TulViv Pic01 Tulsi plant draped in a cloth
Tulsi Vivah तुलसी विवाह
(05.11.2022)
-Rohit Kumar Parmar [1]
Tulsi Vivah तुलसी विवाह (Marriage of Holi Basil) is celebrated on the twelfth day of Kartik (the eighth and holiest) month of Vikram calendar, corresponding to October/November of the Gregorian Calendar. The festivities starting with Akshay Navami, end on Karthik Poornima.
TulViv Pic02 Lamp under a draped Tulsi plant
On Akshaya Navami, devotees worship अमला (amla, gooseberry) tree. Amla fruit rich in vitamin C, helps to boost immunity, in weight management, prevents viral infections, is a natural blood purifier, relieves pain, etc. The Amla fruit which has five taste buds - pungent, astringent, sweet, bitter, sour, is also preserved as murabba (closest translation is marmalade).
On Vaikuntha Chaturdashi, it is believed that God Vishnu worshipped God Shiva and offered him one thousand lotus flowers. [2] Many Shiva temples organize special Puja, where both Vishnu and Shiva are worshipped. On Vaikuntha Chaturdashi, a holy dip in the river before Sunrise is done by devotees of Shiva.
TulViv Pic03 Lotus flower
Tulsi vivaah, an age-old tradition mentioned in the Padma Purana and other ancient scriptures, is the marriage ceremony of देवी वृंदा (Devi Vrinda, personification of the Tulsi plant) with Shaligrama, (black fossil form of God Vishnu, found on the Gandaki river bed). Shaligrama is kept in the Tulsi plant's pot to symbolize the marriage. The ritual represents the beginning of the wedding season.
Tulsi (Ocimum tenuiflorum, belonging to the mint family) is a herb that is known for its medicinal and healing properties and mentioned in Indian mythology and Hindu philosophy.
In addition to keeping the body and mind fit, when alive, Tulsi is believed to be the gateway to वैकुंठ: (Vaikuntha heaven). Tulsi, a sacred plant of Hindus, symbolizes purity and is famous for its medicinal and healing properties. Adrak Tulsi tea (अदरक तुलसी की चाय) made from fresh leaves, the pre-cursor to the now popular masala tea, is a home remedy for cold and sore throat, head/body ache. During the Covid crisis, fresh leaves of Tulsi in different forms (raw, as a boiled drink/potion, and as a traditional add-on to tea), were used to boost immunity. Tulsi has also added a Basil Pesto Pasta or Tomato Basil Pasta to the list. [3]
Tulsi leaves are aromatic and it flowers with tiny blooms, which need to be pruned, to ensure longevity of the plant. Different parts of the Tulsi plant are considered to be the abode of deities. As per Vaishnavites, leaves of the Tulsi plant please God Vishnu, and allows them (devotees) to stay in harmony with God Vishnu’s vibrations and soul. Vaishnavites use a Tulsi mala (garland) while reciting Vishnu mantras.
Tulsi, an incarnation of Goddess Lakshmi is also worshipped every day after a bath for prosperity and peace.
The presence of a Tulsi plant at home also helps eradicate negative energies and/ or ward off evil. Households dedicate a special place for Tulsi plant, which used to be the open central courtyard, since it received sunlight in all seasons and provided space to circumambulate (parikrama) and pray. Tulsi helps to remove Vāstu Dosha in homes/houses.
There are three types of Tulsi commonly seen in India; Ram Tulsi, Krishna Tulsi and Vana (forest) Tulsi.
TulViv Pic04 Van Tulsi in forest around Raneh falls, Madhya Pradesh
Indian festival and traditions are intertwined with nature and several of the rituals associated display the same. The significance of Tulsi Vivah could be the need to drape the magical Tulsi plant in a cloth cover, to protect it from severe/ cold during the winter months, a practice followed by those who have a Tulsi plant at home. It could also signify the need to have rich and nutritious diet (amla, Tulsi, etc.) to boost immunity in the winter months.
TulViv Pic05 Row of draped Tulsi plants with a lamp
Tulsi Vivah is also celebrated as the birthday of वृंदा (Vrinda) the beautiful personification of तुलसी (Tulsi) and कार्तिकेय: (Kartikeya, son of Shiva). Devotees in Rajasthan and Gujarat do ‘Tulsi-Vishnu Vivah’ on this day and perform various Puja and Ceremonies.
During Kartik Month, Hindu devotees of Odisha become vegetarian and observe auspicious customs till the ceremony of Panchuka, which starts on the last five days of the month, ending with Kartika Purnima. The day after Kartika Purnima is called Chhada Khai when people can again start partaking non-vegetarian food also.
Lights are placed under the Tulsi, Sacred fig and Amla trees, starting with Deepavali. Lights are also floated in miniature boats in rivers/water bodies. The lights under trees and in water are believed to help fishes, insects and birds who see the light, to attain salvation.
TulViv Pic06 Earthen mustard oil lamps on Tulsi, 2021 Deepavali
TulViv Pic07 Earthen mustard oil lamps on Tulsi, 2022 Deepavali
Benefits of Tulsi Plant [4]
1. Tulsi leaves have high nutritional value and benefit the body, mind and soul. Tulsi leaves are a good source of vitamins A, C and K and minerals like iron, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium and potassium; and are rich in fibre and proteins. Tulsi leaves can be eaten raw or added to dishes lending flavour and nutrition.
2. Tulsi leaves strengthen the immune system and help fight stress. They contain compounds such as Ocimumosides A and B, that balance dopamine and serotonin levels in the brain. These are neurotransmitters that regulate body functions, metabolism and emotions. Chewing on Tulsi leaves can calm the mind. It also helps reduce stress/effects like sleeplessness, depression and nervousness. For the believer, Tulsi's sweet, earthy aroma further acts as a mood lifter. [5]
3. Tulsi is rich in zinc and vitamin C and has anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and anti-viral properties. Tulsi calms inflammation in the gut, which is the foundation of the immune system, by skewing the gut bacteria balance in favour of the good bacteria.
4. Phytochemicals in Tulsi can lower the risk of cancer in lungs, skin and liver. If you’re suffering from kidney stones, Tulsi acts as a mild diuretic and can help to lower uric acid levels in the blood. It helps break down stones, making them easier to flush out from the body.
तुलसी मंत्र
महाप्रसाद जननी सर्व सौभाग्यवर्धिनी,
आधि व्याधि हरा नित्यं तुलसी त्वं नमोस्तुते.
[1] Author has in posts on his website (https://rohitkparmar.wixsite.com/site), twitter (https://twitter.com/rohitkparmar?s=09), Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/rohit.parmar.5268750/), LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/rohit-kumar-parmar-841b4724) been writing on diverse topics including festivals and can be reached at rohitkparmar@yahoo.com. [2] Convergence of different sects of Hindu religion. [3] This may not be the Holi Basil, but another form of Basil.
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