Why Tulasi Vivaham is Celebrated – Date & Rituals 2025

Tulasi Vivaham 2025 Date

Primary Date: Sunday, November 2, 2025

Dwadashi Tithi Begins: 07:31 AM on November 2, 2025
Dwadashi Tithi Ends: 05:07 AM on November 3, 2025

Alternative Date: November 13, 2025 (Prabodhini Ekadashi)

The date varies by region and tradition. Some communities celebrate on Prabodhini Ekadashi (the 11th lunar day), while others observe it on Dwadashi (the 12th lunar day) of Kartik Shukla Paksha. Please consult your local panchang for the exact muhurat in your area.

What is Tulasi Vivaham?

Tulasi Vivaham, also known as Tulsi Vivah, is one of the most sacred Hindu festivals that marks the ceremonial marriage of the Holy Basil plant (Tulasi) to Lord Vishnu or his avatar, Shaligram. This divine wedding ceremony is performed with complete traditional Hindu wedding rituals and holds immense spiritual significance across India, particularly in Vaishnava households.

The festival falls in the auspicious month of Kartik and marks the end of Chaturmas, a four-month period considered inauspicious for marriages and auspicious ceremonies. After Tulasi Vivaham, the Hindu wedding season officially begins.

The Sacred Story of Tulasi Vivaham

The Legend of Vrinda and Jalandhara

The most popular legend associated with Tulasi Vivaham is the divine tale of Vrinda (Tulsi) and the demon king Jalandhara, as described in the Padma Purana and other sacred texts.

In ancient times, there lived a powerful demon king named Jalandhara who had become invincible and unconquerable, even by the gods. The secret of his extraordinary power lay in the unwavering chastity and devotion of his wife, Vrinda. She was the epitome of pativrata dharma (devotion to one’s husband), and her purity created an impenetrable shield of protection around Jalandhara.

As Jalandhara’s tyranny grew unbearable and threatened the balance of creation, the gods approached Lord Vishnu for help. They realized that as long as Vrinda remained devoted to Jalandhara, he could not be defeated.

To protect the universe and end Jalandhara’s reign of terror, Lord Vishnu took on the form of Jalandhara and approached Vrinda while the real Jalandhara was away in battle. In this disguise, he broke her chastity, which immediately weakened Jalandhara’s protective shield, allowing the gods to defeat him.

When Vrinda discovered the deception, she was heartbroken and filled with righteous anger. In her grief and fury, she cursed Lord Vishnu to turn into a stone (Shaligram). However, moved by her unparalleled devotion, purity, and the injustice done to her, Lord Vishnu blessed Vrinda with a divine boon.

He declared that she would be worshipped throughout the world as the sacred Tulasi plant, considered a manifestation of Goddess Lakshmi. Furthermore, Lord Vishnu promised to marry her every year on Kartik Ekadashi, thus honoring her devotion for eternity. This is why Tulasi is worshipped alongside Shaligram (the stone form of Vishnu), and their annual marriage is celebrated as Tulasi Vivaham.

The Spiritual Symbolism

This story teaches profound spiritual lessons:

Unwavering devotion is always recognized and rewarded by the Divine
The union represents the soul’s eternal connection with the Supreme
Purity and faith transform tragedy into divine blessing
The marriage symbolizes the sacred union between nature and divinity

Spiritual Significance of Tulasi Vivaham

Religious Importance

End of Chaturmas: The festival marks the awakening of Lord Vishnu from his cosmic sleep (Yoga Nidra) that lasts during the four months of Chaturmas (Ashadha to Kartik).
Beginning of Wedding Season: After Tulasi Vivaham, it becomes auspicious to perform marriages and other sacred ceremonies that were suspended during Chaturmas.
Kanya Daan Merit: Performing or witnessing Tulasi Vivaham is considered equivalent to performing kanya daan (giving away a daughter in marriage), which grants immense spiritual merit (punya).
Household Prosperity: The ceremony invites divine blessings of prosperity, harmony, health, and spiritual growth into the home.
Nature Worship: It represents the beautiful synthesis of nature worship and devotional practice in Hinduism, where a plant is revered as a divine manifestation.

