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Tulasi

The tulasi leaves an plant (ocimum sanctum), supposed to have been born at the time of the churning of the milky ocean, are considered to be dear to lord visnu and are often identified with his cosort laksmi. Its presence in the courtyard of a house in a brindavana is believed to ward off the messengers of death. It is considered to be a purifier of sins; hence, its twigs are used in the funeral pyre. It is also well-known for its medicinal properties. Some puranas (hindu mythological sciptures) go to the extent of telling that all gods and places of pilgimage inhere in it.