Kartik month is about to end, and thus the end of a full month of festivity, but this month ends with a very sweet pastime, of Tulasi Shaligram Vivah, let’s dive deep to understand why we celebrate this divine marriage!

Why we celebrate Tulasi Shaligram Vivah

Tulasi Shaligram Vivah a joyous festival, which comes few days after Diwali, is celebrated by devotees to commemorate the marriage between Srimati Tulasi, the sacred basil plant, and Shaligram Shila, who is not different from Lord Vishnu or Krishna. This festival is rooted in the devotional traditions of Vaishnavism and holds deep spiritual significance.

Here are some reasons why devotees celebrate Tulasi Shaligram Vivah:

1. Remembrance of Divine Union:

   The marriage between Tulasi and Shaligram is remembers devotees divine union between the devotee and the Lord. Tulasi is often regarded as a pure devotee of Krishna, and Shaligram represents the deity Himself. The ceremony signifies the inseparable connection between the worshipper (devotee) and the worshipped (God).

2. Cultivating Devotion:

   Tulasi is highly revered in the Vaishnava tradition as a pure devotee of Lord Krishna. By celebrating Tulasi Shaligram Vivah, devotees aim to deepen their devotion and strengthen their relationship with the divine. The ceremony serves as a reminder of the importance of cultivating love and devotion in one's spiritual practice.

3. Spiritual Purification:

   Participating in the Tulasi Shaligram Vivah ceremony is spiritually purifying. Devotees engage in devotional activities, prayers, and offerings, seeking purification of the heart and the removal of material obstacles on the spiritual path.

4. Educational Purpose:

   The celebration provides an opportunity for devotees to learn more about the significance of Tulasi and Shaligram in Vaishnavism. Temples and communities often organize educational programs, lectures, and discussions around this festival to deepen devotees' understanding of its spiritual importance.

5. Observing Tradition:

   Celebrating Tulasi Shaligram Vivah is a way for devotees to honor and follow the traditions passed down through the scriptures and the teachings of spiritual authorities. It helps maintain a sense of continuity with the rich cultural and devotional heritage of Vaishnavism.

In essence, Tulasi Shaligram Vivah is a joyful and spiritually uplifting occasion that reinforces the principles of devotion, gratitude, and the divine connection between the worshipper and the Supreme Lord.

How to Celebrate Tulasi Shaligram Vivah

Tulasi Shaligram Vivah is a sacred ceremony observed by devotees that commemorates the marriage between Tulasi (holy basil) and Shaligram (Lord Vishnu or Krishna). This event typically takes place during the month of Kartik (October-November), and it marks the culmination of the month-long Damodara Vrata.

Here is an overview of how devotees celebrate Tulasi Shaligram Vivah:

1. Preparation:

   Devotees prepare for the festival ceremony by cleaning and decorating the temple or home altar. The Tulasi plant is adorned with beautiful flowers, garlands, and lamps. The Shaligram is also cleaned and placed on a special altar.

2. Tulasi Vivah Ceremony:

   The ceremony begins with the chanting of Vedic mantras and prayers. The marriage of Tulasi and Shaligram is performed.

   The ceremony is conducted with great reverence, and devotional songs and bhajans glorifying Tulasi and Shaligram are sung.

   Devotees dance in front of the married couple for the happiness of the divine couple.

3. Offerings and Arati:

   Devotees offer various items such as fruits, sweets, incense, and lamps to Tulasi and Shaligram. An arati (ceremonial waving of lights) is performed with deep devotion, expressing the devotee's love and gratitude towards these divine manifestations.

4. Tulasi Parikrama:

   Devotees may perform parikrama (circumambulation) around the Tulasi plant, expressing their devotion and seeking blessings. This is done with the understanding that circumambulating Tulasi is spiritually purifying.

5. Distribution of Prasadam:

   Prasadam, sanctified food offered to the deities, is distributed among devotees. This blessed food is considered spiritually purifying and is partaken with reverence.

6. Scriptural Recitation:

   Devotees may also engage in the recitation of relevant scriptural verses and pastimes associated with Tulasi and Shaligram. This deepens the understanding of the spiritual significance of the ceremony.

7. Cultural Programs:

   Temples and communities organize cultural programs, lectures, and discussions on the importance of Tulasi and Shaligram in the devotional path. This helps educate devotees and strengthens their commitment to spiritual practices.

Tulasi Shaligram Vivah is a significant event in the Vaishnava tradition, highlighting the importance of cultivating devotion and reverence in the home. The union of Tulasi and Shaligram represents the divine marriage, and devotees believe that participating in this ceremony brings spiritual blessings, auspiciousness, and divine grace to their lives.

Also Tulasi is very great devotee of Lord Vishnu, and having a Tulasi plant in the home is unlimitedly auspicious. We encourage all the devotees to keep Tulasi plant in their homes, and daily water them, engaged small children in watering Tulasi devi daily, taking care of her, protecting her from insects, this will develop a great sense of devotion in the kids from their very early life.