the sacred union celebrated since time immemorial is a union of holy matrimony between goddess Tulsi and Lord Vishnu in his incarnation as Lord Krishna. Celebrated with all love and blessings for the couple, this celebration is treated like a full-fledged Hindu wedding. Let’s understand what the celebration signifies and how it is celebrated.

What is Tulsi Vivah?

Vivah in Hindi means marriage. Tulsi Vivah is the wedding ceremony of Tulsi (Holy Basil) with Lord Krishna. It marks the beginning of the wedding season for all Hindus and is celebrated like any other Hindu wedding, with vermillion, bangles and saris for the bride – The Tulsi plant. Being part of the Tulsi Vivah pooja is believed to bring prosperity, happiness and blessings for a happy married life.

Tulsi is believed to embody Goddess Lakshmi and the rituals take place during the Hindu month of Kartik which usually falls between October and November of the English Calendar.

The 11th day of the lunar fortnight known as ‘Dev Uthni Ekadashi’ marks the beginning of the wedding season as per the Hindu Calendar marking the end of the 4-month period of the Chaturmaas when Lord Vishnu is believed to be asleep. Tulsi Vivah is celebrated in the same manner as a Hindu wedding, following the same customs and rituals.

Tulsi Vivah Story, Significance and Importance

The story behind this wedding is an interesting one and full of devotion and divinity. The significance of Tulsi Vivah is linked to the story of Vrinda- A devout devotee of Lord Vishnu. Vrinda was married to the demon King Jalandhar, who not only became powerful but also invincible due to Vrinda’s devotion towards Lord Vishnu. He was invincible even against the battles with the gods. To bring back the universal balance and to prevent a demon king from becoming extremely mighty, Lord Vishnu disguised himself as Jalandhar and tricked Vrinda, which led to Jalandhar’s ultimate defeat and death.

Upon realising the truth, Vrinda cursed Lord Vishnu to turn into a black stone called Shaligram (A stone Hindus worship to date). After cursing the lord Vrinda Sacrificed herself in fire and the Tulsi Plant was born out of her ashes. Lord Visnu was moved by her devotion and declared that the Tulsi plant would be considered holy and prayed to as a goddess thereafter and be married to him every year in the form of Tulsi Vivah.

Tulsi Vivah 2024 Time, Date and Tithi

Tulsi Vivah puja will be conducted on November 13, Wednesday. The most auspicious Tulsi Vivah muhurat for the celebration will begin on November 12th at 4:00 pm which is a Dwadashi tithi. And will end at 1:00 pm on November 13th.

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All the rituals of a Hindu wedding are performed during the Tulsi Vivah. These can be performed in temples as well as at home.

• Fasting and Preparations: People observing Tulsi Vivah fast from the time the ceremonies commence till the evening until the ceremonies end.
• Mandap and Decoration: The mandap is decorated with beautiful rangoli and stalks of sugarcane. The plant is decorated as a bride adorning a saree along with vermillion, earrings, bangles, turmeric, nose ring etc.
• Symbolic Representation of the Groom: A face is made on paper and put on the Tulsi plant to resemble a bride. A brass idol of Lord Vishnu serves as the groom. It often has a dhoti draped around it; a Shaligram stone is also used to represent Lord Vishnu.
• Special Offerings: A special vegetarian treat is prepared on the occasion and offered to the gods as bhog. Which is later consumed by everyone as prasad.
• Ceremony Rituals: The ceremony begins in the evening. Both Goddess Tulsi and Lord Vishnu are decorated with flowers, they are then tied with a yellow thread which signifies their union.
• Roles in the Ceremony: The Ceremony is conducted by a priest or the women of the family. They chant mantras and shower the couple with a mixture of rice and vermillion upon completion.
• Aarti and Prasad: After the completion of the ceremony, A Tulsi Aarti is performed. The food that is prepared is served as bhog and enjoyed by the family later.
• Participation: After the aarti, everyone consumes a Tulsi leaf which symbolises the entry of Goddess Tulsi into their body, after which everyone consumes prasad, which is mostly sweet

Tulsi vivah pooja brings along with it an essence of purity and devotion. It signifies the importance of nature and the blessings of nature, highlighting traditions culture and a sense of spirituality. The celebration is believed to shower couples and their married lives with harmony and bring divine blessings into their homes. It is a celebration of faith and a great way to bring a community together.

FAQs

1. Can we do Tulsi Vivah at Home?

   Tulsi Vivah is performed both at home and in temples. It resembles a traditional Hindu wedding in every sense.

2. What food is Served in Tulsi Vivah?

   Fruits are offered as a part of the offerings along with rice grains and lentils. A vegetarian meal is prepared for bhog and includes sweets for prasad.

3. What Prasad is Offered for Tulsi Vivah?

   A full meal spread includes rice, moongachi gathi, puri, sweet potato kheer, and red pumpkin cooked with sugarcane bits, amla, and tamarind.is prepared at noon. The wedding ceremony takes place in the evening, post which the bhog is distributed amongst devotees and family members.