Original Tulsi Mala

A Tulsi Mala is a sacred necklace or rosary made from the wood of the holy Tulsi (Holy Basil) plant, used in Hinduism for chanting mantras, meditation, attracting positive energy, spiritual protection, and deepening devotion to Vishnu/Krishna, typically featuring 108 beads plus a sumeru bead. Wearing it signifies purity, requiring adherence to sattvic (pure) living, like avoiding meat, alcohol, and intoxicants, to maintain its spiritual efficacy. 

Key Aspects

Material: Carved from Tulsi wood, often from Vrindavan.

Bead Count: Traditionally 108 beads (symbolizing completeness) plus a main 'sumeru' bead.

Purpose: Mantra recitation (japa), meditation, spiritual healing, protection, and connecting with the divine.

Spiritual Significance: Tulsi is considered an avatar of Lakshmi, Vishnu's consort, making the mala sacred to Vaishnavites. 

Rules for Wearing (General Guidelines)

Purity: Maintain a sattvic lifestyle (pure food, speech).

Abstinence: Avoid meat, alcohol, gambling, illicit sex, and sometimes onion/garlic, tea, and coffee.

Daily Wear: Encouraged for continuous benefits, though some traditions suggest removing it during specific activities like sleeping or calls of nature for non-consecrated malas.

Respect: Worshipped with morning and evening prayers. 

Types

Kanthi Mala: A smaller, often two- or three-strand version for daily wear.

Shyama Tulsi: Made from Krishna Tulsi (darker wood). 

Wearing a Tulsi Mala is a devotional practice for spiritual growth, best accompanied by sincere devotion and pure living.