Benefits of Celebrating Tulasi Vivaham

Removal of obstacles and sins
Blessing of a happy married life
Prosperity and abundance in the household
Protection from negative energies
Spiritual elevation and divine grace
Health benefits from the sacred Tulasi plant

Complete Tulasi Vivaham Rituals & Puja Vidhi

Pre-Puja Preparations

1. Cleaning and Decoration:

Clean the area around the Tulasi plant thoroughly
Create beautiful rangoli designs around the base
Decorate the worship area with flowers, mango leaves, and festive lights

2. Setting Up the Mandap:

Use four sugarcanes or banana shoots to create a square mandap (wedding canopy)
Tie them together at the top with sacred thread
Decorate with flowers, garlands, and mango leaves
Hang a cloth canopy if possible

3. Arranging the Chowkis (Platforms):

Place two low wooden platforms (chowkis) side by side under the mandap
Cover the right chowki with a red cloth
Cover the left chowki with a yellow or white cloth
Place the Tulasi plant (bride) on the right chowki
Place the Shaligram stone or idol of Lord Vishnu/Krishna on the left chowki

Puja Items Required (Samagri)

For the Bride (Tulasi):

Red or yellow saree for draping
Turmeric (haldi) and kumkum (sindoor)
Jewelry (small bangles, necklace, nose ring)
Small blouse piece
Haldi-kumkum for tilak
Fresh flowers and garlands

For the Groom (Vishnu/Shaligram):

Yellow or white dhoti
Sacred thread (janeu)
Sandalwood paste
Fresh flowers and garlands
Tulasi leaves

General Puja Items:

Kalash (water pot) with water, betel nut, coins, and mango leaves
Coconut for kalash
Incense sticks (agarbatti) and dhoop
Camphor (kapoor)
Ghee lamps (diyas)
Betel leaves and nuts (paan-supari)
Fruits and sweets for bhog
Sacred thread (moli/kalava)
Rice grains (akshat)
Panchamrit (mixture of milk, curd, honey, ghee, and sugar)
Sacred water (Ganga jal if available)
Small container of sindoor
Small mirror
Flowers: roses, marigolds, jasmine
Sugarcane pieces (small)

Step-by-Step Puja Vidhi

1. Purification (7:00 AM – Morning)

Take a bath early in the morning
Wear clean, preferably new clothes
Clean the puja area and light incense

2. Kalash Sthapana (Morning)

Fill the kalash with water, place betel nut, coins, and mango leaves
Place coconut on top
Install it near the mandap

3. Ganesh Puja (Morning)

Begin by invoking Lord Ganesha
Chant: “Om Gan Ganapataye Namah” (108 times)
Offer flowers, sweets, and prayers for obstacle-free ceremony

4. Dressing the Bride and Groom (Afternoon)

Lovingly drape the Tulasi plant with a red or yellow saree
Adorn with jewelry, flowers, and garland
Apply turmeric and kumkum as tilak
Dress the Shaligram/Vishnu idol with dhoti and sacred thread
Apply sandalwood paste and offer flowers

5. Invocation and Sankalp (Evening – Sunset Time)

Light the ghee lamps
Sprinkle holy water around the area
Take sankalp (sacred resolution) by holding rice and flowers:

Sankalp Mantra:

Om Vishnu Vishnu Vishnu
Adya Shri Bhagavato Mahapurushasya Vishnor Aagnya Praptaye
Shri Tulasi Vivaham Karishye

(I am performing this Tulasi marriage to please Lord Vishnu)

6. Main Wedding Ceremony

a) Ganesh Sthapana:

Invoke Lord Ganesha at the mandap
Offer prayers for a blessed ceremony

b) Matruka Pujan:

Invoke and worship the divine mothers

c) Kalash Pujan:

Worship the kalash representing cosmic waters

d) Navagraha Pujan:

Offer prayers to the nine planets
Chant: “Om Navagraha Devataabhyo Namah”

e) Tulasi Pujan:

Offer flowers, turmeric, kumkum to Tulasi Mata
Chant Tulasi mantras (see mantra section below)

f) Vishnu Pujan:

Worship the Shaligram/Vishnu idol
Chant Vishnu mantras and offer Tulasi leaves

g) Kanyadaan (Giving Away the Bride):

The head of the family symbolically gives away Tulasi to Lord Vishnu
Pour water from the right palm while chanting:

Kanyadaan Mantra:

Om Tulasi Devi Pratigrhana Vishnu-prityartham
Karishye Swaha

h) Hasta Milap (Joining of Hands):

Tie the sacred thread (moli) connecting Tulasi plant to Shaligram/Vishnu idol
This represents the binding of the couple

i) Mangal Sutra Dharanam:

If culturally appropriate, place a small mangalsutra around the Tulasi plant

j) Sindoor Daan:

Apply sindoor in the parting of the Tulasi (symbolic)

k) Saptapadi (Seven Sacred Steps):

Circle the mandap seven times while chanting wedding mantras
Light a ghee lamp and carry it around

7. Havan/Agni Puja (Optional but Recommended)

Light the sacred fire
Offer ghee, grains, and herbs
Chant Vivah Sukta from Rigveda

8. Aarti

Perform aarti of both Tulasi and Vishnu together
Sing Tulasi Aarti (see aarti section below)
Ring bells and play conch

9. Pushpanjali (Flower Offering)

All family members offer flowers while chanting mantras

10. Prasad Distribution

Offer bhog of sweets, fruits, and specially prepared dishes
Distribute prasad to all present

