A simple method for the green synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using aqueous extract of Lakshmi tulasi (Ocimum sanctum) leaf as a reducing and stabilizing agent. AgNPs were rapidly synthesized using aqueous extract of tulasi leaf with AgNO₃ solution within 15min. The green synthesized AgNPs were characterized using physic-chemical techniques viz., UV–Vis, X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM) coupled with X-ray energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDX) and Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). Characterization data reveals that the particles were crystalline in nature and triangle shaped with an average size of 42nm. The zeta potential of AgNPs were found to be −55.0mV. This large negative zeta potential value indicates repulsion among AgNPs and their dispersion stability.