What is Tulsi Vivah? It is a festival which is a very important ritual. It celebrates the ceremonial marriage of the holy Basil plant, known as Tulsi to Vishnu and Krishna. It is believed that if one has a Tulsi plant outside one’s house, then one’s husband will never leave one. The holy Basle has to be watered daily. Tulsi Vivah is a sacred tradition which marks the beginning of the wedding season in Hindu culture.

For Hindus, the Tulsi is not just a plant, she is considered a manifestation of Lakshmi, the consort of Vishnu and is worshipped for her divine powers. How did this come to pass?

According to the story, Tulsi was once a woman named Vrinda. She was transformed into a Tulsi plant as a result of a curse. She was deceived by Vishnu and Shiva into believing her husband Jalandhar was dead. Then Vishnu appeared as Jalandhar and Vrinda embraced him. When she found out that she had been tricked, she set herself on fire. This resulted in her ashes becoming a Tulsi plant. To honor her devotion, Lord Vishnu promised to marry her in the form of the Tulsi plant. The Tulsi Vivah ceremony therefore symbolizes this divine union and is believed to bring blessings of prosperity, happiness and marital harmony.

How is the Tulsi Vivah ceremony performed

A small altar is set up in the home or temple, where the Tulsi plant is placed as the bride. The plant is decorated with colorful clothes, jewelry and red sindoor (vermillion), symbolizing a bride. A small deity or murti is placed of Vishnu or Krishna besides Tulsi, representing the groom. A priest or household members perform a puja (prayer ceremony) to sanctify the marriage. They recite traditional Vedic mantras, invoking blessings for a harmonious union. A sacred thread is tied around the Tulsi plant and the deity, symbolizing the marital bond. Garlands are exchanged.

Tulsi and Vishnu are adorned with flower garlands, symbolizing the acceptance of each other in marriage. Devotees offer sweets, fruits and flowers to Tulsi and Vishnu. Aarati is performed and blessings of the divine couple are granted to all. The sweets offered to the Divine Couple are given as prasad to the participants.

Tulsi Vivah is a joyous festival, which can be celebrated by all. It upholds the sanctity of marriage, strengthening of bonds and sharing of divine blessings.

Tulsi Vivah is on the 13th of November 2024.

Aim Hrim Klim

Photo by Sujoy Paul on Unsplash