T his festival which falls on the bright half day of Kartik. Tulasi devi descended as the daughter of King Kushadvaja the faithful wife to demon Jalandhar. Being born in water Jalandhar claims sovereignty over the ocean and demands the 14 treasures churned out of the ocean in Vishnu’s second incarnation. He declares war and becomes a cause of danger to the demigods. More so because of a boon that he would be free from death till his wife Vrinda was chaste. So firm was her chastity that even Lord Shiva could not defeat Jalandara in battle and all the demigods went to Lord Vishnu for help.
As a last resort to kill Jalandhar, Vishnu beguiles Vrinda by assuming her husband’s form. Vrinda in her wrath curses and turns Lord Vishnu into a Black stone (Salagram) for his deceit. He also gave Tulsai devi the benediction that she will eternally reside with Him as His consort in Vaikuntha. He said that for the benefit of everyone she will assume the form of a plant which will be most auspicious for anyone performing devotional service. Vishnu promises to marry her annually on this day of Kartik. The origin of the ammonite black stone or Salagram found on the bed of the river Gandaki may be attributed to their legend. Thus, devotees never offer anything to Krishna without a Tulasi leaf. He always adorns Himself with a Tulasi garland. From this Tulasi Vivah day, the annual marriage season of the devotees across the globe begins.
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