The Power of Chastity
Long ago, the asura king Jālandhara was born from the fiery energy of Lord Śiva. As he grew in strength, his wife, Vrinda Devī, became known throughout the three worlds for her unshakable chastity and devotion. Due to her virtue, Jālandhara became invincible in battle—even by Śiva Himself.
The demigods, unable to defeat him, approached Lord Viṣṇu, who agreed to help preserve cosmic balance.
The Divine Deception
Disguising Himself as Jālandhara, Viṣṇu approached Vrinda while her husband was away. Mistaking Him for her husband, she welcomed Him and unknowingly broke her vow of chastity. In that moment, the spiritual power protecting Jālandhara vanished, and Śiva defeated and killed the demon in battle.
When Vrinda realized the truth, she was devastated. In agony and betrayal, she cursed Viṣṇu to turn to stone. Accepting the curse with grace, Viṣṇu manifested as the Śālagrāma-śilā, a sacred stone worshiped by His devotees.
Vrinda Becomes the Sacred Tulasī Plant
In her grief, Vrinda immolated herself in fire, and from her ashes grew the first Tulasī plant, now worshiped daily as the most beloved of Viṣṇu. Viṣṇu, out of compassion and love, blessed her with eternal union. He declared:
“O Vrinda, from this day on, you shall be known as Tulasī. I will always accept offerings made with your leaves, and I shall never be worshiped without you.”
Lessons to Be Learned
- Even the Lord Submits to Bhakti
- Vrinda’s chastity made Jālandhara undefeatable. Her devotion had more power than armies. Viṣṇu bowed to her bhakti, showing that devotion controls even God.
- Curses Become Divine Blessings
- Vrinda’s curse led to the eternal worship of Śālagrāma with Tulasī, making every worshiper part of their sacred union.
- Śrīmatī Tulasī is Not Just a Plant
- She is a spiritual person, an eternal associate of the Lord, who appeared as a plant for the sake of our upliftment.
- The Lord Fulfills the Heart of His Devotee
- Even when deception is used, it is to fulfill a higher divine purpose. Viṣṇu’s role was not to harm Vrinda but to glorify her devotion eternally.
