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The monsoon has set in India , time for school to re-open and the beginning of various festivals. Though the school and temples are yet to open we Indian take pleasure in celebration of small festival. Last week was Ashadi Ekadashi , thanks to senior citizens for texting these festivals for us . As Lord Vishnu is offered tulsi , although highly priced compared to the usual days our belief does not let us walk off and we land up buying it ,so did I pick up the garland and flowers as I had decided to decorate the Pooja Mandir.
Fascination for colours and decoration makes my mind tranquil and happy . As I got engrossed , TULSI took me in a flashback stories.
It reminds me of being to Badrinath temple . The shops outside the temple had green tulsi garland hanging as people here offer to Lord Vishnu. We could perceive the darshan with fragrance of tulsi and the moments have been a divine experience as the temple wasn’t crowded.
At Gangotri , goddess Ganga is offered tulsi , here it is known as Ganga tulsi . This region has abundance of the tulsi shrub which we had never seen on other ranges . The fragrance of this tulsi is more like Davana plant(aromatic plant) which is grown in south India and used in making garlands . It’s said that you will find it only in Gangotri ranges .So on returning got tulsi along with Ganga jal and treasured it.
On another occasion on travelling for a wedding near Pandarpur was another exciting experience. Since many years meeting Vithoba was a dream decided to take a chance , inwardly ready for 2hrs wait. It wasn’t an easy task since our vehicle had a breakdown and we were running short of time as the darshan line is paused at 11 am . I distinctly remember it was 10.45am and we just entered Pandarpur, I received a call from my aunt saying she has made arrangements for darshan and we just need to go directly to temple gate. I had not left hope, just had few minutes in hand. On reaching the temple gate, the guard opened the way for us, as we walked a few steps the next gate was unlocked and as we entered the temple, the very next moment we were in front of Vithoba . My vision turned blurred for fraction of seconds and my emotions flowing , tears of joy rolling down, speechless at his feet . Had heard about dreams coming true but experienced it for the first time. As I stepped out I realised I didn’t even get time to buy tulsi for offering . Surely he didn’t expect anything from his devotees .
Just a few days back my friend stranded due to lockdown gifted me a blossomed tulsi . My heart melted at the thought of him coming up to my door and saying “this sacred tulsi is for you my friend”.