KATHMANDU: The annual ritual of moving Tulsi (holy basil) saplings from homes to specially built Tulsi shrines, known as ‘Moth’, begins today on the occasion of Ashadh Shukla Ekadashi.
This marks the start of Chaturmasa, a four-month period of special religious observances in the Hindu calendar.
Tulsi plants that were initially planted in the Moth on Jeshtha Shukla Ekadashi—roughly a month ago—are now ceremonially relocated within the household premises as part of the Vedic tradition.
In Hinduism, Tulsi is revered as a sacred plant and considered a living embodiment of Lord Vishnu.
According to Prof. Dr. Devmani Bhattarai, theologian and member of the Nepal Panchanga Nirnaya Bikash Samiti, today is also observed as Harishayani Ekadashi, the day Lord Vishnu is believed to enter a four-month cosmic slumber in Kshirsagar.
This period, ending on Kartik Shukla Ekadashi (Haribodhini Ekadashi), is referred to as Chaturmasa.
There are 24 Ekadashis (eleventh days of the lunar fortnight) in a year. Devout Hindus observe fasting on all of them, consuming only fruits.
Those unable to fast regularly often choose to observe fasts on the eight Ekadashis that fall within the Chaturmasa period.
For those with daily work commitments, fasting on Harishayani Ekadashi and Haribodhini Ekadashi is seen as particularly significant.
On this day, devotees flock to Vishnu and Narayan temples across the country, including Budhanilkantha and Char Narayan temples in the Kathmandu Valley. Traditional practices include abstaining from rice-based foods and consuming simple fruit-based meals like roti and dhindo.
Tulsi, beyond its religious value, is also recognized for its medicinal properties. Scientifically proven to release high levels of oxygen, Tulsi is known to purify air and repel disease-causing microbes.
Many believe that planting Tulsi in spaces with Vastu imbalances brings positive energy and health benefits.
The Chaturmasa observance culminates in a symbolic marriage of Tulsi and Lord Damodar (a form of Vishnu) on Kartik Shukla Ekadashi, celebrated as Haribodhini Ekadashi.
The wedding ceremony is followed by a sacred fire ritual (havan) using the Agnisthapana method, marking the conclusion of the four-month spiritual observance.
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