Tulasi Jala Dan Ends

What is Tulasi Jala Dan?

During Keshava Vrata, devotees hang a pot above Tulasi Devi and the Salagrama Sila so that water falls on them drop by drop. This gift of water is Tulasi Jala Dan, and in 2027 the month of offering ends on Friday, 14 May. Three other observances fall on the same day: the appearances of Srimati Sita Devi and Srimati Jahnava Devi, and the disappearance of Sri Madhu Pandita.

Significance

Keshava Vrata is the vow of the month that begins when the sun enters Mesha (Aries). Those who keep it control the senses, sleep on the ground, bathe twice a day in a river, worship the Lord and give in charity. Worshipping Lord Madhusudana this month brings the benefit of a year's worship. In the heat, the cool water pleases the Salagrama and helps Tulasi grow.

Srila Prabhupada stresses Tulasi's place in devotional service. He recalls an atheistic swami who asked why anyone should water Tulasi when watering an eggplant gives fruit. Such people, Srila Prabhupada says, are foolish. For devotees his instruction is plain:

Devotees are recommended to water the tulasī tree every day and collect the leaves to worship the Lord.

Srimad-Bhagavatam 3.15.19, purport

How to observe it

The hanging pot is used only during the vow, which closes on this date. Give Tulasi and the Salagrama their last drip of the month, then continue the daily watering Srila Prabhupada asks for. Keep up your hearing and chanting. In the southern hemisphere, where autumn is setting in, take care not to overwater.