Ocimum tenuiflorum (also known as Ocimum sanctum, Tulsi, Tulasī) is an plant in the family Lamiaceae. It is also called Holy Basil.
Holy Basil, as the name suggest has a holy meaning for people of India, especially towards North and South India. It is usually placed or grown in every household in India and carries religious meanings. In bigger households, the holy basil or tulsi plant is placed in the centre of the house and prayers are offered in the morning time. People usually light an incense stick or agarbatti and pour water on the plant during the prayer.
A Tulsi plant being worshipped as a goddess in the middle of the courtyard of the Meitei Hindus in Manipur.
