Tue Nov 12 11:46:07 UTC 2024: ## Tulsi Vivah 2024: Celebrate the Sacred Union of Lord Vishnu and Tulsi Mata

**New Delhi, November 12, 2024:** The auspicious occasion of Tulsi Vivah, signifying the symbolic marriage of the sacred Tulsi plant with Lord Vishnu, is being celebrated today, coinciding with Dev Uthani Ekadashi. Hindus across the country observe this ritual, believing it brings prosperity, happiness, and spiritual enlightenment.

The Tulsi plant, revered in Hinduism as the embodiment of Goddess Lakshmi, is considered sacred and an offering to Lord Vishnu. On this day, families adorn the Tulsi plant as a bride, decorating it with red bangles, flower garlands, and applying vermillion, symbolizing marital bliss.

A simple yet sacred ritual is followed for the Tulsi Vivah:

**1. Preparing the Sacred Space:**

* A small platform is prepared, where the Tulsi plant is placed in the center.
* The Tulsi plant and its pot are thoroughly cleaned, removing old offerings.
* The plant is adorned with traditional bridal ornaments, including flowers, bangles, and garlands.

**2. Creating a Festive Ambience:**

* A beautiful mandap, adorned with flowers, lights, and colorful drapes, is created using sugarcane stalks and banana leaves.
* An auspicious rangoli is drawn on the floor, signifying a warm welcome.
* A small platform is set up to place the Shaligram, a sacred stone symbolizing Lord Vishnu, which is also decorated for the occasion.

**3. The Ritual:**

* The Shaligram and Tulsi plant are cleansed with Ganges water.
* Both are smeared with turmeric paste, a symbol of purity and prosperity.
* Lord Shaligram is offered a dhoti, and a thread is tied around both the Shaligram and Tulsi plant.
* The couple is then offered offerings like fruits, flowers, incense, and a lamp.
* The couple is then symbolically taken around the mandap seven times.
* The couple is offered a sacred mixture of milk and turmeric, signifying marital bliss.

**4. Celebrating the Union:**

* The couple is offered a “Mangalaashtak,” a sacred hymn praising the union.
* Devotional songs are sung, and the family members gather around to celebrate.
* A final offering of kheer (rice pudding) and puri is presented.
* The ceremony concludes with an aarti, a ritual of light, to Lord Vishnu and Tulsi Mata.
* The prasad (blessed offerings) is then distributed amongst family members.

It’s important to note that married couples actively participate in the Tulsi Vivah, and unmarried individuals are not encouraged to perform the ritual.

This age-old tradition is a beautiful way to celebrate the spiritual connection between Lord Vishnu and the Tulsi plant, bringing blessings of love, prosperity, and spiritual growth to all who participate.

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