The Story of Tulsi Vivah and Its Significance in Hinduism

Tulsi Vivah, or the wedding of Tulsi (a type of basil plant), is an important festival in Hinduism that celebrates the devotion of Vrinda, a devotee of Lord Vishnu. This story begins with the tale of a powerful demon king named Jalandhar and his virtuous wife known as Vrinda, whose loyalty and devotion laid the foundation for the festival's significance.

VRINDA'S PURITY SHIELDS JALANDHAR

It is said that a pure and pious girl named Vrinda, born in the Asura clan to Kalanemi, was a devoted follower of Lord Vishnu from her childhood. Her unwavering devotion to the Lord meant that her husband, Jalandhar, who was the king of Asuras and had defeated the Devas, became invincible because of her pious nature. Her actions of worship and dedication led to a form of spiritual empowerment, making her husband almost unbeatable.

JALANDHAR'S WRONGDOINGS

Jalandhar began to challenge Lord Shiva for supremacy, aiming to establish himself as the supreme God. In the process, he attempted to abduct Goddess Parvati, the wife of Shiva. However, Parvati#39;s fury caused Jalandhar to flee, thus halting his ambitions.

LORD VISHNU'S TRICK

To put an end to Jalandhar's wrongdoings, Lord Vishnu devised a cunning plan. He took the form of Jalandhar and approached Vrinda, who was deceived by the act of her husband. Vrinda became happy and had him sit beside her, then asked him to circle around Vishnu#39;s statue to signify her devotion. Upon touching Vrinda's feet, Jalandhar recognized the deception, leading to her anger and subsequent curse on Lord Vishnu.

VRINDA CURSES LORD VISHNU

Vrinda angrily cursed Vishnu to turn into a stone and vowed that she would rest until her chastity was broken too. However, when the Devas asked her to reconsider, she softened her curse, stating that Vishnu would be present on Earth in the form of a Shaligram, a sacred stone symbolizing Vishnu, and as the Tulsi plant. Vrinda eventually took her own life, unable to bear the idea of her purity being questioned.

LORD VISHNU BLESSES VRINDA

Lord Vishnu, moved by Vrinda's devotion, blessed her by stating that she would be His most beloved devotee, and her worship is incomplete without her presence. He also declared that the Tulsi plant would continue to function as a life-giving plant, and anyone who offers a Tulsi leaf with full devotion would receive blessings. This led to the establishment of Tulsi Vivah, a celebration symbolizing Lord Vishnu's love for His devotees.

TULSI VIVAH IS CELEBRATED

According to the Hindu calendar, Tulsi Vivah is celebrated on the Shukla Paksha of Ekadashi, during the Kartik month. This festival is not only a tribute to Vrinda's unwavering devotion but also a reminder of the importance of Tusli in Hindu rituals and worship.

EFFECT OF VRINDA’S CURSE

The story of Vrinda holds great significance, and it is believed that the curse led to the abduction of Sita, the wife of Lord Rama, by the demon Ravana. Additionally, the Shaligram, a form of Vishnu found on the banks of the Gandaki River in Nepal, is also a result of Vrinda's curse, symbolizing the belief in the power of devotion.

Symbols and rituals associated with Tulsi Vivah are deeply rooted in Hindu culture, serving not only as a form of remembrance but also as a reminder of the importance of devotion and purity in one's life.