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Today is Tulasi-Vivah, also known as Tulasi-Kalyanam, which is celebrated on Kartik Shukla Dwadashi, or Utthana Dwadashi post Devuthi Ekadashi.

Do you know why we celebrate Tulasi-Vivah? This short story will amaze you.

The story of Tulasi Vivah in the Skanda Purana centres around Vrinda and her husband, Jalandhara, a powerful Asur. According to the Skanda Purana’s Vaishnava Khanda, in the section known as Tulasi Mahatmya.

Jalandhara was born from Bhagwan Shiva’s intense rage. This made him exceptionally strong and gave him the ambition to conquer the gods and the three worlds. As he grew, Jalandhara developed unmatched power and began his reign of terror, challenging even the mightiest gods.

Vrinda, Jalandhara’s wife, was a devoted and chaste woman. Her loyalty and unwavering chastity were so powerful that they protected Jalandhara from any harm. This divine protection posed a dilemma for the Devtas, who could not defeat Jalandhara while Vrinda’s purity shielded him.

With no other recourse, the Devtas turned to Shri Vishnu, who agreed to intervene. To break Jalandhara’s protection, Prabhu Shri Vishnu took on the appearance of Jalandhara and approached Vrinda. Believing that Shri Vishnu was her husband, Vrinda’s chastity was unknowingly compromised, which in turn stripped Jalandhara of his divine protection. In the ensuing battle, the Devta defeated and killed Jalandhara.

When Vrinda realized the deception, she was heartbroken and felt deeply betrayed by Shri Vishnu, the very deity she revered. Vrinda cursed Shri Vishnu, condemning him to turn into a stone. This curse took effect, transforming Shri Vishnu into the Shaligram stone, which is considered a sacred representation of him and is still worshipped by devotees. In her sorrow, Vrinda performed intense penance, ultimately sacrificing herself.

From the ashes of her body, a sacred plant grew – TULASI (the holy basil).

Recognizing her extraordinary devotion and purity, Shri Vishnu bestowed a divine blessing upon Vrinda. Shri Hari declared that Tulasi would always be a special part of his worship, and he promised to marry her every year in a simple, symbolic ceremony. This ceremony, called Tulsi Vivah, celebrates their union and shows respect for Vrinda’s deep devotion.

The celebration of Tulasi Vivah reminds us of Vrinda’s pure-hearted devotion and shows the special connection between Bhakt and Eishvar. By taking part in this ritual, Bhakt remembers the deep bond between the deity and his devotees, a connection that goes beyond life, death, and even the natural world.

Although Padma puranas have added more detail in this story like Shri Vishnu himself would be present wherever the Tulasi plant is worshipped, and Tulasi leaves are favorite of Prabhu in the worship of Shri Vishnu.

Tulasi also have medicinal properties so everybody should have Tulasi Maharani in their home and every Hindu should worship Tulasi Maharani and get the blessings of Shri Vishnu.

Shubh Tulasi Vivah!

Credit: @rightwingchora