Vrinda

Vrinda is a revered figure in Hindu dharma, known as the previous incarnation of the sacred Tulasi plant. Her story is primarily narrated in the Skanda Purana and the Padma Purana. She was the chaste and devoted wife of the demon king Jalandhara, who had obtained a boon that made him invincible as long as his wife's chastity remained intact. Vrinda's unwavering fidelity protected Jalandhara, enabling him to conquer the gods. The devas, unable to defeat him, sought the help of Vishnu, who devised a plan to break Vrinda's chastity.

According to the Skanda Purana, Vishnu assumed the form of Jalandhara and approached Vrinda, causing her to lose her chastity. Upon realizing the deception, Vrinda cursed Vishnu to become a stone (Shaligrama) and then immolated herself. From her ashes, the Tulasi plant emerged, and Vishnu declared that she would be forever worshipped as his consort. This myth underscores the power of chastity (pativrata) and the theme of sacrifice. Iconographically, Vrinda is depicted as a beautiful, chaste woman, often shown with the Tulasi plant or standing in a grove.

She is associated with Vrindavan, the forest of Vrinda, which is considered a sacred place. In Hindu cosmology, Vrinda represents the ideal of devotion and purity, and her transformation into Tulasi symbolizes the union of the devotee with the divine. Regional worship traditions include the Tulasi Vivah festival, celebrated across India, where the Tulasi plant is married to Vishnu or Krishna. Vrinda is also venerated in many households where the Tulasi plant is grown in a central courtyard, and daily rituals are performed. Her story is a reminder of the power of devotion and the ultimate triumph of righteousness.

Beautiful, chaste woman. Often depicted with tulasi plant. Associated with Vrindavan.