Why is Tulsi Married to Shaligram on Dev Uthani Ekadashi? The Divine Story Behind This Ritual

In Hindu tradition, Lord Vishnu and Goddess Tulsi (Holy Basil) are worshipped together on special occasions, especially on Thursdays, Sundays, and Ekadashi tithis. On Dev Uthani Ekadashi, a symbolic wedding ceremony takes place between Tulsi and Shaligram (a sacred stone representing Lord Vishnu). But why is Tulsi married specifically to Shaligram instead of Lord Vishnu’s idol? The story behind this sacred union is deeply spiritual and rooted in ancient scriptures.

The Significance of Shaligram

Shaligram stones are revered as a direct manifestation of Lord Vishnu. Each Shaligram bears natural markings that represent the divine symbols of the Lord, such as the Sudarshan Chakra. It is believed that worshipping Shaligram with devotion brings prosperity, spiritual merit, and liberation. 

The Legend of Tulsi and Shaligram

According to the Devi Bhagavata Purana, Lord Shiva cast his divine energy into the ocean, from which a radiant child named Jalandhar was born. Jalandhar grew up to be a powerful demon king. He married Vrinda, the daughter of demon king Kalanemi, who was a deeply devoted and virtuous wife.

Empowered by Vrinda’s chastity (pativrata dharma), Jalandhar became invincible. Intoxicated by his power, he even desired Goddess Lakshmi, but she rejected him as her brother since both had emerged from the ocean. Then he tried to approach Goddess Parvati. Disguised as Lord Shiva, he went to Mount Kailash, but Parvati recognized the deceit and vanished instantly. Angered, she told Lord Vishnu everything. 

Lord Vishnu realized that Jalandhar could only be defeated if Vrinda’s virtue was broken. Disguised as a sage, Vishnu appeared before Vrinda while she was alone in the forest. When she asked about her husband, Vishnu used his divine illusion to make it appear as if Jalandhar had been killed. Distraught, Vrinda fainted. When she regained consciousness, she pleaded with the sage to revive her husband.

Lord Vishnu, taking advantage of her grief, used his illusion once more and appeared before her in Jalandhar’s form. Believing him to be her husband, Vrinda unknowingly broke her vow of chastity, which immediately weakened Jalandhar, leading to his defeat and death in battle.

When Vrinda discovered the truth, she was overcome with rage and cursed Lord Vishnu to become a stone. As a result, Vishnu turned into the Shaligram. Goddess Lakshmi wept and pleaded for his restoration. Moved by her prayers, Vrinda later lifted her curse but immolated herself in grief. From the spot where she perished, the Tulsi plant was born. 

The Eternal Union

Lord Vishnu blessed Vrinda, saying, “O Vrinda, because of your purity and devotion, you are dearer to me than even Lakshmi. From now on, you shall live forever as Tulsi, and those who perform the wedding of Tulsi and my Shaligram form will gain immense merit, prosperity, and blessings in this life and beyond.”

Since that divine moment, the Tulsi Vivah — the sacred wedding of Tulsi and Shaligram — is celebrated with great devotion, symbolizing the union of the earthly and divine. 

Disclaimer: The content provided here is based on beliefs and information only. Always consult a concerned expert.