Tulsi Vivaha 2021

Tulsi Vivah Festival is celebrated on 15th November Monday 2021. This Tulsi Vivaha falls on the same day as Devutthani Ekadashi. Tulsi (Ocamum sanctum), although a plant only, is as sacred to the Hindus as are the Yamuna and the Ganges.  In every worship, leaves of Tulsi are a must as Charan Amrit (a mixture of curd, honey, sugar, milk, water and Tulsi leaves) is not complete without it.  Tulsi plant is grown on a small platform in most of the Hindu houses.  Women after purification, pour water in it and circumambulator it.  The very flavour emitted by the plant purifies the environment.

Tulsi worship commenced with the legend of God Vishnu, who wished to neutralise the power of demon Jalandhar, who was inflicting cruelty on the Gods and the saints. The cause for this power was the chastity of his wife Vrinda.  Vishnu deceived her and her chastity was marred.  When Vrinda discovered this, she cursed Vishnu that he would have to be born as a human being on earth, and that he will suffer the agonies of separation from his kidnapped wife (Vishnu in incarnation as Rama suffered the separation of Sita in the Ramyana), Vishnu repented his deed.  The Gods consoled him.  Parvati planted Amla, Malti and Tulsi plants on the ashes of Vrinda.  Vishnu recognised Tulsi as the form of Vrinda; since then Tulsi is worhsipped.

Tulsi worship, in the month of Karthik (Oct-Nov) by lighting a lamp on Tulsi platform, is auspicious.  In Chhatisgarh region (Madhya Pradesh), Tulsi is worshipped because of its medicinal value and also because of its relation to Lord Krishna.