The sacred ceremonial wedding of the Tulsi plant (holy basil) to Lord Vishnu, known as Tulsi Vivah, will be observed with deep devotion by Hindus in 2025. This auspicious event marks the end of the monsoon season and the beginning of the annual wedding season in Hinduism.Auspicious Timings for 2025Tulsi Vivah is celebrated on the Dwadashi Tithi (12th day) of the bright fortnight in the Hindu month of Kartik. In 2025, this falls on Sunday, November 2nd. The Dwadashi Tithi begins at 7:31 AM on November 2nd and concludes at 5:07 AM on November 3rd. While the ceremony can be performed anytime between Prabodhini Ekadashi (the 11th lunar day) and Kartik Purnima (the full moon), the Dwadashi is widely favored. Devotees are advised to consult their local Panchang for the exact muhurat in their city.The Legend and SignificanceThe ritual commemorates the divine union between Lord Vishnu and Tulsi, who in a previous birth was the pious Vrinda. According to legend, Vrinda, a devoted wife, was tricked by Lord Vishnu. Upon realizing the deception, she cursed him, and in her devotion, she self-immolated. Vishnu, moved by her purity, blessed her to be reborn as the sacred Tulsi plant and promised to marry her annually on this day. The ceremony symbolizes the victory of devotion and the restoration of cosmic balance.Performing the Tulsi Vivah is believed to bring blessings of marital bliss, prosperity, and harmony to a household. For those seeking a life partner, it is considered especially auspicious. The ritual is considered equivalent to performing Kanyadaan (the giving away of one's daughter in marriage), one of the highest forms of donation in Hinduism.How to Perform the CeremonyThe ceremony resembles a traditional Hindu wedding and is often performed by women in the evening.Preparation: A wedding booth or mandap is created around the Tulsi plant, which is typically planted in the courtyard in a structure called a Tulasi Vrindavana. The plant is cleansed and adorned as a bride with a small sari, jewelry like earrings and necklaces, turmeric, and vermilion.The Groom: The groom is represented by an image or idol of Lord Vishnu, Krishna, or a Shaligrama stone (a fossilized shell considered a natural symbol of Vishnu). The idol is clothed in a dhoti.The Ritual: The wedding ceremony is conducted with the chanting of mantras. A cotton thread is tied to link the Tulsi plant and the Vishnu idol, symbolizing their union. Devotees perform puja with offerings of flowers, incense, lamps, and sacred water.Offerings: Prasad, often consisting of sugarcane, coconut, fruits, and special sweets cooked for the occasion, is distributed among family and friends.Conclusion: The ceremony concludes with the showering of rice mixed with vermilion upon the divine couple and an aarti.Sacred Chants for the OccasionWhile performing the puja, specific mantras are chanted to invoke divine blessings. A common mantra recited while offering water is:Om Tulasyai NamahAnother powerful mantra for overall well-being is the Tulsi Stuti Mantra:Namastulasi Kalyani Namo Vishnupriya Shubhe, Namo Mokshprade Devi Namah SampattipradayiniThis festival is a joyous celebration that honors the sacred bond of devotion and marks the beginning of an auspicious period.
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