Why Tulsi-Shaligram Vivah is Celebrated

Tulsi Devi descended as the daughter of King Kushadvaja. Tulsi Devi was a great devotee of Lord Hari. Later she was married to the king of demons Jalandhara. Being born in water, Jalandhara claimed his rights over the ocean and demanded the 14 treasures churned out of the ocean. He declared war and became a cause of danger to the demigods. More so because of the purity of Tulsi Devi, no one was able to defeat him. Her purity was so firm that even Lord Shiva could not defeat Jalandhara in battle and all the demigods went to Lord Vishnu for help.

As a last resort to kill Jalandhara, Lord Vishnu came in Vrinda’s husband’s form to attract Vrinda. When Tulsidevi greeted Lord Vishnu who had taken the form of her husband, her chastity was momentarily broken, demigods took advantage of this situation and killed demon Jalandhara. Vrinda Devi after knowing this, cursed Lord Vishnu to become a black stone. Honouring his pure devotee’s words Lord Hari promised to appear as Shaligram Shila in river Gandaki.

He also said that for everyone’s benefit, Tulsi Devi will assume the form of a plant that will be most auspicious to His devotees. He said,” He would never accept any offering without a tulsi leaf”. He also gave Tulsi Devi the benediction that she will eternally reside with Him as His consort in Vaikuntha. 

Celebrating this pastime of the Lord, Tulsi Vivah is celebrated every year on the Dwadashi tithi. This year it falls on 13 November 2024.