Tue Nov 12 16:44:27 UTC 2024: ## Tulasi Vivah: A Divine Union Celebrated on Dev Uthani Ekadashi

**New Delhi, November 11:** Today marks Dev Uthani Ekadashi, an auspicious occasion celebrated by Hindus across the country. On this day, the ritual of Tulsi Vivah (Tulsi Marriage) is performed, symbolizing the union of Goddess Tulsi and Lord Shaligram.

According to Pandit Saurabh Kumar Mishra from the Jagannath Temple, the marriage ceremony signifies the end of the monsoon season and the beginning of a new auspicious period. The ritual is believed to remove obstacles in married life and bring marital bliss. As per scriptures, performing the Tulsi-Shaligram marriage is considered equivalent to the virtue gained from giving away a daughter in marriage.

**Auspicious timings for Tulsi Vivah:**

Pandit Vijayanand Shastri from the Baba Kupeshwarnath Temple advises that the ceremony should be performed in the evening on Dev Uthani Ekadashi. The auspicious “Ghodhuli Muhurat” falls between 5:29 pm and 5:55 pm today. The “Labh-Unnati Muhurat” is between 7:08 pm and 8:47 pm, which is considered ideal for performing the puja. Rahukal and Bhadra end by 4:08 pm, making the evening suitable for the ceremony.

**How to perform Tulsi Vivah puja:**

* Create a mandap (a temporary structure) using sugarcane. Decorate the Tulsi plant with geru (red ochre) and flowers.
* Establish a clean wooden platform and sprinkle Ganga water on it before laying an asana (a mat).
* Fill a kalash (pot) with holy water, adorn it with mango leaves, and place it on the puja site.
* Place Tulsi plant on one asana and Lord Shaligram on another.
* Bathe both Tulsi and Shaligram with Ganga water.
* Offer yellow flowers, clothes, and fruits to Lord Shaligram. Apply a tilak (mark) of yellow sandalwood.
* Offer fruits, flowers, a red chunri (scarf), bindi, sindoor, and other adornments to Tulsi. Apply a red sandalwood tilak.
* Light incense and a ghee lamp.
* Hold the platform containing Lord Shaligram and circumambulate Tulsi seven times.
* Perform the aarti (a ritual of devotional worship) with full devotion.
* Offer kheer, dry fruits, or sweets as prasad (offering).
* Recite Vishnu Sahasranama or Tulsi Chalisa.
* Conclude the puja with a prayer for forgiveness.

**Disclaimer:** While we strive for accuracy, we do not claim that the information presented in this article is entirely true and accurate. Consult a specialist in the field for comprehensive and detailed information.

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