Tulasi-Saligrama Vivaha

What is Tulasi-Saligrama Vivaha?

Tulasi-Saligrama Vivaha, which many people know as Tulsi Vivah, is the wedding of Srimati Tulasi Devi and Lord Sri Krishna. In this ceremony the Lord is worshipped as the Saligrama-sila, a sacred stone that is a form of Lakshmi-Narayana. In 2026 the wedding is celebrated on Tuesday, 24 November.

Significance

Vaishnavas worship the Tulasi plant every day. According to the Narada-pancaratra, as recorded by Sri Padmanabha Gosai, her wedding may be held from the Ekadashi of Kartika, and especially on the full moon day. It is said that whoever sees the marriage of Tulasi Devi is freed from the sins of a lifetime. Srila Prabhupada wrote of her in a letter:

Yes, Sri Tulasi is the eternal consort of Krishna, and the most pure devotee, and therefore, the Tulasi plant is worshiped by Vaisnavas.

Srila Prabhupada, Letter to Balai, 22 March 1968

How to observe it

A simple vivaha can be held at home. Dress the Tulasi pot in a red skirt, adorn her branches with red bangles and kumkum, and offer her a garland. If you have a Saligrama-sila, perform the vivaha for the two of Them together. Garlands are exchanged, and Tulasi garlands her Lord first. Sri Krsna Rasayatra, the appearance day of Sri Nimbarkacarya and the last day of Bhisma Pancaka all fall on the same date.

This holy day falls in Kartik, the month of Lord Damodara, when devotees offer Him a lamp each evening and sing Damodarashtakam. Read about Kartik (Damodara) Month, and offer your own lamp from wherever you are through our Kartik Deep Daan Seva.