(Tulsi is an indigenous species similar to basil. The leaves of this plant are considered

extremely sacred as per the hindu culture and traditions, therefore this poem depicts

the chronicle of Tulsi, from a devotee of Lord Vishnu to His beloved wife and sacred

medicinal plant of Tulsi.)

Her leaves tinged with emerald and mauve

Radiating vibrant zests of mint and clove

Eloquent, benevolent she carries herself

But her unspoken tales would move even the deaf.

Oh! How unparalleled like her name suggests

Vaishnavi, Haripriya, Her lady's addressed

Eminent as the beloved of Lord Vishnu,

Shri Rama Tulsi - The Goddess of Virtue.

Her maidenhood ardent to Niranjan

Dharmadhavaja's Putri, Ma Laxmi's boon

Yearned to espouse the boundless Vishnu

Pilgrimaged Badrinath to court her imbue.

Appeased, the pine was endowed by Brahma

Subsequent, she'd to prior tie knot with Shankhakuda

The mighty demon, reincarnation of Sudama

Bestowed with Vishnukavach, ergo, his arduous Tapasya.

The rakshasa rather fell into the pits of arrogance

His schemes of expedition, brought around intolerance

Irked, Lord Shiva emancipated His Trishul

How Lament! Vrinda's chastity shielded his soul.

Thereafter, the Lord of deception rused his play

Disguised as her husband, entailed her purity to sway

The guard then broke, and the boon had vanished

Upsurge, the mighty trident had the little demon ceased.

Tulsi realized her faith had been humbled

Her spouse was none other than an avatar of Sumedh

Betrayed, furious, her rage outspoke her verse

Had the deity imposter on mercy of her curse

'Mine devotion brushed away, the trust out thrown,

Fie! Thy stone-hearted man, me swear thou shall be a stone.'

The Legends say Lord Vishnu turned into Shaligram

And Mata Vrinda then departed to Vaikunthdham.

Her body enshrined in the holy river Gandaki

Whilst, her hairs blessed as the divine leaves of Tulsi.