Tulsi Kanthi Mala of Vrindavan (Braj)

The prevalence of Tulsi-Kanthi Mala, associated with the lifestyle of the saint community as well as common Vaishnav sadhaks, can be seen on a large scale in the Sanatani tradition today. This tradition, which flourished in the Braj region, has expanded not only at the all-India level but also at the international level due to holy movements like ISKCON.

While the glory of Tulsi is easily visible in various Puranas, important facts related to the above subject have also been revealed from the infinite Braj language literature written in different periods under the temple and folk culture of Braj.

Today, extensive changes can be seen in the Tulsi-Kanthi Mala tradition, once served by saints and devotees in Braj Mandal; associated with the spirit of service. In the Braj region, groups of experts who prepare Kanthi Mala as per the customs and traditions of various sects, prepare attractive Kanthis by doing their work in a phased manner.

Evidence of the tradition of Kanthi-malas prevalent here can be seen from a long time. Along with the oral tradition of the people, its important mentions in the ancient handwritten texts written in the temple culture of Braj show the specialty of this tradition here. In the Puranas, 'Tulsi- Dal', 'Tulsi- wood' and Tulsi clay along with other important aspects of the above subject have been elaborated.

In the Braj folk tradition, the rules for wearing the Tulsi Kanthi and its use for bhajans have been determined by the Gurus. Here, while giving information about its use to the disciple during Guru-Diksha, traditions like giving a normal wooden mala for practice as a replica of Tulsi mala for bhajans can also be seen. This unique process of providing Tulsi mala to the new disciple after checking his conduct by the Gurus proves the importance of Tulsi mala in the local folk culture here.

In Braj Mandal, the saints and Vaishnav devotees use these Tulsi beads in the form of Ikladi, Duldi, Sudarshan Mala, Shaligram Mala, Panchladi, Dupecha and a rosary with a chowki with Mahamantra inscribed on it. Apart from these variations of Tulsi beads, the tradition of wearing a diamond and a necklace made of Tulsi wood is its own specialty.