Tulsi::
The Holy Basil or Tulsi is worshipped by Hindus in many parts of the world.
This year 12 - 15 th November is celebrated by many Vaishnavas as “Tulsi Shalingram Vivah.”
Here’s the *story of Tulsi - also known as Vrinda Devi. Vrindavan (The forest of Tulsi is named after her.)
Tulsi was a dear friend of Radha Rani. So much was her devotion to Krishna, that she did many severe penances to attain Krishna/ Vishnu as her husband. (According to some sources, she was goddess Lakdhmi herself.)
After long and arduous penances, she became known for her purity, chastity and devotion.
Eventually, the Lord was pleased and he granted her the “power to purify” and heal, as a sacred plant of Tulsi. Her hair became the leaves and she became known as the sacred, Worshipable plant-Goddess Tulsi.
“Tulsi” -means incomparable, or unequalled in her powers to please the Lord (Vishnu.)
No Vishnu bhoga(offering) is acceptable to the Lord until it is offered with a Tulsi leaf.
Tulsi leaves not just have the ability to cure many physical ailments, but growing and caring worshipfully for the Tulsi plant is said to bring you closer to God.
Now to end my story of Tulsi -Shalingram marriage: According to the scriptures, Lord Krishna became Shalingram (The smooth. rounded blue stones) that fell into the Gandaki river and every year at this time we celebrate the marriage of Tulsi to Lord Krishna.

*There are many versions of this story. I have highlighted the main details.
Please comment to add details and also share how you’re celebrating Tulsi Shalingram vivah.
This is the murti of Tulsi Devi I made recently. I hope you all like it.
Say “JAI Tulsi Ma.” May Tulsi Ma bless you with closeness to the divine.
@ancientindia1