Wed Nov 13 08:34:04 UTC 2024: ## Tulsi Vivah Celebrated on November 13th, 2024: A Symbolic Union of Purity and Prosperity
**New Delhi, India** – The auspicious occasion of Tulsi Vivah, the symbolic marriage of the sacred Tulsi plant to the Shaligram form of Lord Vishnu, was celebrated on November 13th, 2024. This annual event, traditionally held on the Dwadashi Tithi of the Kartik month, signifies the union of purity and prosperity.
According to the Vedic calendar, the Dwadashi Tithi commenced on November 12th, 2024, at 4:02 PM and concluded on November 13th, 2024, at 1:01 PM. The festival marks the day when Lord Vishnu, after his four-month slumber, awakens on Dev Uthani Ekadashi and is traditionally married to Tulsi.
The legend behind the Tulsi Vivah is deeply rooted in Hindu mythology. Tulsi, originally known as Vrinda, was a devoted devotee of Lord Vishnu born into a demon lineage. Her marriage to the demon king Jalandhar led to a celestial conflict. While Jalandhar fought the Gods, Vrinda performed austerities for his victory. Her unwavering devotion made Jalandhar invincible.
To counter this, Lord Vishnu disguised himself as Jalandhar and appeared before Vrinda, breaking her concentration. This allowed the Gods to defeat Jalandhar. Enraged by the deception, Vrinda cursed Vishnu to turn into a stone. However, upon the pleas of the Gods, Vrinda revoked her curse and sacrificed herself.
From her ashes grew a plant, later named Tulsi, revered as a symbol of purity and devotion. Lord Vishnu, in his Shaligram form, symbolically married Tulsi, signifying the union of devotion and divinity.
The Tulsi Vivah is considered an auspicious occasion for all Hindus. Devotees worship the Tulsi plant, offering prayers and performing rituals to invoke prosperity and wellbeing. The day is also marked by the chanting of a special mantra: “Maha Prasad Janani Sarva Sau Bhagya Vardhini, Aadi Vyaadhi Jara Muktam Tulasi Twam Namo Stute.” This mantra is believed to bestow health, happiness, and spiritual growth.
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