Dev Uthani Ekadashi (Prabodhini Ekadashi) marks the day Lord Vishnu awakens from his four-month celestial slumber (Chaturmas). On this auspicious day or the following Dwadashi tithi, the ceremonial marriage of Tulsi (Goddess Vrinda) with Lord Shaligram (aniconic form of Vishnu) is performed with grand celebration.

Significance of Tulsi Vivah

Tulsi Vivah officially inaugurates the Hindu wedding season in India. Performing or sponsoring a Tulsi Vivah at home bestows the same spiritual merit (Punya) as conducting Kanyadaan in a real wedding ceremony.

Setting Up the Home Wedding Mandap

  1. Clean the Tulsi plant pot (Vrindavan) and paint it with Geru (red ochre) and rangoli.
  2. Build a small four-pillar canopy (Mandap) over the Tulsi plant using fresh Sugarcane stalks tied together.
  3. Drape a miniature red bridal dupatta or saree around the Tulsi plant, and decorate it with red bangles, bindi, and mangalsutra.
  4. Place a holy Shaligram stone or Lord Vishnu idol wrapped in yellow cloth next to the plant.

Step-by-Step Marriage Ritual Vidhi

  • Invoke Lord Ganesha to remove obstacles from the marriage ritual.
  • Tie a sacred red thread (Kautuka Sutra) connecting Lord Shaligram and the Tulsi plant to symbolize holy matrimony.
  • Shower flower petals and Akshat while chanting Mangalashtakam stotrams.
  • Offer Amla (Indian gooseberry), Tamarind, Sugarcane, and seasonal sweets as bhog.
  • Perform 7 clockwise circumambulations (Pheras) around the Mandap with a lit ghee lamp.