Tulsi Vivah is a revered Hindu festival symbolizing the divine union of Lord Vishnu and Goddess Tulsi (Vrinda) in the form of the sacred Tulsi plant and Shaligram stone. This beautiful tradition is celebrated with devotion and marks the start of the Hindu wedding season. Here’s all you need to know about Tulsi Vivah 2024, including the date, timings, significance, story, and rituals associated with it.
Tulsi Vivah 2024 Date and Timings
This year, Tulsi Vivah falls on Wednesday, November 13, 2024. According to the Drik Panchang:
- Dwadashi Tithi Start: November 12, 2024, at 4:04 PM
- Dwadashi Tithi End: November 13, 2024, at 1:01 PM
Special rituals are typically performed during this period. Devotees often perform the ceremonial marriage on the Dwadashi Tithi, while the previous day, Dev Uthani Ekadashi, is also considered auspicious for this celebration.
Significance of Tulsi Vivah
Tulsi Vivah holds a deep spiritual significance in Hindu culture. The festival not only commemorates the bond between Lord Vishnu and Tulsi but is also a celebration of virtue, faith, and righteousness. It is believed that worshipping Tulsi and Shaligram on this day brings prosperity, removes obstacles, and blesses devotees with a harmonious married life. Additionally, it symbolizes the end of Chaturmas, a period during which no weddings take place, and ushers in the wedding season.
The Story Behind Tulsi Vivah
The origin of Tulsi Vivah is rooted in an ancient legend. Vrinda, a virtuous woman married to the demon king Jalandhar, was renowned for her unwavering devotion. Her faith made her husband invincible, which threatened the gods. To end Jalandhar’s reign of terror, Lord Vishnu disguised himself as Jalandhar and deceived Vrinda, causing her chastity to break. This, in turn, led to Jalandhar's defeat by Lord Shiva.
Upon learning the truth, Vrinda cursed Lord Vishnu to turn into the Shaligram stone, feeling betrayed by him. Later, Vishnu blessed her to be reborn as the sacred Tulsi plant and promised to marry her every year. This sacred union has since been celebrated as Tulsi Vivah, with devotees commemorating it by "marrying" the Tulsi plant to Shaligram or Lord Vishnu’s idol.
Tulsi Vivah Rituals
Rituals for Tulsi Vivah are unique and vary slightly across different regions of India, but the main elements are widely observed:
- Decoration of the Tulsi Plant: The Tulsi plant, traditionally placed in the home’s courtyard, is decorated as a bride. Devotees drape a saree and a chunni around the plant, place bangles on its branches, and adorn it with flowers and small pieces of jewelry.
- Setup of the Lord Vishnu Idol: A small idol or image of Lord Vishnu (or sometimes the Shaligram stone) is placed near the Tulsi plant.
- Wedding Preparations: The area is beautified with rangoli, flowers, and lights. Traditional wedding songs, bhajans, and aarti are performed as family members gather to celebrate.
- Sacred Thread and Mangalsutra: A sacred thread is tied around both the Tulsi plant and the idol, symbolizing their union. Some devotees also place a small mangalsutra on the Tulsi plant, representing the marital bond.
Mantras to Chant During Tulsi Vivah
Chanting mantras is an integral part of Tulsi Vivah, as it enhances the sanctity of the occasion. Here are some commonly recited mantras for devotees:
- Tulsi Stotra: “Tvam Hiranyamayi Tvam Chi Parameshvaryaya, Tavam Shrim Vishvarupinya Harinyam Harivallabha.”
- Vishnu Mantra: “Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya”
- Tulsi Vivah Mantra: “Om Tum Tulsi Shivpriya Vishnupriya Mahakrapaa, Vishnumayam Pranamyaham Harivivaham Ch Bandhanam.”
- Ashtaakshara Mantra of Vishnu: “Om Namo Narayanaya”
- Mantra for Tulsi and Lord Krishna’s Union: “Om Namah Tulsi Krishna Vasudevaya”
Conclusion
Tulsi Vivah is not only a celebration of the divine union of Lord Vishnu and Tulsi but also a time to invite blessings for marital bliss, prosperity, and peace. By honoring Tulsi and Lord Vishnu on this auspicious day, devotees believe they attract the divine grace needed to overcome life’s obstacles and foster harmony in their relationships. With beautiful rituals, heartfelt prayers, and a sense of spiritual renewal, Tulsi Vivah continues to be one of the most cherished festivals in the Hindu calendar.
