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Tulsi Vivah is performed on Kartik Shukla Dwadashi (12th day of waxing moon in Kartik month), marking the end of Chaturmas. The ceremony is performed during Pradosh Kaal (evening twilight), just as regular Hindu weddings are performed in the evening.
On this sacred Kartik Dwadashi, I perform the ceremonial marriage of Tulsi Devi (Vrinda) with Lord Vishnu (Shaligrama), marking the end of Chaturmas and the beginning of the auspicious wedding season.
Erect a small wedding mandap (canopy) around the Tulsi plant using sugarcane sticks as pillars. Decorate with mango leaves, marigold garlands, and colourful cloth. This is the wedding venue.
Bathe the Tulsi plant (the bride) with water and decorate with a red chunri (cloth), flowers, and jewellery. Place the Shaligrama stone (the groom) on a small pedestal near the Tulsi, draped in a yellow cloth.
As with all Hindu ceremonies, begin with Ganesha worship for removal of obstacles. Then take the formal sankalpa for the Tulsi Vivah, stating the tithi, purpose, and names of the divine couple.
The householder symbolically performs kanya daan — giving away Tulsi (Vrinda Devi) in marriage to Lord Vishnu (Shaligrama). Pour water from the right palm while reciting the daan mantra, just as in a real wedding.
Carry the Shaligrama stone around the Tulsi plant 4 times (the four pheras/rounds of a Hindu wedding). Each round represents Dharma (duty), Artha (prosperity), Kama (love), and Moksha (liberation).
Apply sindoor (vermilion) at the base of the Tulsi plant and tie a small mangalsutra around the trunk. This symbolises the completion of the marriage ritual, just as a groom applies sindoor to the bride.
Chant the Tulsi mantra 108 times. Tulsi is Vrinda Devi — the most beloved consort of Vishnu in plant form. The mantra honours her sacred status.
Tulsi Mantra
ॐ तुलस्यमृतजन्मासि सदा त्वं केशवप्रिये। केशवार्थं चिनोमि त्वां वरदा भव शोभने॥
Chant the Vishnu mantra 108 times. Pray to Lord Vishnu to bless the household, just as he blesses his marriage with Tulsi (Vrinda).
Vishnu Mantra (for Tulsi Vivah)
ॐ नमो भगवते वासुदेवाय
Offer naivedya of amla, puffed rice, sweets, and fruits. Perform the aarti with the panchadeep (five-wick lamp) and camphor. Sing wedding songs (mangal geet).
Distribute prasad (sweets, puffed rice, amla) to neighbours and community members, just as at a real wedding feast. Light fireworks or diyas to celebrate. This marks the official end of Chaturmas and the opening of the wedding season.
Tulsi Mantra
ॐ तुलस्यमृतजन्मासि सदा त्वं केशवप्रिये। केशवार्थं चिनोमि त्वां वरदा भव शोभने॥
oṃ tulasyamṛtajanmāsi sadā tvaṃ keśavapriye | keśavārthaṃ cinomi tvāṃ varadā bhava śobhane ||
O Tulsi, you are born from the nectar of immortality, you are always dear to Keshava (Vishnu). I pluck you for Keshava's worship — O beautiful one, be the granter of boons.
108x Japa CountVishnu Mantra (for Tulsi Vivah)
ॐ नमो भगवते वासुदेवाय
oṃ namo bhagavate vāsudevāya
Om, I bow to Lord Vasudeva (Vishnu), the Supreme Being and groom of Tulsi.
108x Japa CountOffer amla (Indian gooseberry), puffed rice (laiya), chana (chickpeas), sweets (laddoo, peda), sugarcane pieces, and seasonal fruits. Amla is the signature offering of Tulsi Vivah.
Tulsi Vivah is believed to bestow the same merit as performing a kanya daan (giving a daughter in marriage) — the highest form of daan. It grants domestic harmony, prosperity, and the blessing of Vishnu upon the household. The Padma Purana states that one who performs Tulsi Vivah is freed from the debt of ancestors.