Introduction
In Goa, after the bright lights of Diwali fade, another divine celebration lights up the homes—Tulsi Vivah, fondly called “Vodli Diwali”. This festival marks the symbolic wedding of Goddess Tulsi (holy basil) and Lord Vishnu (in the form of Shaligram). It’s not just a ritual; it’s the beginning of a spiritual season, bringing together myth, devotion, and the Goan way of life.
Table of Contents
What Is Tulsi Vivah?
Tulsi Vivah is a sacred Hindu ceremony symbolising the marriage between Tulsi (considered an incarnation of Goddess Lakshmi) and Lord Vishnu or Krishna. It’s celebrated on the Ekadashi (11th day) of the Shukla Paksha in Kartik month, usually in October or November.
This ritual marks the end of Chaturmas, a four-month period when marriages and religious functions are avoided. Once Tulsi Vivah is performed, it’s believed that the season of auspicious beginnings starts.
Tulsi Vivah in Goa
In Goa, the Tulsi plant is not just a plant—it’s a goddess, protector, and symbol of purity. Every Hindu house proudly has a Tulsi Vrindavan (a small decorative structure built for Tulsi). During Tulsi Vivah, Goan families decorate the Vrindavan with flowers, oil lamps, and sugarcane.
Women sing traditional songs, perform aarti, and tie the mangalsutra to the Tulsi plant as if marrying their own daughter. It’s an emotional, family-oriented celebration—a blend of devotion and festivity.
Why It’s Called Vodli Diwali in Goa
The name “Vodli Diwali”. Goans believe Tulsi Vivah continues the spirit of Diwali. The entire house glows again with lights, diyas, and festive sweets, symbolising prosperity and new beginnings.
It’s a joyful day marking the return of auspicious times, and Goans prepare sweet dishes like patoleo, ladoos, and kheer, just as they do during Diwali.
The Story Behind Tulsi Vivah
The roots of this festival lie deep in ancient Hindu mythology. According to the Padma Purana, Tulsi was once Vrinda, the devoted wife of the demon king Jalandhar. Her unwavering faith and chastity made her husband invincible—even gods couldn’t defeat him.
Who Was Vrinda – The Devoted Wife of Jalandhar
Vrinda was a pious woman and true devotee of Lord Vishnu. Her husband, Jalandhar, though born from the sea, grew into a mighty demon who challenged the gods. His power came from Vrinda’s purity and faithfulness.
Why Did Tulsi Marry Jalandhar?
According to legend, Vrinda was destined to marry Jalandhar due to a divine play. Despite being a demon, Jalandhar loved Vrinda deeply, and her devotion made him powerful. However, his arrogance led him to fight Lord Shiva and Vishnu.
How Was Jalandhar Killed?
As Jalandhar’s might grew, the gods sought help from Lord Vishnu. To break Jalandhar’s invincibility, Vishnu disguised himself as Jalandhar and deceived Vrinda, breaking her chastity. The moment her purity was broken, Jalandhar lost his protection and was killed in battle.
What Happened to Vrinda After Jalandhar’s Death?
When Vrinda discovered the truth, she was heartbroken. She cursed Lord Vishnu, saying he too would experience separation from his wife, which later came true when Ravana kidnapped Sita. After the curse, Vrinda immolated herself in grief.
The Transformation of Vrinda Into the Sacred Tulsi Plant
From Vrinda’s ashes grew a fragrant plant, blessed by the gods to be known as Tulsi (holy basil). Vishnu, filled with remorse, declared that Tulsi would be worshipped forever, and whoever marries her to him would gain blessings equivalent to performing a real wedding.
Why Did Lord Vishnu Marry Tulsi?
As an act of repentance and divine honor, Vishnu married Tulsi. This symbolic marriage—Tulsi Vivah—is celebrated to commemorate that eternal union of devotion, forgiveness, and purity.
The Mythological Significance of Tulsi Vivah
Tulsi Vivah signifies the union of the Earth (Tulsi) with the Preserver (Vishnu). It’s a metaphor for spiritual balance—the merging of nature and divinity. The ritual also marks the end of inauspicious months and the beginning of wedding season in Hindu tradition.
The Spiritual Importance of the Tulsi Plant in Hinduism
Tulsi is revered as the “Queen of Herbs.” Beyond its medicinal value, it symbolizes purity, protection, and prosperity. Every morning, Hindus offer water and light a lamp near Tulsi, believing it cleanses negative energy and brings divine blessings.
