Kanthi mala
A kanthi mala, or simply kanthi (Sanskrit: कण्ठी, kaṇṭhī, lit. "necklace"), is a basil-seed threaded string worn by some adherents of Hinduism.
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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.
Shaivism[edit]
Shaivites wear a kanthi made of rudraksha.[1] The name "rudraksha" is derived from the Sanskrit rudrākṣa, meaning "Shiva's eyes".
Other traditions[edit]
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]
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