*By Dr Devan
Introduction
Tulasi Vivah marks one of Hinduism’s most sacred and symbolic rituals — the ceremonial marriage between Tulasi Devi (the holy basil plant, an incarnation of Goddess Lakshmi) and Lord Vishnu (often represented as Shaligram or Krishna). This divine union is celebrated with devotion across India, especially in regions like Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Gujarat, and signifies the beginning of the auspicious marriage season in the Hindu calendar.
The festival typically occurs on the Dwadashi (12th day) of the bright fortnight (Shukla Paksha) in the Kartika month, which generally falls between late October and mid-November. In 2025, it falls on November 2, observed with reverence in homes and temples across Mangalore and the coastal belt.
The Mythological Background
The story of Tulasi Vivah is deeply rooted in ancient Hindu scriptures, especially the Padma Purana and Skanda Purana. Tulasi Devi, originally born as Vrinda, was the devoted wife of the demon king Jalandhara, whose immense power came from her chastity and devotion to Lord Vishnu. No god could defeat Jalandhara as long as Vrinda remained pure and steadfast in her faith.
To protect the universe, Vishnu assumed the form of Jalandhara and tricked Vrinda. When she realised this deception, she was heartbroken and cursed Vishnu to become a black stone — the Shaligram, worshipped to this day. Vrinda then immolated herself in grief, and from her ashes sprang the sacred Tulasi plant.
Moved by her devotion, Vishnu blessed her with immortality and declared that He would marry her annually in the form of Shaligram. Thus, Tulasi Vivah commemorates this divine reunion — symbolising forgiveness, devotion, and the eternal cycle of life and rebirth.
Spiritual Significance
Tulasi Vivah carries deep spiritual and symbolic meaning:
Union of Purity and Protection – Tulasi symbolises purity, faith, and feminine strength, while Vishnu (Shaligram) represents protection, stability, and divine sustenance. Their marriage signifies the perfect harmony between nature’s nurturing energy and divine order.
Beginning of the Marriage Season – Hindus believe that after Chaturmas (a four-month period during which no auspicious ceremonies are held), Tulasi Vivah heralds the return of prosperity and the start of the wedding season. Many human weddings are scheduled immediately after this day.
Renewal of Domestic and Cosmic Harmony – The ritual is not just a symbolic marriage; it represents a renewal of household purity and blessings for family harmony, fertility, and prosperity. Worshipping Tulasi Devi is believed to cleanse one’s heart and home of negativity.
Eco-Spiritual Connection – Tulasi is revered not only as a goddess but also as an oxygen-giver, purifying the air and promoting health. The festival thus serves as a reminder of the deep link between spirituality and ecology.
How Tulasi Vivah Is Celebrated
In Mangalore and coastal Karnataka, the celebration blends devotion with cultural richness. Homes, temples, and community centres come alive with rituals and music.
1. Preparation of the Tulasi Mandap
A special structure, often crafted from sugarcane, banana stems, or wood, is made to represent the mandap (wedding altar). The Tulasi plant is beautifully decorated with red, yellow, and green cloth, turmeric, vermilion, flowers, and jewellery. Lamps are lit around it, and rangolis adorn the courtyard.
2. Representation of the Bride and Groom
Tulasi Devi, the bride, is represented by the living Tulasi plant, while Lord Vishnu (the groom) is represented by the Shaligram Shila, or in some homes by an image of Lord Krishna. They are placed side by side on the altar, symbolising readiness for the divine wedding.
3. The Marriage Ritual
A priest or elder performs the vivah following Vedic tradition. Sacred mantras, songs, and bhajans are chanted. The couple (Tulasi Devi and Vishnu) are garlanded, and symbolic offerings — such as betel leaves, coconut, and rice — are made. The ritual concludes with the traditional tying of the mangal sutra (holy thread) around Tulasi’s stem.
4. Feasting and Offerings
After the ceremony, devotees prepare a feast including panchamrit, sweet pongal, poha, and sugarcane juice. Prasadam is shared with family and friends. Many households also light 108 lamps around the Tulasi plant in the evening — creating a serene and sacred atmosphere.
Tulasi in the Hindu Home
In most Hindu homes, especially in South India, the Tulasi plant is not just a plant — it’s a member of the household. Every morning and evening, women light lamps near the plant and offer prayers. It is said that a house with Tulasi is never visited by misfortune, and even death avoids the place where Tulasi is nurtured.
In Mangalorean homes, the Tulasi Katte (raised platform where the plant is kept) is a focal point of daily worship. It represents the axis mundi — the symbolic centre of the universe — linking heaven, earth, and the family’s spiritual core.
Scientific and Environmental Insight
From a scientific perspective, Tulasi (Ocimum sanctum) is one of nature’s most powerful herbs. It has antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties. Its leaves release ozone and essential oils that purify the air.
By celebrating Tulasi Vivah, communities not only express devotion but also promote the propagation of this medicinal and ecological gift of nature.
Regional Variations
In Mangalore and Udupi: Temples like Kadri Manjunatha and Kudroli Gokarnanatheswara host special Tulasi Vivah rituals, with bhajans, annadanam, and traditional drumming. Coastal women dress the Tulasi plant like a bride in silk saree and jewellery.
In Maharashtra: The Tulasi is adorned as a Maharashtrian bride with a mangalsutra and nath (nose ring).
In North India: Devotees sing Tulasi Aarti and chant Tulasi stotra, marking the end of Chaturmas.
In Vaishnava temples: Tulasi Vivah is conducted with grandeur, often as a community event involving hundreds of devotees.
Philosophical Essence
Tulasi Vivah embodies several layers of meaning:
It reminds humanity that divine love transcends form, binding the animate and inanimate, plant and god, devotee and divine.
It symbolises the sacred marriage between the soul and the Supreme — the ultimate spiritual union sought through devotion.
It teaches forgiveness: just as Vishnu was forgiven by Tulasi and united with her, devotees are reminded that true love includes compassion and transcendence of ego.
Conclusion
Tulasi Vivah is far more than a ritual — it is a celebration of love, purity, and divine reciprocity between nature and spirit. As homes in Mangalore today fill with lamps, fragrance, and chants, this sacred union of Tulasi Devi and Lord Vishnu renews the spiritual energy of households, marking the transition from the rainy Chaturmas to a time of auspicious beginnings.
In every leaf of Tulasi lies a whisper of sanctity; in every offering, a promise of balance between humanity and the divine.
As the marriage of Tulasi and Vishnu is solemnized today, may every home echo the same message:
Purity, devotion, and love are the eternal foundations of the universe.
🌿 “Tulasi patraṁ yo dadāti Vishnubhaktisamanvitah — sa yāti paramaṁ sthānam.”
(He who offers a leaf of Tulasi to Lord Vishnu with devotion attains the supreme abode.)
Hindusthan Samachar / Manohar Yadavatti