Hindus consider the Tulasi or Tulsi (holy basil) sacred, because it is held to be an earthly manifestation of Goddess Tulasi, who is, in turn, considered an incarnation of Goddess Lakshmi, and thus the consort of Lord Vishnu.
The Tulasi is revered as the holiest plant. According to a traditional prayer, Brahma, the Creator, resides in its branches, Hindu pilgrimage centers resides in its roots, the Ganges flows through its roots, all deities dwell in its stem and leaves, and the Vedas dwell in the upper part of its branches. A person who waters and cares for the Tulasi daily is believed to gain spiritual liberation and divine grace, even if he does not worship it.
