who lives in the spiritual world. The Tulasi plant is a manifestation or expansion of her. Because Tulasi is so dear to Krishna, one gains all kinds of benefits by worshiping her. By attaining her mercy, one can more quickly make spiritual advancement and gain entrance into the spiritual world. Tulasi plants and their leaves are very important in devotional service. Devotees are recommended to water the Tulasi tree every day and collect the leaves to worship the Lord. (Srimad-Bhagavatam 3.15.19 purport)

The glories of Tulasi

If someone sows a Tulasi tree somewhere, certainly he becomes devoted to Lord Krishna. And when the Tulasi leaves are offered in devotion at the lotus feet of Krishna, there is the full development of love of Godhead. (Skanda Purana)

Tulasi leaf is very, very dear to Visnu. All Visnu-tattva Deities require profusely Tulasi leaves. Lord Visnu likes garland of Tulasi leaves. Tulasi leaves mixed with sandalwood pulp and placed on the lotus feet of the Lord is the topmost worship. (Srila Prabhupada Letter to Govinda, 7 April 1970)

Eight names of Tulasi Devi

Vrindavani: One who first manifested in Vrndavana.
Vrinda: The goddess of all plants and trees.
Visvapujita: One whom the whole universe worships.
Puspasara: The topmost of all flowers, without whom Krishna does not like to look upon other flowers.
Nandini: Seeing whom gives unlimited bliss to the devotees.
Krishna-jivani: The life of Sri Krishna.
Visva-pavani: One who purifies the three worlds.
Tulasi: One who has no comparison.

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