Why Tulsi Is Dear to Lord Krishna
Lord Krishna, an avatar of Vishnu, holds Tulsi close to his heart. It’s believed that a single Tulsi leaf offered with devotion pleases Krishna more than gold or jewels. That’s why Tulsi leaves are used in every Vishnu and Krishna puja.
Which God Cannot Be Offered Tulsi?
Tulsi is never offered to Lord Ganesha and Goddess Durga. Scriptures say Tulsi once cursed Ganesha, and hence, her leaves are avoided in his worship. Durga, representing Shakti, is honored with other flowers instead.
When to Perform Tulsi Vivah
Tulsi Vivah is performed on the 11th or 12th day of Kartik month (Kartik Ekadashi or Dwadashi). The exact date varies by region and lunar calendar, but it usually falls a few days after Diwali.
Can an Unmarried Girl Do Tulsi Vivah?
Yes! Unmarried girls often perform Tulsi Vivah with deep faith, praying for a good husband and a happy married life. It’s believed the ritual removes doshas (flaws) in one’s horoscope.
Can Marriage Happen on Tulsi Vivah Day?
Absolutely. Since Tulsi Vivah ends the Chaturmas period, it’s considered the start of the Hindu wedding season. Many families plan real marriages from this day onward.
Which States Celebrate Tulsi Vivah?
Tulsi Vivah is celebrated widely across Goa, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, and Bihar. Each region has its unique customs, but the core belief—the divine marriage of Tulsi and Vishnu—remains the same.
Cultural Significance of Tulsi Vivah in Goa’s Traditions
In Goa, Tulsi Vivah is more than a religious event—it’s a cultural celebration. The Vrindavan is beautifully decorated with colorful rangoli, marigold flowers, and diyas. Families gather in the evening, sing Goan Marathi bhajans, and celebrate with sweets and laughter.
Tulsi Vivah Ceremony – Rituals and Celebration in Goan Homes
- The Tulsi plant is dressed as a bride with a sari and ornaments.
- The Shaligram (Vishnu’s form) is placed beside her as the groom.
- Traditional wedding songs are sung, followed by aarti and prasad distribution.
- Finally, sugarcane sticks and betel leaves are offered to the newlyweds.
This ritual bonds families together, symbolising purity, renewal, and unity.
Why People Marry Tulsi in Goa?
People perform Tulsi Vivah to seek blessings for prosperity, peace, and happiness. It’s believed that performing this marriage washes away sins and brings spiritual merit equivalent to performing an actual wedding.
Who Is Lord Krishna’s Actual Wife?
In mythology, Rukmini is Lord Krishna’s principal wife. However, his symbolic marriage to Tulsi represents eternal devotion, making Tulsi both a goddess and a divine consort in spirit.
Did Tulsi Curse Vishnu?
Yes. In her grief, Vrinda cursed Vishnu to turn into a black stone (Shaligram) and be separated from his wife—thus linking the legend of Tulsi, Vishnu, and Sita-Ram’s separation. Vishnu accepted the curse as part of divine justice.
Conclusion
Tulsi Vivah in Goa, or Vodli Diwali, is not just a ritual—it’s a spiritual celebration of love, purity, and divine justice. The myth of Vrinda and Vishnu teaches forgiveness, while the Goan festivities bring the community together in joy and devotion. As the diyas light up once more, every Tulsi plant becomes a bride, and every home echoes with blessings of prosperity and peace.
FAQs
1. Why is Tulsi Vivah called Vodli Diwali in Goa?
Because it’s celebrated soon after Diwali, symbolising another round of light, joy, and spiritual renewal.
2. Who performed the first Tulsi Vivah?
According to legend, Lord Vishnu himself performed the first Tulsi Vivah as a mark of honour to Vrinda’s devotion.
3. Can widows perform Tulsi Vivah?
Yes. The ritual is considered auspicious for everyone, regardless of marital status.
4. What should we not do on Tulsi Vivah day?
Avoid plucking Tulsi leaves before the ceremony and maintain purity during the ritual.
5. What happens after Tulsi Vivah day in Goa?
After Tulsi Vivah, Goans begin planning weddings, housewarming ceremonies, and festive events marking the return of auspicious times.