On Monday, 3 November, the auspicious day of Triyodashi in the month of Kartik Pradosh as per the Hindu calendar, Bharatiya Mandir, the first Hindu temple established in New Zealand witnessed a grand celebration of the sacred ritual of Tulsi Vivah. The annual ceremony, symbolising the divine marriage of Goddess Tulsi and Lord Shaligram (a form of Lord Vishnu), was conducted jointly by Bharatiya Mandir and Radha Krishna Mandir in the presence of nearly 300 devotees, amid great devotion, joy, and festivity.
As part of a long-standing tradition between the two temples, Bharatiya Mandir and Radha Krishna Mandir alternate roles each year as the “bride’s side” and the “groom’s side” for this sacred event. This year, Bharatiya Mandir took on the role of the bride’s family, while Radha Krishna Mandir represented the groom’s side, bringing with them the divine groom, Lord Shaligram. The Baraat (wedding procession) from Radha Krishna Mandir arrived at Bharatiya Mandir at around 7:30 p.m., accompanied by a lively group of devotees singing, dancing, and rejoicing in the spirit of the occasion.
The arrival of the Baraat was met with spectacular celebrations and fireworks at the entrance of Bharatiya Mandir, symbolising a warm welcome to the guests, just as is customary in any traditional Hindu wedding in India. The groom’s side was greeted ceremoniously in the Mandir foyer by representatives of Bharatiya Mandir and members of the Mandir management committee, who performed rituals of welcome and offered blessings to mark the start of the divine union.
The Tulsi Vivah holds immense spiritual significance in Hinduism, symbolising the onset of the auspicious marriage season and the triumph of devotion and virtue. This unique tradition of jointly celebrating Tulsi Vivah has continued since the establishment of Radha Krishna Mandir in the year 2000, making this year’s celebration the 25th anniversary of this sacred partnership between the two temples. Over the past two and a half decades, the event has not only become a religious ritual but also a vibrant cultural bridge that strengthens the bonds of faith and community among the Hindu diaspora in New Zealand.
The evening’s ceremony followed all the rituals of a traditional Hindu wedding. Priests from both temples officiated the proceedings, chanting Vedic hymns and performing pujas and sacred rites for over an hour. The ceremony culminated with the Saptapadi, the seven sacred vows taken by the divine couple, symbolising their eternal union. Every step was observed with the same devotion and splendour as a human wedding, reflecting the deep cultural and spiritual connection of the devotees to this tradition.
Following the rituals, all attendees were invited to partake in a grand Prasad, and wedding feast organised by Bharatiya Mandir. More than 400 devotees and guests enjoyed the sumptuous meal, adding to the spirit of community and celebration. The temple was beautifully decorated with flowers, lights, and traditional mot
ifs, creating an atmosphere of sacred festivity.
Officials from Bharatiya Mandir were present throughout the evening, ensuring that every aspect of the celebration, from rituals to hospitality, was conducted with devotion and grace. Members of the groom’s side, representing Radha Krishna Mandir, expressed their heartfelt appreciation for the warm reception and excellent arrangements made by Bharatiya Mandir.The Tulsi Vivah not only reaffirmed the deep spiritual bond between the two temples but also highlighted the commitment of New Zealand’s Hindu community to preserving and celebrating the rich traditions of Sanatan Dharma. The event served as a reminder that even thousands of miles away from their homeland, devotees continue to uphold their cultural heritage with devotion and unity. -Yugal Parashar