Devotees Celebrate Haribodhini Ekadashi, the Sacred Union of Tulsi and Lord Bishnu

Millions of Vedic Sanatan Hindu devotees across Nepal and parts of South Asia are observing Haribodhini Ekadashi- a sacred festival marking the symbolic marriage of Tulsi (holy basil) to Lord Bishnu’s incarnation, Damodar.

The ritual, celebrated annually on the eleventh day of the bright fortnight in the month of Kartik, is believed to awaken Lord Bishnu from his four-month divine rest.

According to Hindu tradition, Lord Bishnu falls into a cosmic slumber in the Ksheer Sagar (Ocean of Milk) on Harishayani Ekadashi in the month of Ashadh (Lunar Calendar) and awakens today on Haribodhini Ekadashi.

The day marks the end of Chaturmas, a four-month period during which devotees refrain from performing marriages and other auspicious rituals.

With the Lord’s awakening, Hindus resume mangal (auspicious) ceremonies, offering prayers and conducting the Tulsi Bivah, a symbolic wedding between Tulsi (Basil) – revered as Bishnu’s beloved – and the deity.

Homes and temples are adorned with decorated Tulsi shrines, plastered with red clay and cow dung, symbolizing purity.

Devotees decorate the shrines with garlands and lamps, and a small Bishnu symbol made of reed (nigalo) is placed beside the Tulsi plant to represent the divine groom.

Hindu scripture holds that all deities reside in Tulsi during the month of Kartik.

Worshippers perform special fire rituals and offer Tulsi leaves to Bishnu, believing that doing so grants blessings equal to donating thousands of cows.

“Tulsi is not only sacred but scientifically beneficial,” said Professor Toya Raj Nepal, a scholar of Hindu philosophy.

“Its fragrance purifies the air, repels insects, and holds medicinal value for respiratory and infectious diseases.”

Beyond its religious significance, Tulsi is deeply tied to traditional medicine. Its leaves, stems, and flowers are used to treat common colds, fevers, and malaria, while Tulsi tea is known to boost immunity.

Believers say that even the air around a Tulsi shrine kills harmful bacteria and drives away venomous snakes.

During the festival, devotees abstain from grains, eating boiled roots such as sweet potatoes and taro, as part of the day’s fasting observances.

Farmers plant sugarcane stalks near Tulsi shrines as a symbol of fertility and prosperity.

Major celebrations take place at historic temples including Changunarayan in Bhaktapur, Bishankhu Narayan in Lalitpur, Shesh Narayan and Ichangu Narayan in Kathmandu, and Budhanilkantha, believed to grant blessings equivalent to visiting all four Narayan temples.

A grand fair is also held at Kalika Temple in Nilkantha Municipality, Dhading, drawing thousands of pilgrims.

Temple head priest Dr. Rajeshwarananda said, “Those who visit and worship at Chaturbyuha Narayan in Narayanhiti receive the same merit as visiting all four sacred Narayan temples of the valley.”