The rituals of worshipping Lord Vishnu can never be completed without the tulsi leaves, which is the most sacred herb available. Lord Krishna becomes very happy if he is given a garland of tulsi leaves. Along with the spiritual benefits, it is also known to have strong medicinal effects that make it a highly valuable plant.

Tulsi Vivah Legend

Padma Purana has narrated the story of Krishna and Tulsi. In fact, Lord Brahma has also said the legendary story of Lord Krishna and the Tulsi plant to sage Vaisishta. Kalanemi was a demon who was the ruler of Mathura and had a beautiful daughter named Vrinda. He got his daughter married to Jalandhar, who was the demon of water. She was completely devoted to her husband and created a shield around him that made him invincible. Jalandhar claimed himself to be the Lord of the Oceans and when the ocean was churned in search of the immortal nectar numerous valuable things were obtained. He claimed all the things as the ocean was churned to obtain those.

This created a conflict between him and the gods. Jalandhar had a boon of invincibility till Vrinda stood beside him. To overcome his power Lord Vishnu had to charm Vrinda in the form of Jalandhar. This mesmerized Vrinda and Lord Vishnu was successful to take her out of the grasp of the demon, which led to the defeat of the demon. When Vrinda got to know about the trick, she cursed Lord Vishnu of becoming a black stone, which is popularly known as shaligram and is used for Narayan Puja. She also cursed him of losing his wife that eventually became true during Ramayana. In spite of the curses, Lord Vishnu blessed her to become Tulsi plant for her devotional nature. He also promised to marry her year after year on Krishna Ekadashi day.

On the divine day of Krishna Ekadashi, the holy bond between Lord Krishna and Tulsi is established. A person who accomplishes this ritual is believed to do a charity equivalent to kanyadaan that is the greatest charity in the Hindu religion.