Prabodhini Dwadashi
Also called: Tulsi Vivah Dwadashi
Prabodhini Dwadashi immediately follows Prabodhini Ekadashi. In many regional calendar traditions, it is the primary day for conducting Tulsi Vivah, the ceremonial wedding of the sacred holy basil plant (Tulsi) with Lord Vishnu in the form of the Shaligram stone. This wedding marks the formal conclusion of Chaturmas and inaugurates the auspicious Hindu marriage season.
Key facts
- Paksha
- Shukla Paksha
- Lunar month
- Kartik
- Deities
- Goddess Tulsi (Vrinda), Lord Shaligram (Vishnu)
The story
Puranic accounts in the Padma Purana and Skanda Purana narrate how Vrinda, a devoted woman, was blessed by Vishnu to become the sacred Tulsi plant, with the promise that Vishnu would eternally abide with her in the form of the Shaligram stone.
Practices
- Decorating the Tulsi pot with sugarcane stalks, rangoli, and red bridal cloth
- Conducting a full traditional Vedic wedding ceremony between Tulsi and Shaligram
- Singing wedding mangalashtakas and distributing sugarcane pieces, puffed rice, and sweets
Regional variations
- Celebrated across Maharashtra, Gujarat, Goa, and South India with village-wide festivities and community weddings
Common questions
- Can Tulsi Vivah be performed on days other than Dwadashi?
- Yes. While Dwadashi is the traditional peak day, Tulsi Vivah can be conducted on any day between Kartik Shukla Ekadashi and Kartik Purnima.