Tulsi Vivah Katha

Part 1: Vrinda and Jalandhara

According to the katha, Vrinda, the wife of the asura Jalandhara, was extremely devoted to her husband. By the power of her merit Jalandhara was prevailing over the gods.

Part 2: Vishnu's Device

At the prayer of the gods, Lord Vishnu took the form of Jalandhara and broke Vrinda's chastity. Because of this Jalandhara lost his power and was killed in battle. Learning the truth, Vrinda in anger cursed Vishnu to become a stone.

Part 3: The Form of Tulsi

Vishnu became the Shaligram. At the gods' prayer Vrinda took back the curse and herself entered the fire. From her ashes grew the tulsi plant. Vishnu said that he would not accept any bhog without tulsi and that in the Shaligram form he would marry Tulsi.

Thus ends the complete Tulsi Vivah Katha