Dev Uthani Ekadashi (Tulsi Vivah)

Dev Uthani Ekadashi is a day dedicated to the worship of Lord Vishnu, marking the end of his four-month-long slumber as he resumes overseeing creation. This year, it holds extra significance as it coincides with the sacred ritual of Tulsi Vivah. Here are all the essential details and remedies for this auspicious event.

It is believed that if someone does not fast on this auspicious day, their good deeds in this life may lose their significance. Observing this fast is said to absolve sins of mind, word, and deed. During the Ekadashi fast, devotees may consume fruits only once, and after sunrise on Dwadashi, the fast is traditionally broken by placing Tulsi leaves in one’s mouth before consuming food.

The spiritual leader further explains that this is also a favorable time for the ritual of Tulsi marriage. Alongside Lord Vishnu, Goddess Tulsi is worshipped, with this union believed to bring happiness and blessings to the household.

Significance of Tulsi Vivah

The Tulsi plant holds a sacred place in Hinduism and is revered for its spiritual and medicinal properties. Tulsi is believed to be an incarnation of Goddess Lakshmi, who, due to a curse, took the form of the plant. As a ritual, Tulsi Vivah celebrates the union of Goddess Tulsi (also called Vrinda) with Lord Vishnu, often in the form of Shaligram or occasionally Krishna.

The marriage is thought to bring peace, prosperity, and happiness to households and is especially significant for families with unmarried daughters, as it is believed to help in securing good matches and in ensuring marital bliss. Tulsi Vivah is also seen as an opportunity to perform a simplified wedding ceremony, particularly for those unable to afford a traditional wedding.

Rituals and Customs

1. Preparation of the Tulsi Plant:

   • The Tulsi plant is decorated like a bride, often with red or green saree cloth, jewelry, and a bindi. In some regions, the plant is adorned with a red chunri (veil) and henna.
   • A mandap (wedding altar) is created around the Tulsi plant, and in some places, a small idol of Lord Vishnu or Shaligram is placed alongside the plant as the groom.

2. Ceremonial Steps:

   • The wedding ceremony follows traditional Hindu marriage rites, with rituals like kanyadaan (giving away the bride), mangalsutra (marriage necklace), and saptapadi (seven vows).
   • Family members, often women, perform aarti (offering prayers) and recite mantras, honoring both Tulsi and Lord Vishnu.
   • Holy items like rice, vermilion, flowers, and sandalwood paste are offered to the couple during the rituals.

3. Festive Foods and Offerings:

   • Devotees prepare various sweets and vegetarian dishes as offerings for the couple. Special prasadam (holy food) is distributed to family members and guests.
   • After the rituals, devotees break their fast, and the food is shared among family and community members.

Spiritual and Cultural Beliefs

Tulsi Vivah symbolizes the triumph of devotion and purity, as Tulsi is regarded as the most loyal devotee of Vishnu. Celebrating this union also emphasizes the divine grace that is believed to uplift households, fostering positive energy and peace.

In some regions, people observe Tulsi Vivah in a communal way, bringing families and neighbors together. This gathering not only emphasizes the sacred nature of marriage but also builds and strengthens community bonds.

Celebrating Tulsi Vivah is a reminder of the importance of devotion, compassion, and spiritual unity, and is believed to bring divine blessings and prosperity to all who participate.