Followers of Gaudiya Vaishnavism wear kanthi malas made of Ocimum tenuiflorum (known in Hinduism as tulasi).[1] Most Vaishnavas of this sect are given their kanthi by their guru at the time of diksha, or spiritual initiation.
It is said Krishna – who is revered as Svayam Bhagavan, or the "Self-Existent Lord," in Gaudiya Vaishnavism – was very fond of tulasi, and as such the plant is worshipped as "Tulasi devi" by followers of Krishna.[1] Tulasi devi is considered to be "one of Krishna's most intimate servants"[2] and provide protection to his devotees, and as such, Gaudiya Vaishnavas try to avoid removing their tulasi kanthis under any circumstances.
Shaivismedit
Shaivites wear a kanthi made of rudraksha.[1] The name "rudraksha" is derived from the Sanskrit rudrākṣa, meaning "Shiva's eyes".
Other traditionsedit
Kanthi malas are also worn by followers of the Swaminarayan Sampradaya and the Kabir panth. Swaminarayan instructed his followers to wear a double-stranded kanthi made of tulasi, symbolising Radha–Krishna, while Kabir instructed his disciples to wear triple-stranded kanthis – symbolising the Hindu trinity of Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva – with one large bead made from either tulasi or rudraksha for Satya Purusha, the "supreme lord who dwells within, who is above all else."[3]
Referencesedit
^ abcSimoons, Frederick J. (1998). Plants of life, plants of death. p. 14. ISBN9780299159047.
^devi dasi, Govinda. "Tulasi Devi, Beloved of Krishna".
^Behramji Merwanji Malabari; Krishnalal M. Jhaveri; Malabari M. B (1997). Gujarat and the Gujaratis. Asian Educational Services. ISBN81-206-0651-5. Retrieved May 7, 2009. Page 264
January 01, 1970
kanthi, mala, kanthi, mala, simply, kanthi, sanskrit, कण, kaṇṭhī, necklace, basil, seed, threaded, string, worn, some, adherents, hinduism, hansadutta, swami, iskcon, wearing, tulasi, kanthi, mala, contents, vaishnavism, shaivism, other, traditions, references. A kanthi mala or simply kanthi Sanskrit कण ठ kaṇṭhi lit necklace is a basil seed threaded string worn by some adherents of Hinduism Hansadutta Swami of ISKCON wearing a tulasi kanthi mala Contents 1 Vaishnavism 2 Shaivism 3 Other traditions 4 ReferencesVaishnavism editFollowers of Gaudiya Vaishnavism wear kanthi malas made of Ocimum tenuiflorum known in Hinduism as tulasi 1 Most Vaishnavas of this sect are given their kanthi by their guru at the time of diksha or spiritual initiation It is said Krishna who is revered as Svayam Bhagavan or the Self Existent Lord in Gaudiya Vaishnavism was very fond of tulasi and as such the plant is worshipped as Tulasi devi by followers of Krishna 1 Tulasi devi is considered to be one of Krishna s most intimate servants 2 and provide protection to his devotees and as such Gaudiya Vaishnavas try to avoid removing their tulasi kanthis under any circumstances Shaivism editShaivites wear a kanthi made of rudraksha 1 The name rudraksha is derived from the Sanskrit rudrakṣa meaning Shiva s eyes Other traditions editKanthi malas are also worn by followers of the Swaminarayan Sampradaya and the Kabir panth Swaminarayan instructed his followers to wear a double stranded kanthi made of tulasi symbolising Radha Krishna while Kabir instructed his disciples to wear triple stranded kanthis symbolising the Hindu trinity of Brahma Vishnu and Shiva with one large bead made from either tulasi or rudraksha for Satya Purusha the supreme lord who dwells within who is above all else 3 References edit a b c Simoons Frederick J 1998 Plants of life plants of death p 14 ISBN 9780299159047 devi dasi Govinda Tulasi Devi Beloved of Krishna Behramji Merwanji Malabari Krishnalal M Jhaveri Malabari M B 1997 Gujarat and the Gujaratis Asian Educational Services ISBN 81 206 0651 5 Retrieved May 7 2009 Page 264 Retrieved from https en wikipedia org w index php title Kanthi mala amp oldid 1181970910, wikipedia, wiki, book, books, library,
