A kanthi mala, or simply kanthi (Template:Langx, kaṇṭhī, Template:Abbr. "necklace"), is a necklace made of beads from the tulasi (basil) plant,[1] threaded on a string worn, and worn by some adherents of Hinduism.Template:Citation needed
Vaishnavism
Followers of Gaudiya Vaishnavism wear kanthi malas made of Ocimum tenuiflorum (known in Hinduism as tulasi).[2] Most Vaishnavas of this sect are given their kanthi by their guru at the time of diksha, or spiritual initiation.Template:Citation needed
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.[2] Tulasi devi is considered to be "one of Krishna's most intimate servants"[3] and provide protection to his devotees, and as such, Gaudiya Vaishnavas try to avoid removing their tulasi kanthis under any circumstances.
Shaivism
Shaivites wear a kanthi made of rudraksha.[2] The name "rudraksha" is derived from the Sanskrit rudrākṣa, meaning "Eye of Rudra".[4]
Other traditions
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."[5]
References
- ↑ Peasant Pasts: History and Memory in Western India{{#if:Chaturvedi|, Chaturvedi}. University of California Press(2007). ISBN 978-0-520-25076-5
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 Plants of life, plants of death{{#if:Simoons|, Simoons}. Univ of Wisconsin Press(1998). ISBN 9780299159047
- ↑ Tulasi Devi, Beloved of Krishna, devi dasi, Govinda. Retrieved 2014-02-24.
- ↑ Dancing with Siva{{#if:Subramuniyaswami|, Subramuniyaswami}(1997). ISBN 9780945497974
- ↑ Gujarat and the Gujaratis{{#if:|, {{{last}}}}. Asian Educational Services(1997). ISBN 81-206-0651-5 Page 264