Tulsi Vivah

Once upon a time, Shiva flung his radiance into the sea. Out of this was born a very glorious child who went on to be known as Jalandhar, a very prominent Daitya king. His capital was also called Jalandhar Nagri. His troublesome activities had caused Devas, Sages and humans a lot of harm.

He was married to Princess Vrunda, the daughter of Kalnemi, another Daitya ruler. Her dedication to her husband kept him immortal and unconquered. If one wished to defeat Jalandhar, they had to bring obstructions to her devotion and break the spell.

Lord Vishnu took the form of Jalandhar and touched Vrunda. This meant that her chastity was compromised, and Jalandhar faced loss in battle.

Upon learning the true nature of the event, Vrunda grew furious and cursed Vishnu to be a heartless rock. Obeying his devotee’s curse, Lord Vishnu turned into a Shaligram stone. This curse meant that the protector of the universe would be absent; this caused an imbalance. All the Devas requested Vrunda to release the curse for the betterment of the world. Odeying respect to Gods, she agreed but immolated herself after setting Lord Vishnu free. A tulsi plant grew where she turned to ashes.

Vishnu said: O Vrunda, your devotion and chastity has endeared you more than Lakshmi to me. You will always be with me in the form of Tulsi. Since then, on each Dwadashi of the Kartik month, Vishnu is wedded in Shaligram form to Vrunda as a Tulsi plant. This year the Tulsi Vivah will be celebrated from 15th November Dwadashi till 19th November Poornima.