Have you ever heard of a marriage between a plant and a stone? Tulsi Vivah is a Hindu festival that marks the symbolic marriage of the sacred Tulsi plant (holy basil) to Lord Vishnu, one of the principal deities in Hinduism. This celebration takes place on the twelfth day of the bright fortnight during the Kartik month of the Hindu calendar, a day known as Shukla Paksha Dwadashi.
Significance of Tulsi Vivah
Tulsi Puja holds great significance in Hinduism. On this day, it is believed that Lord Vishnu, in the form of Shaligram or his Shri Krishna avatar, married Goddess Tulsi on Prabodhini Ekadashi. According to Hindu scriptures, Tulsi Mata is considered an incarnation of Goddess Lakshmi, the divine consort of Lord Vishnu, who was born as Vrinda, as per the legend. Thus, this day is regarded as one of the most auspicious for conducting marriage-related rituals and ceremonies, including Kanyadaan and for finalizing marriage dates.
Married women across India perform the Tulsi Vivah puja for the well-being of their husbands and families. The Tulsi plant, revered as an incarnation of Goddess Mahalakshmi, is worshipped with devotion, as Tulsi was previously known as Vrinda. Young women pray to Goddess Lakshmi with complete dedication, seeking marital bliss. Unmarried women also observe Tulsi Vivah rituals with the hope of finding good husbands. Additionally, many couples choose to marry on Tulsi Vivah day, as it is believed to bless them with a blissful and harmonious married life.
The Story of Tulsi Vivah
According to Hindu mythology, Tulsi was Vrinda in her previous, a pious and virtuous devotee of Lord Vishnu, who was married to the demon king Jalandhar. Vrinda’s unwavering devotion made Jalandhar invincible, as long as her chastity remained intact. To protect the world from Jalandhar’s tyranny, Lord Vishnu disguised himself as Jalandhar and broke Vrinda's chastity, leading to Jalandhar’s defeat.
Upon realizing the deception, Vrinda was heartbroken and cursed Lord Vishnu to turn into a black stone (Shaligram). Overcome with guilt, Vishnu blessed Vrinda by transforming her into the revered Tulsi plant, promising that she would be worshipped in households across the world. In honor of her devotion, Vishnu also declared that every year, during the month of Kartika, he would marry Tulsi in a grand celebration, which is now observed as Tulsi Vivah.
Tulsi Vivah rituals
- Tulsi Vivah can be celebrated in temples or at home, resembling a traditional Hindu wedding.
- Observers fast until the evening when the ceremony begins.
- A mandap is created using sugarcane stalks, and the Tulsi plant is adorned like an Indian bride with a sari, jewelry, vermillion powder, and turmeric.
- A face, nose ring, and bindi are attached to the Tulsi plant.
- Lord Vishnu is represented by an idol, a photo, or a Shaligram Stone, and is dressed in a dhoti.
- A special vegetarian meal is prepared and offered as bhog after the marriage rituals.
- In the evening, both Tulsi and Lord Vishnu are bathed and decorated with flowers.
- A yellow thread is tied around the couple to symbolize their union.
- The ceremony can be performed by a priest or by women in the household, excluding widows.
- Mantras are chanted, and rice mixed with vermillion is showered on the couple.
- After the rituals, a Tulsi Aarti is sung, and the prasad, along with the prepared food, is distributed to family and visitors.
- The person performing the puja eats a Tulsi leaf, representing Goddess Tulsi entering their body, followed by the distribution of sweets as prasad.
Tusli Vivah Dates and Timing:
The date for Tulsi Vivah varies by region.
Tulsi Vivah Date: Wednesday, November 13, 2024
Dwadashi Tithi Begins: 04:04 PM on November 12, 2024
Dwadashi Tithi Ends: 01:01 PM on November 13, 2024
Tulsi Vivah underscores the importance of devotion, purity, and the sanctity of the Tulsi plant, revered in Hinduism. As you observe this auspicious occasion, it’s an excellent time to embrace the spiritual essence of Tulsi in your daily life.
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