“The world ‘vana means fores. Vrindavana is the name given to the forest where Srimati Vrinda-devi (Tulsi-Devi) grows profusely’ Another name of Tlulsasi is Vrinda-Devi (One who awards residence in Vrindavan) Srila Narottama dasa thakura says: krpa kori koro tare vrindavana vasi, “Dear Tulasi, please bestow your mercy upon me, so that I may forever reside in Vrindavana.”

The Vrindavana forest is names after Vrinda-devi, who performed penances here for 60,000 years. She was born as the daughter of Emperor Kedera, a very pious king that attained Goloka Vrindavana. His daughter Vrinda-Devi after sanctifying the forest by her penance also attained Goloka. Ever since, the forest has been known as Vrindavana. Pleased by vrinda devi’s austerities Lord Vishnu granted a boon to the Vrindavana forest: Any penances performed here will quickly fructify and bear excellent results.” Later Tulasi-Devi, daughter of King Kusadhvaja, performed penances here and attained perfection. Tulasi’s second n God has specifically said that among plants, He is the Tulasi (Chap. 7) Tulasi ,Yamuna River, and Govardhana Hill are eternally present in the spiritual world. They appear in this world to benefit the living entities by giving love of Godhead. The goddess of fortune is sometimes envious of the Tulasi leaves which are placed at the lotus feet of the Lord, for they remain fixed there and do not move, whereas Laksmiji, although stained by the chest of the Lord, sometimes has to go to satisfy Her numerous devotees. But the Tulasi leaves never forsake their position, and the Lord therefore appreciated the service of Tulasi more than the service of Lakshmi –Devi.

The Glories of Tulasi-Devi
In the Padma Purana there are thirty chapters describing Tulasi’s appearance. Her glorious attributes are recounted throughout the Vedic literature. “Just by looking at Tulasi, all of one’s sins are removed. Just by touching Her, one’s body becomes purified. All diseases are removed by praying to Her. Fear of Death is destroyed by watering Her. Just by planting or transplanting Her, one achieves realization of the Supreme personality of Godhead. If someone offers Her leaves at the lotus feet of Sri Krishna, Tulasi will award liberation and devotion to Lord Sri Krishna.

Sri Krishna is very fond of Tulasi, also called Maharani. Vayu Purana states: “The Supreme Lord Hari does not accept anyone’s worship with Tulasi.The poet Candrasekhar says that Krisna does not care with a Tulasi leaf. “All the places of Pilgrimageon this planet and in the millions of universes, take shelter in a Tulasi leaf.” (pp) “Sri Krishna who is very affectionate toward His devotee, sells Himself to devotee who offers merely a Tulasi leaf and a palmful of water.” (cT)

Tulasi And Chanting Japa
"The process of chanting the Hare Krsna maha-mantra with a vow before the Tulasi plant has such strong spiritual potency, that simply by doing this one can become spiritually strong." (CC Antya 3.l00p.) A Prayer On Srimati Tulasi-devi's appearance day (the full moon day in Kartik month), Sri Krsna Himself worships Her with the mantra: krsna- jivani, nandini, puspasara, tulasi, visvapavani, visvapujita, vrnda, vrndavani.

Tulasi is the life of Krsna and She gives unlimited bliss to the devotees. She is the best of all the flowers and Her presence is required on any garland to be worn by Krsna. She is one who has no comparison. Tulasi purifies the three worlds and is worshiped all over the universe. Tulasi is the goddess of all plants and trees and She first manifested in Vrindavana." (PP) One who remembers this mantra will very quickly attain devotion for Sri Krsna.

Srimati Vrinda-devi
"Krsna's attractive features are also described by Vrinda, the gopi after whom Vrindavana was named. (NOD chap. 26) Vrinda-devi is an expansion of Srimati Radharani and Her partial expansion is Tulasi in Vaikuntha. Vrinda-devi is a very intimate associate and girlfriend of Srimati Radharani. Krsna expands as Narayana to of His pastimes." (SVMP) Vrnda-devi has a beautiful complexion the She wears blue garments and is decorated with pel father is Candrabhanu and Her mother is Phullara- Mahipala and Her sister is Manjari-devi. She Vrindavana, immersed in love for Radha and Krsna arrange for Their meeting and taste the nectar transcendental pastimes. (Sri Sri Radha-Krsna-ganoddesa-dipika)

**Contents and Sample Pages**