Tulsi Vivah – Auspicious Event During The Month of Kartik
Posted on October 21, 2008 in Festivals by naveen
The Tulsi plant is a sacred plant for Hindus. Tulsi is considered as an incarnation of Sri Mahalakshmi who was born as Vrinda. The festival of Tulasi Vivah is widely celebrated in India. Tulasi Vivah falls in the Hindu month of Karthik.
When is Tulasi Shaligram Vivaha ?
Tulasi Shaligram Vivaha is celebrated on the next day of Karthik Ekadashi i.e. on Karthik Shukla Dwadashi. This day is also called as Chilku Dwadashi. This is the twelfth day in the first fortnight of the month Karthik. In 2008, Tulasi Saligrama Vivah is celebrated on 10th October, Monday or on 11th October, Tuesday.
Legend Behind Tulsi Vivah :
Tulsi, a devotee of Lord Sri Maha Vishnu, was married to the demon King Jalandhar. She prayed to Lord Vishnu to protect her demon husband. With the humble blessings from Lord Vishnu, Jalandhar harassed saints and sages. To prevent the world from the demon, Lord Maha Vishnu took the form of Jalandhar and stayed with Tulsi.
After the death of Jalandhar, Vrinda knew the truth and cursed Lord Vishnu and turned him to stone and collapsed. The stone is called as ‘Shaligram’. Then, she emerged as Tulsi plant. This is the reason why Vishnu Puja will not be completed without the leaves of Tulsi plant.
Celebrations of Tulsi Vivah :
On the day of Tulsi Vivah (Chiluku Dwadasi), Tulsivrindavan is cleaned, colored and decorated as a bride. People plant Amla tree along with the Tulsi plant in Tulsivrindavan. People avoid non vegetarian food on the day.
As the name indicates, Tulsi Vivah (Tulsi Lagan / Tulsi lagnam) is the important ritual on the day of Tulsi Shaligram Vivaha. The ceremony of Tulsi Vivaha takes place in the late evening. Aarti is performed in the end of the puja and prasad is distributed to devotees.
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