CHICAGO: A large number of devotees flocked to Hindu Mandir in Grayslake on Sunday afternoon to attend the ‘Vivah Samaroh’ – a marriage of Tulsi and Saligram (Lord Krishna) – watching the ritual with reverence.
Grand decorations and a genuine marriage-like atmosphere marked the celebration of Tulsi Vivah. Devendra Patel, Dr Harsh Kumar, and Vandana Jhingan families welcomed the Baarat of Lord Krishna led by Sanjay Jetva family by exchanging Uttariyas and big hugs. Pt. Anil Joshi Ji performed an elaborate Gotrachaar. Other devotees of the temple were treated as the groom’s and bride’s relatives.
This holy wedding ceremony started with Ganesh and Var Pujan followed by Kanya and Gow Daana. With all the mantras the marriage was commemorated and rice mixed with vermilion was showered on the holy couple, Tulsi and Shaligram. Exchange of Jaya Mala was witnessed by the devotees with great enthusiasm as they were able to observe Shri Krishna, marrying Holy Tulsi dressed up in traditional Indian wedding clothes. Rita Patel, Atul Soni, Atwal, Ajay Ghai and others sung devotional and spiritually uplifting wedding and farewell songs.
Pt Joshi explained the story and significance of Tulsi in our life saying that ” we respect all the living creatures and worship plants such as Tulsi, Pipal, Banana, and Bodi trees.” Tulsi plant, he pointed out, has several medicinal properties giving out oxygen for 20 hours and ozone for 4 hours a day along with its nascent oxygen which absorbs harmful gases like carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide and sulphur dioxide from the environment.
Tulsi extracts can also be used to cure many common ailments like headache, cold, stomach disorders and many others. Tulsi is planted at the entrance of the Hindu house to bring good fortune and positive energy in the house. A Hindu household is not complete without the holy plant Tulsi.
Every person who performs the wedding of Tulsi to Lord Vishnu earns the credit of performing Kanyadaan (to marry off one’s daughter). Pt Joshi said that one purpose of organizing this vivah is to make people, particularly our younger generation, aware of Indian rituals and culture.
Geetha Patil decorated the deities and prepared a beautiful mandapam for the Tulsi Vivah ceremony. Dr Harsh Kumar thanked all devotees for their active participation and volunteers for their hard work in making every event of the temple a grand success.
Harish Rao
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