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Tulsi Vivah Puja

Introduction

Tulsi Vivah Puja essentially marks the end of rainy season and the commencement of the wedding season of the Hindus. This ritual involves a marriage between the sacred Tulsi plant and Lord Vishnu. It occurs on the Ekadashi (11th) day of the Shukla Paksha (bright fortnight) of the Kartik (October-November) month. This day is also known as Prabodhini Ekadashi. It is sometimes celebrated on the Dwadashi (12th) day, or Kartik Purnima, or continues from Ekadashi to the Purnima Day. Hence, the actual date in 2016 is from the 11th of November to the 14th of November.

Importance and Significance of Tulsi Vivah Puja

Tulsi is a plant that is considered immensely sacred by the Hindus. The plant is known for religious significance as well as some Hindu texts suggest that Tulsi is the incarnation of Goddess Lakshmi on Earth. The timing of this Tulsi Puja is such that it acts as an indicator of the Hindu marriage season and the end of the rainy season. Additionally, it this puja is said to be auspicious for married as well as unmarried people.

Benefits of Tulsi Vivah Puja

There are many benefits of the Tulsi Vivah Puja. Some of them include:

  • It is said that by doing this puja one can get rid of the bad karma of the previous birth
  • Additionally, it is believed that this puja increases the chances of better marriage prospects
  • Seeks blessings of Lord Vishnu
  • It is known to being balance in married life
  • Ushers good energies into one’s home
  • Enhances communication in the family leading to better relationships

Occasions to do a Tulsi Vivah Puja

Tulsi Vivah Puja occurs at the time of Prabodhini Ekadashi. The best time to observe the Tulsi Puja marriage ritual is in the evening.

History and Stories

There are many legends that fabricate the tales behind Tulsi Puja. But the most popular Tulsi Vivah story stated by Hindu texts is that of a woman called Vrinda. She was the partner of Jalandhar who was a ‘Danav Raja’. Vrinda was an extreme devout of Lord Vishnu and as a result of her prayers, Jalandhar became indestructible during battles. But Jalandhar took undue advantage of his powers. Jalandhar left for a fight and Vrinda prayed to Lord Vishnu to keep him safe. Lord Vishnu then took the avatar of Jalandhar and Vrinda was distracted from worship. At this point, Jalandhar got killed in the battle and his body was brought to Vrinda. Shocked, Vrinda then cursed Lord Vishnu to turn into a Shaligram and then lost consciousness. Her soul was transferred to a plant that later came to be known as Tulsi. Hence, all the Vishnu pujas are complete only with Tulsi offerings. To atone for what He did to Vrinda, Lord Vishnu said that He would marry her in the next life. Hence, on the occasion of Prabodhini Ekadashi, the wedding ceremony between Vishnu (Shaligram stone) and Tulsi took place.

Tulsi Vivah Puja Vidhi

The food is kept ready before the puja commences. On this day, only vegetarian food is cooked. Some people choose to observe a fast on this day.

  • The Tulsi plant and Shaligram (black stone) are placed in a mandap and set close to each other. If one cannot find the Shaligram, an image of Lord Krishna and Lord Vishnu can also be used
  • The pot containing the Tulsi plant is decorated
  • After applying Vermillion and Haldi on the plant; sugarcane and amla branches are placed by its side
  • Then the Shaligram/image/idol (of Lord Vishnu) is placed by the plant and the wedding ceremony ensues (the Tulsi vivah procedure will vary as different communities perform weddings in a different manner)
  • The plant is secured with a Mangalsutra and is sometimes followed by a kanyadan
  • At times, people do a parikrama of the Tulsi and Shaligram four times
  • After the ‘Vivah’ is complete, Prasad is distributed amongst all.

Tulsi Vivah Puja Muhurat

The tithi for this day begins at 09:15 am. The shubh muhurat for this puja commences from 09:11 pm to 10:47 pm.

Tulsi Vivah Mantra

Devi Tvam Nirmita Purvamarchitasi Munisvaraih

Namo Namaste Tulsi Paapam Har Haripriye |

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