Rules to follow wearing a Tulsi Mala
Purification and Cleanliness of Tulsi Mala:
- A Tulsi Mala must be purified by dipping it into Gangajal(holy water) and letting it dry before wearing it.
- It is also recommended to offer the Tulsi Mala to Lord Vishnu or Lord Krishna before wearing it.
- Always maintain both physical and mental purity and wear a tulsi mala after taking bath and wearing clean clothes.
- If mistakenly mala falls on the ground or is touched, then it should be purified again by washing in clean water and dried properly.
Food and Lifestyle:
- Strictly avoid non-vegetarian food like eggs, meat, onions, garlic, etc., and other foods considered tamasic(impure) while wearing the Tulsi Mala.
- Strictly avoid other intoxications like alcohol, gambling, lying, and cheating.
- Devotees follow a saatvik diet(simple food) as a show of respect towards Tulsi.
- Tulsi Kanthi Mala should be worn around the neck as a sign of spirituality and should not be worn as an ornament.
- Do not share your Tulsi Mala with any other person, as it is regarded as a very personal spiritual thing.
Spiritual Benefits:
- Tulsi is believed to purify and protect our surroundings from negative influences and enhance positivity and devotion(bhakti).
- It is very dear to Lord Vishnu and Lord Krishna and hence wearing it is considered an offering and attachment to the Lord.
- A separate Tulsi Japa Mala can be used for chanting(japa) or meditation, and it is usually kept in a clean Tulsi Japa Mala Bag.
- Chanting the Hare Krishna mantra, Vishnu sahasranama, or other Lord Vishnu-related mantras is common with a Tulsi Japa Mala.