11. Pradakshina (Circumambulation)

Take seven rounds around the Tulasi plant
Each round represents a sacred vow

12. Conclusion

Seek blessings by touching feet of elders
Sprinkle holy water on all present
Share the divine blessings with neighbors and community

Sacred Mantras for Tulasi Vivaham

Tulasi Dhyana Mantra

Om Yaa Devii Sarvbhuteshu Tulasi Rupen Sansthitaa
Namastasyei Namastasyei Namastasyei Namo Namah

(Salutations to the goddess who resides in all beings in the form of Tulasi)

Tulasi Ashtottara Shatanamavali (108 Names – Selected)

1. Om Shri Tulasyai Namah
2. Om Nandinyai Namah
3. Om Devyai Namah
4. Om Surasarchitaayai Namah
5. Om Narayani Namah
6. Om Vishnu Priyaayai Namah
7. Om Bilvake Namah
8. Om Kalyani Namah
9. Om Shri Vishnu Vallabhaayai Namah
10. Om Shyaamaayai Namah
...
107. Om Shri Krishnakantaayai Namah
108. Om Shri Tulasyai Namah

During Wedding Ceremony

Vivah Sankalp Mantra:

Om Namo Bhagavate Vaasudevaaya
Tulasi Kalyanam Sampoornam Kuru

Hasta Milap Mantra:

Om Mangalam Bhagwan Vishnu
Mangalam Garuda Dhvajah
Mangalam Pundarikakshah
Mangalayatano Harih

Pradakshina Mantra:

Yani Kani Cha Papaani Janmaantara Kritaani Cha
Taani Taani Vinashyanti Pradakshina Pade Pade

(With each circumambulation, sins of many lifetimes are destroyed)

Tulasi Mata Aarti

Traditional Tulasi Aarti (Hindi/Sanskrit)

Jaya Jaya Tulasi Mata, Sabaki Sukhadata Vara Mata
Saba Yogon Ke Upara, Saba Rogon Ke Upara,
Ruja Se Raksha Karake Bhava Trata
Jaya Jaya Tulasi Mata

Tulasi Mata Hari Priya, Hariko Tum Pe Preet
Hari Ki Tum Charanon Ki, Hari Kare Tum Beet
Tulasi Mata Jaya Jaya, Sabaki Sukhadata Vara Mata

Dhanya Dhanya Shri Tulasi Mata
Mahima Agama Sada Shruti Gata
Hari Ke Pranahu Se Tuma Pyari
Harihin Hetu Kinho Tapa Bhari

Jaya Jaya Tulasi Mata, Sabaki Sukhadata Vara Mata

Meaning:

Glory to Mother Tulasi, the giver of happiness to all. You are above all yogas and protect us from all diseases. You are beloved of Lord Hari (Vishnu). Your glory is described in the Vedas. You are dearer to Hari than His own life force.

Types of Tulasi Plants

Understanding the different varieties of Tulasi adds depth to the worship:

1. Rama Tulasi (Shri Tulasi/Lakshmi Tulasi)

Appearance: Green leaves, lighter stems
Scientific Name: Ocimum tenuiflorum
Significance: Associated with Lord Rama and Goddess Lakshmi
Properties: Sweet aroma, gentler medicinal properties

2. Krishna Tulasi (Shyama Tulasi)

Appearance: Purple or dark green leaves, darker stems
Scientific Name: Ocimum sanctum
Significance: Associated with Lord Krishna
Properties: Stronger aroma, more potent medicinal qualities

3. Vana Tulasi (Wild Tulasi)

Appearance: Found in wild, untamed habitats
Significance: Represents raw, natural divine energy
Properties: Powerful medicinal qualities

4. Kapoor Tulasi

Appearance: Heavy flowers, camphor-like scent
Significance: Abundant blossoms symbolize prosperity
Properties: Strong aromatic leaves

Traditional Foods for Tulasi Vivaham Bhog

Prasad Offerings:

Panchamrit: Mixture of milk, curd, honey, ghee, and sugar
Kheer: Sweet rice pudding made with milk and sugar
Ladoos: Sweet balls made from gram flour or semolina
Fresh Fruits: Bananas, pomegranates, coconuts
Chana: Chickpeas offered to Tulasi
Sweet Pongal: South Indian sweet made from rice and jaggery
Betel Leaves and Nuts: Traditional offering
Sugar Candy: Pure and sweet offering

Special Wedding Feast Items:

Puris (fried bread)
Various vegetable curries
Rice with ghee
Dal (lentil preparation)
Papad (thin crispy wafers)
Pickles and chutneys
Multiple sweet dishes

Regional Variations in Celebration

North India:

Elaborate mandap decorations
Community celebrations in temples
Emphasis on the wedding ceremony aspects
Distribution of prasad to entire neighborhood

