Kathmandu, Nov 12: From the day of Hari Shayani Ekadashi until Hari Bodhani Ekadashi, devotees of Lord Vishnu have been observing a special ritual involving the worship of Tulasi. Today, the festival is being celebrated with the traditional marriage of Tulasi to Lord Damodar.
Every year, on the day of Kartik Shukla Ekadashi, the festival of Hari Bodhani Ekadashi is celebrated with the symbolic marriage of Tulasi to Damodar (another name for Lord Vishnu) and special rituals. This day is also known as Hari Bodhani or Prabodhini Ekadashi, as it marks the awakening of Lord Vishnu from his four-month-long slumber on the day of Hari Shayani Ekadashi, which falls in the month of Ashadh.
On this day, the sacred Tulasi plant, which was specially worshipped starting from Hari Shayani Ekadashi, is adorned with cow dung and red clay, decorated with flowers and garlands, and ceremoniously married to Lord Damodar. This tradition signifies Tulasi’s love and devotion for Lord Vishnu. A symbol of Vishnu is also worshipped near the Tulasi plant.
It is believed that during the month of Kartik, all gods and deities reside in Tulasi. Thus, homes with a Tulasi plant are considered sacred, and the plant’s fragrance is believed to purify the surroundings. Devotees believe that a house with a Tulasi plant is protected from harmful entities like the messengers of death (Yamdoot) and venomous creatures.
Today, special fairs and rituals are held at the Narayan temples around the Kathmandu Valley, including the four Narayan temples (Changu Narayan, Vishankhunarayan, Shesh Narayan, and Ichangu Narayan). Devotees who are unable to visit these temples in person are encouraged to visit Budhanilkantha’s Narayan temple, which is believed to offer the same spiritual benefits.
The temple authorities have made special arrangements at the Shesh Narayan temple and Budhanilkantha Narayan temple, where grand festivals and rituals will continue until the full moon day of Kartik Shukla.
This day marks not only a spiritual celebration but also serves as an occasion for devotees to come together in prayer, reinforcing both their faith and the bonds of community. #Ekadashi #nepal
