Ekadashi is one
of the Tithis which is indicated by panchanga calendar of Hindu which is more
valued and is to be followed in puja, Birthday, death anniversary, etc, whereas
Haribodhini Ekadashi or Tulsi Vivah is the wedding of Tulsi plant (Basil) with
Pipal tree/ Shaligram( indicate lord Vishnu) . Shaligram is a Blackstone which is also taken as one of
the forms of lord Vishnu and is worshipped by the followers of lord Vishnu
while performing puja. Haribodhini Ekadashi falls on Kartik/ Mangshir (October-
November). In this day people clean the Tulsi moth, triangular shape pillar
structure is made with sugarcane and bamboo, decorate it with flower garland
and moth is made attractive with different colors. Likewise, some area is covered
by cow dung to make the area smooth. On This day people does fasting and
believe that in this day it's better not to cook rice so family member who do
not take part in fasting should have Dhido (Nepali dish made with maize flour -
cornmeal porridge). At night puja is done where varieties of food like popcorn,
fruits, sugarcane, yam, ground nut and many more are prepared as a prasad
which are distributed among Family members after puja. Mothers apply tika on
daughter's forehead and give money as well.
Myth behind Tulsi Vivah
It is said that Lord Vishnu slept for four months and
then woke up on the day of Haribodhini Ekadashi so the wedding is known as the
unification of Lord Vishnu and Tulsi. And there is believe that lord Vishnu was
cursed by Brinda - wife of demon king Jalandhar. Jalandhar bad deeds were
increasing so Lord Vishnu in the form of Jalandhar had physical relationship
with Brinda. After knowing the fact, she cursed Lord Vishnu to be a Shaligram
and lord Vishnu promises to Marry Brinda in her next life so Tulsi is said to
be the reincarnation of Brinda. Likewise, Tulsi is also taken as the form of
goddess laxmi. Tulsi plant is auspicious plant and can be found in every house
of Hindu followers and Tulsi plant can be used for health benefits as it is
said to reduce fever, cough/ cold, reduce stress and blood pressure many more.
Nwagi Khane Din
Haribodhini Ekadashi is the wedding day of Tulsi whereas
Nwagi Khane din is the day of having Nwagi (curd mixed with bananas, harvested
rice, Sesame seeds, nuts and so on. Selroti is made for puja, This day also indicated the harvesting of
crops so Nwagi is simply a puja which is celebrated to offer crops to nature
god and forefathers as as thankfulness for the food. Nwagi puja/ basudau puja either is done
next day of Haribodhini Ekadashi or can be performed later by seeing auspicious
day by asking priest.
In a nutshell, Haribodhini Ekadashi is one of the important festivals among
Hindus. Those who follows lord Vishnu observed this festival being a devotee as
we as the celebrate it as a festival. Faith towards Vishnu and Laxmi is one of
the major reasons why people are giving much importance to this festival. And thankfulness
towards other nature is a must to do thing as we living in it, getting benefits
from it.
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