Narada Purana — Purva Bhaga, Shloka 29
Dharmānukathana
Narration of Dharma
तुलस्यां सेचयेद्यस्तु जलं चुलुकमात्रकम् । क्षीरोदवासिना सार्द्धं वसेदाचन्द्र तारकम् ॥ २९ ॥
tulasyāṃ secayedyastu jalaṃ culukamātrakam | kṣīrodavāsinā sārddhaṃ vasedācandra tārakam || 29 ||
Whoever waters the Tulasī plant with even a palmful of water will dwell together with the Lord who resides in the Milk Ocean, for as long as the moon and stars endure.
Suta (narrating Narada’s teaching in the dialogue tradition)
Vrata: none
Primary Rasa: bhakti
Secondary Rasa: adbhuta
FAQs
It declares that even minimal Tulasi service—watering with a small palmful—yields immense merit, culminating in enduring proximity to Vishnu (Kshirodavasin), emphasizing that sincere devotion outweighs material magnitude.
Bhakti is shown as accessible and practical: a simple, repeatable act of Tulasi-seva becomes a direct devotional offering to Vishnu, promising lasting spiritual fellowship rather than merely worldly reward.
Ritual practicality is highlighted (kalpa-oriented conduct): the verse specifies a concrete upacāra—secanam (watering) with a defined small measure (culuka-mātra)—showing how regulated daily practice supports devotion.