Google trend - Tulsi Vivah

Tulsi Vivah is a traditional Hindu festival celebrated in the month of Kartik (October/November) that marks the ceremonial marriage of the Tulsi plant (holy basil) to Lord Vishnu or his avatar Lord Krishna. The festival holds great significance in Hindu mythology and is celebrated with enthusiasm and devotion in many parts of India.

The Tulsi plant is considered sacred in Hinduism and is believed to be an incarnation of Goddess Lakshmi, the consort of Lord Vishnu. It is believed that Tulsi is dear to Lord Vishnu and is capable of granting spiritual enlightenment and liberation. Hence, the Tulsi plant is worshipped in many households and temples across the country.

The festival of Tulsi Vivah is celebrated over a period of five days. It begins with the ceremonial installation of the Tulsi plant in a beautifully decorated mandap (canopy) in the courtyard of the house or the temple. The mandap is adorned with flowers, lights, and other decorative items. Devotees perform puja (ritual worship) of the Tulsi plant, offering flowers, incense, and other sacred items. The plant is also given a bath with milk and water, followed by the application of sandalwood paste and vermilion.

On the day of the wedding, the Tulsi plant is beautifully dressed as a bride. It is adorned with jewelry, a red saree, and a crown made of flowers. A small idol or picture of Lord Vishnu or Lord Krishna is placed next to the Tulsi plant, symbolizing the groom. The wedding ceremony is conducted with great pomp and splendor, witnessed by family members, friends, and devotees.

The marriage rituals are performed by a priest who recites Vedic mantras and chants hymns. The bride and groom are symbolically united by tying a sacred thread around the Tulsi plant and the idol of Lord Vishnu. The marriage is considered to be a divine union, signifying the union of the soul with the supreme consciousness.

After the wedding ceremony, the newlywed Tulsi and Lord Vishnu are offered prayers and aarti (ceremonial worship with lamps) is performed. Devotees sing bhajans (devotional songs) and offer prasad (sacred food) to seek the blessings of the divine couple. The prasad usually includes sweets made of jaggery, coconut, and other ingredients.

The festival of Tulsi Vivah is not only a celebration of the union between the Tulsi plant and Lord Vishnu but also a reminder of the importance of nature and its preservation. The Tulsi plant is believed to have medicinal properties and is used in Ayurveda for its healing properties. It is also considered auspicious and is believed to purify the surroundings and ward off negative energies.

The festival holds great cultural and social significance as well. It brings families and communities together, fostering a sense of unity and devotion. It is also an occasion for women to showcase their creativity by decorating the Tulsi plant and preparing delicious food for the celebrations.

In conclusion, Tulsi Vivah is a sacred Hindu festival that celebrates the marriage of the Tulsi plant to Lord Vishnu. It is a time of devotion, celebration, and reflection on the importance of nature and spirituality in our lives. The festival brings people together and reminds us of the divine union that exists between the soul and the supreme consciousness.