Tulasi Vivaham (marriage) held in Kozhikode
Tulasi Vivaha Pooja
Tulasi Vivaha Pooja
Harish Bhat with his family during the Tulasi Vivahapooja
Did you hear about Tulasi vivaham? Why Tulasi got that much space in temples?
Tulasi (Ocimum sanctum-holy basil) vivaha pooja, a lesser known ritual among the modern Hindu community has been held in Kozhikode.
The celestial offering took place at Tali, recently.
Harish Bhat conducted the pooja at his residence, Lakshmi Narayan Mandir with his wife Shreya Bhat and son.
He has been conducting this ritual for the last five years.
According to the Hindu faith, Lord Krishna comes to marry the plant, his very dear and most pure devotee, conceptualising his Gopika (cowherd girl) during Vrindavan days (As the result of Radha’s ire , followed by many incidents of life destinies, she became a unique herbal plant. However, realising her true devotion, Lord Narayana comes to the earth and marry this plant- says mythology)
Bhat says that Tulasi itself provides a very positive energy in our households.
When a pooja is offered on Uthana dvadasi day, it is very special for seeking divine blessing and eliminating all sins. And this ritual is believed to be very auspicious for all, especially for young girls to get a suitable bride-groom-as per the faith.
It took more than two hours to complete the process of holy knot with Lord Krishna.
“Tulasi has that much power and holiness. Every temple, it is the most essential ingredient. It is believed that no God accepts a nivedya without at least a single Tulasi petal.”-says Hareesh Bhat.
During old days, Tulasi thara (higher platforms for caring Tulasi) was a common sight at the courtyards of Hindu homes.
‘Tulasi is the most divine plant in the whole earth, because it is one of the outcomes of Palazhimadhanam.-Bhat explains another mythology behind this pure plant. It is believed that Tulasi was created by Lord Vishnu during the churning of milk for the spiritual growth of people who were fallen in the material world.
Here, the eternal bond with the Lord and this plant is underscored.
tulasi-2
During this marriage, Tulasi is considered as the life partner of Lord Krishna.
Srimad Bhagavatham 3.15.19 tells the divine position of this pure plant, explains Bhat:
“Although there are numerous flowering plants full of transcendental fragrance in the spiritual realm, they are aware that Tulasi is given special preference by the Lord, who garlands himself with
Tulasi leaves.”
The pooja is based on Rig-Veda.
The priest undergoes 24 hours of upavasam (fasting) before undertaking Tulsi vivaha pooja.
The whole platform is decorated with flower garlands as Kalayanamandapam and the plant is treated as a bride is set ready for wedding ceremony. Small chiraths (earthern lamps) are lighted all around.
Some ceremonial prayers and music also created the celebration mood with devotion.
Even if this ritual takes place once in a year the Tulasi is well-maintained and watered two times every day,here.Tulasi Vivaham (marriage) held in Kozhikode
