TulViv 01 Tulsi plants with earthen mustard oil lamps on Deepavali 2023
Tulsi Vivah तुलसी विवाह
(24.11.2023)
-Rohit Kumar Parmar 1
तुलसी मंत्र
महाप्रसाद जननी सर्व सौभाग्यवर्धिनी,
आधि व्याधि हरा नित्यं तुलसी त्वं नमोस्तुते.
TulViv 02 Row of Tulsi plants on Akshaya Navami, 2023
Tulsi Vivah तुलसी विवाह (Marriage of Tulsi, Holi Basil plant) is celebrated on the twelfth day of Shukla Paksha (waxing phase of the Moon) of Kartik month (the eighth and holiest) of Vikram calendar, corresponding to October/November of the Gregorian Calendar. The festivities start with Akshay Navami (the day when satya yuga started) and end on Karthik Poornima.
On Akshaya Navami, devotees worship अमला (amla, gooseberry) tree. Amla fruit rich in vitamin C, helps to boost immunity, helps in weight management, prevents viral infections, is a natural blood purifier, relieves pain, amongst other benefits. The Amla fruit which has five taste buds - pungent, astringent, sweet, bitter, sour, is also preserved as मुरब्बा (murabba, marmalade).
Tulsi Vivah (Kalyanam), an age-old tradition mentioned in the Padma Purana and other ancient scriptures, is a symbolic ceremonial wedding between a Tulsi (holy basil plant, the personification of Lakshmi or देवी वृंदा, Devi Vrinda) and Shaligrama (black fossil form of God Vishnu, found on the Gandaki river bed) or an amla branch (also a personification of God Vishnu). Shaligrama is kept in the Tulsi plant's pot to symbolize the marriage. Tulsi Vivaha signifies the end of monsoon, and the beginning of the cooler climate, which is also the wedding season. Tulsi leaves and the amla fruit have medicinal qualities, consumption of which helps to live healthier during the winter months.
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.
TulViv 03 Lamp under a draped Tulsi plant
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 04 Lotus flower
TulViv 05 Van Tulsi in forest around Raneh falls, Madhya Pradesh
Three types of Tulsi grow in India; Ram Tulsi, Krishna Tulsi and Vana (forest) Tulsi.
In addition to keeping the body and mind fit, 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 Tulsi leaves, the pre-cursor to the now popular masala tea, is a home remedy for cold, sore throat, head/body ache. During the Covid pandemic, leaves of Tulsi in different forms (fresh, raw, as a boiled drink/potion, and as the traditional add-on to tea), were used to boost immunity.
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. Vaishnavites believe that the leaf of the Tulsi plant pleases 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 peace and prosperity.
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, 3 since it would receive sunlight in all seasons and provided space to circumambulate (parikrama) and pray. Tulsi helps to remove Vaastu Dosha in homes/houses.
Indian festival and traditions are intertwined with nature and several of the associated rituals, display the same. One significance of Tulsi Vivah could be the need to drape the medicinal 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.
Tulsi Vivah is also celebrated as the birthday of वृंदा (Vrinda). 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. The fasting starts on the last five days of Kartik month, ending with Kartika Purnima. The day after Kartika Purnima is called Chhada Khai when people again start partaking non-vegetarian food.
Lamps 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 06 Earthen mustard oil lamps on Tulsi, 2021 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 neuro-transmitters 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 offers a positive vibe. 5
3. Tulsi is rich in zinc amongst others 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 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.
॥ श्री तुलसी जी की आरती ॥
जय जय तुलसी माता, सबकी सुखदाता वर माता।
सब योगों के ऊपर, सब रोगों के ऊपर,
रुज से रक्षा करके भव त्राता।
जय जय तुलसी माता।
बहु पुत्री है श्यामा, सूर वल्ली है ग्राम्या,
विष्णु प्रिय जो तुमको सेवे, सो नर तर जाता।
जय जय तुलसी माता।
हरि के शीश विराजत त्रिभुवन से हो वंदित,
पतित जनों की तारिणि, तुम हो विख्याता।
जय जय तुलसी माता।
लेकर जन्म बिजन में आई दिव्य भवन में,
मानव लोक तुम्हीं से सुख सम्पत्ति पाता।
जय जय तुलसी माता।
हरि को तुम अति प्यारी श्याम वर्ण सुकुमारी,
प्रेम अजब है श्री हरि का तुम से नाता।
जय जय तुलसी माता।
-------
1. Author, Freelance, Indian Economic Service (Retired), former Senior Economic Adviser, Government of India, Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution and former Adviser (P 4) UNDP, Yemen has in posts
on his website (https://rohitkparmar.wixsite.com/site),
YouTube channel (https://youtube.com/@rohitkparmar),
twitter (https://twitter.com/rohitkparmar?s=09),
Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/rohit.parmar.5268750/),
been writing/sharing varied topics and can be reached at rohitkparmar@yahoo.com.
2. An example of harmony of Shaiva and Vaishnav sects of Hindu religion.
3. Tulsi inspired Directors Raj Khosla and Sudesh Issar for the Bollywood movie `Main Tulsi Tere Aangan Ki,’ a 1978 Indian drama film. The movie is based on a Marathi novel titled Ashi Tujhi Preet by Chandrakant Kakodkar.
4. Information sourced from several websites. All disclaimers apply.
5. The positive vibe aspect is also true of fresh mint (pudhina).
Comentarios