Hindu Festivals No 24.

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Dear friends and devotees,

 

Bhakti is eternal.

 

24. Tulasi Vivaha.

(Karthika Ekadasi)

 

This falls on the same day as Devutthani Ekadashi, which is one of the noted

festivals in Tamila Nadu. Tulasi (Ocimum sanctum), being a plant only, is as

sacred to the Hindus, as the Yamuna and the Ganges. In all the pujas by a Hindu,

leaves of Tulsi are essentially kept; in particular as Panchamritha (a mixture

of curd, honey, sugar, milk and water). Tulasi plant is grown on a small

platform in most of the Hindu houses. Women, after purification, pour water in

it and circumambulate it. The very flavour emitted by the plant purifies the

environment.

 

Tulasi worship commenced with the legend of God Vishnu, who wished to

neutralize the power of demon Jalandhar, who was inflicting cruelty on the Gods

and the saints. The cause for this power was the chastity of his wife Vrinda.

Vishnu deceived her and her chastity was marred. When Vrinda discovered this,

she cursed Vishnu that he would have to be born as a human being on earth, and

that he will suffer the agonies of separation from his kidnapped wife (Vishnu in

incarnation as Rama suffered the separation of Sita in the Ramayana). Vishnu

repented his deed. The Gods consoled him. Parvati planted Amlaki, Malti and

Tulasi plants on the ashes of Vrinda. Vishnu recognized Tulasi as the form of

Vrinda; since then Tulasi is worshipped.

 

Tulasi worship, in the month of Kartik (Oct-Nov) by lighting a lamp on Tulasi

platform, is auspicious.

 

Tulasi, in Chhatisgarh region (Madhya Pradesh) is worshipped because of its

medicinal value and also because of its relation to Lord Krishna.

 

This festival is also celebrated in each and every household of Goa. The one

special feature of the festival is that of preparing various delicious sweet

dishes at home. The women folk engage themselves in preparations well in

advance. A typical Goan ojhe (load of sweets) is sent to the daughter from her

parental home along with jodi (cotton threads used to light lamp while

performing aarti).

 

On this day Tulasibrindavan is coloured and decorated as a bride. Sugarcane

and branches of tamarind and amlaki trees are planted along with the tulasi

plant. Only vegetarian food is cooked on this day. At midday, a full meal

consisting of rice, moongachi gathi, puri , sweet potato kheer , red pumpkin

vegetable cooked with pieces of sugarcane, amlaki and tamarind is offered to

Tulasi Brindavan. Tulasi vivaha ceremony takes place in the late evening.

Various poha dishes are offered to Lord Vishnu. Then Prasad is distributed among

family members and friends.

(A collection)

 

With love and regards,

 

Sastry.

 

 

 

 

 

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