Tulsi Vivaah is a special day when people celebrate the marriage of Tulsi (the holy basil plant) and Lord Vishnu. It usually happens in the month of Kartik (around November).
Long ago, there was a good and faithful woman named Vrinda. She was married to a demon king named Jalandhar. Jalandhar was a powerful demon king in Hindu mythology. He was born from a spark that came out of Lord Shiva’s third eye when he was very angry. Because of this, Jalandhar had great strength and some divine powers
Because of Vrinda’s prayers and purity, Jalandhar became very powerful and no one could defeat him.
To help the gods, Lord Vishnu took the form of Jalandhar and broke Vrinda’s trust. When Vrinda came to know the truth, she became very sad and cursed Lord Vishnu to turn into a stone (Shaligram). Jalandhar lost his power and was finally defeated by Lord Shiva. Vrinda also ended her life.
From her ashes grew the Tulsi plant. Lord Vishnu blessed her, saying that she would be worshipped as Tulsi and that he would marry her every year on Tulsi Vivaah day.
This day is seen as a pure and holy marriage and also marks the beginning of the Hindu wedding season.
During Tulsi-vivah,
The sacred basil plant (Tulsi) is cleaned and decorated like a bride, and a representation of Vishnu (often a Shaligram stone) is prepared as the groom.
A small wedding “mandap” is set up using sugarcane and both Tulsi and Vishnu are worshipped with flowers, incense and sacred threads.
After the wedding ritual, devotees distribute prasad (sweets, fruits) and seek blessings for marital harmony, prosperity and well-being of the household.
It is said that,
After Tulsi Vivaah, the gods “wake up” from their rest, so marriages and other happy ceremonies can take place.
Knowing the reason behind celebration makes it more joyful and faithful.
By - Rupal
Thank you Rupal for writing this article . I learned something new ! 👌
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