The Redemption of a Prostitute Through Contact with Tulasī Leaves
In a bustling city where merchants, kings, and scholars gathered, there lived a famous prostitute, renowned for her beauty, elegance, and captivating voice. Many powerful men were drawn to her charm, and she had amassed great wealth by enticing others into the web of sensuality and illusion.
Her home was decorated with fine ornaments, scented with exotic perfumes, and filled with music and laughter. But while externally her life seemed glamorous, it was steeped in sin, pride, and vanity. She had no reverence for saints or scriptures and mocked those who practiced austerity and devotion.
One evening, a Vaiṣṇava brāhmaṇa was passing by her house. He was on his way to a nearby Viṣṇu temple, carrying a small basket of Tulasī leaves, which he intended to offer to the Lord. As he hurried through the street, one leaf from the basket was blown by the wind and landed unnoticed on the floor near the prostitute’s doorway.
Later that night, a servant sweeping the entrance swept the Tulasī leaf inside the home, where it came to rest near the prostitute’s feet. When she walked across it, the leaf stuck to her foot, and for a few hours remained there, undisturbed.
Though she was unaware, this momentary contact with Tulasī, so dear to Lord Viṣṇu, had a profound effect. From that night, she began experiencing strange dreams—visions of divine forms, peaceful forests, and gentle voices calling her toward a different life.
She also noticed that her heart was no longer satisfied with the pleasures that once thrilled her. The songs she sang began to feel empty, and her mind, once confident and proud, began to question the purpose of her life.
Soon, she encountered a group of devotees singing nāma-saṅkīrtana. Drawn inexplicably, she stood nearby and listened. Tears came to her eyes. She followed the devotees, and over time, began to associate with them, gradually giving up her former life.
She approached a saintly woman among them and said, “I do not know why, but my life has become dry. I long for something higher. Please guide me.” The saint replied gently, “It is because your feet have touched Tulasī-devī. Even unknowingly, anyone who comes into contact with her is transformed. The Lord has now claimed you.”
The woman accepted initiation, began chanting, worshipping Tulasī, and living a simple, pure life. In time, she became known not for beauty or wealth, but for her devotion, humility, and service.
When her time came to leave this world, she departed peacefully, with the names of Hari on her lips and a garland of Tulasī leaves around her neck. The Viṣṇudūtas descended, offered her a divine seat, and took her to the lotus feet of Lord Viṣṇu.
Lessons from This Story:
- Tulasī-devī is a direct representative of Lord Viṣṇu’s mercy. Even unintentional contact with her brings purification and divine awakening.
- A life of deep sin can be transformed instantly through the grace of bhakti objects and the association of devotees.
- The Lord claims even the most fallen when they touch something dear to Him—like Tulasī, the holy name, or His devotee.
- Divine grace often begins invisibly, and one small moment can change the course of an entire life.