South India:

Family-centered celebrations
Traditional kolam (rangoli) designs
Offering of pongal as prasad
Recitation of Tamil or Telugu hymns

Maharashtra:

Special emphasis on Kartik month observances
Lighting of lamps around Tulasi
Community singing of bhajans
Distribution of shakar pongal (sweet)

Gujarat:

Integration with Kartik celebrations
Elaborate decoration of Tulasi vrindavan
Group aarti in housing societies
Special sweets like mohanthal

Important Do’s and Don’ts

Do’s:

✓ Perform the ceremony with pure devotion and sincerity ✓ Maintain cleanliness around the Tulasi plant ✓ Include all family members, especially children ✓ Offer fresh flowers and clean water ✓ Chant mantras with proper pronunciation if possible ✓ Share prasad with neighbors and community ✓ Document the ceremony for family memories ✓ Keep the Tulasi plant healthy year-round ✓ Water the Tulasi after ceremony ✓ Light a lamp near Tulasi for at least 11 days after marriage

Don’ts:

✗ Don’t perform the ceremony with impure thoughts ✗ Don’t use artificial flowers if fresh ones are available ✗ Don’t neglect the Tulasi plant after the ceremony ✗ Don’t consume non-vegetarian food on this day ✗ Avoid plucking Tulasi leaves on the wedding day ✗ Don’t argue or use harsh words during the ceremony ✗ Avoid performing the ceremony during inauspicious muhurat ✗ Don’t forget to invite Lord Ganesha first

Scientific and Medicinal Importance of Tulasi

Beyond its spiritual significance, Tulasi (Holy Basil) is recognized for numerous health benefits:

Medicinal Properties:

Immunity Booster: Rich in antioxidants
Respiratory Health: Helps in cough, cold, and asthma
Stress Relief: Adaptogenic properties reduce stress
Anti-inflammatory: Reduces inflammation in the body
Antimicrobial: Fights bacteria and viruses
Blood Purifier: Cleanses blood and improves circulation
Digestive Aid: Helps in digestion and metabolism
Skin Health: External application benefits skin

Daily Consumption:

Tulasi tea for immunity
Chewing fresh leaves (2-3) on empty stomach
Tulasi kadha (decoction) during cold season
Tulasi seeds in beverages

Modern Adaptations

For Apartment Living:

Use decorative pots for Tulasi plant
Create mini mandaps using bamboo sticks
Invite neighbors for community celebration
Live stream the ceremony for distant family

Eco-Friendly Celebrations:

Use biodegradable decorations
Natural dyes for rangoli
Minimize plastic usage
Compost flower offerings

During Travels:

If away from home, perform mental worship
Visit a temple for darshan
Offer prayers virtually
Plan the main ceremony upon return

Connecting with Divine Through Tulasi Vivaham

Tulasi Vivaham is more than a ritual—it’s a spiritual practice that connects us with:

Nature: Recognizing divinity in plants and environment
Tradition: Continuing ancient wisdom and practices
Family: Bonding through shared spiritual activities
Devotion: Deepening our relationship with the Divine
Values: Teaching children about faith and culture

The ceremony reminds us that the Divine permeates all creation, and that true devotion transcends form to recognize the eternal spiritual reality. As we celebrate the marriage of Tulasi and Vishnu, we celebrate the eternal union of the individual soul (Jivatma) with the Supreme Soul (Paramatma).

Conclusion

Tulasi Vivaham 2025 offers a beautiful opportunity to connect with ancient spiritual traditions while invoking divine blessings for your home and family. Whether you perform an elaborate ceremony or a simple worship at home, the key lies in the purity of intention and devotional spirit.

This sacred ceremony embodies the essence of devotion, nature worship, and spiritual union. By celebrating Tulasi Vivaham with sincerity, you invite prosperity, harmony, and divine grace into your life.

Mark your calendars for November 2, 2025 (or November 13, 2025 based on your regional tradition), and prepare to witness or participate in this divine wedding that has been celebrated for millennia.

May Tulasi Mata and Lord Vishnu bless you and your family with health, happiness, prosperity, and spiritual growth.

Jai Tulasi Mata Ki Jai! Jai Shri Vishnu!

For more authentic information on Hindu festivals, rituals, and spiritual practices, visit www.hindutone.com – Your trusted source for dharmic wisdom.

Quick Reference Guide

Date: November 2, 2025 (Dwadashi) or November 13, 2025 (Ekadashi) Time: Evening after sunset (most auspicious) Duration: 2-3 hours for complete ceremony Fasting: Optional, but recommended Dress: Traditional attire, preferably new clothes Can be performed: At home, by any family member Priest needed: Not mandatory, but beneficial for proper mantras

Share this article with family and friends to spread awareness about this beautiful tradition. Happy Tulasi Vivaham 2025!