Tale Of The Shaligram: Why Was Vishnu Cursed?

You must have noticed that Lord Vishnu is often worshipped in many places in the form of a black stone. During the time of Satya Narayan puja in any Hindu household, the priest carries this stone along with him and places it near the idol and then starts reciting the mantras. This black stone is known as Shaligram stone.

It was due to a curse that Lord Vishnu turned into a stone. A curse so powerful that even the most powerful God, one among the trinity could not do anything but accept it. Lord Vishnu received this curse from one of His most loyal devotee, Vrinda.

ALSO SEE: THE FESTIVAL OF TULSI VIVAH

The curse turned Lord Vishnu into a stone which is popularly known as Shalimar. It is found near the banks of the Gandaki river only. It is usually black, red or mixed in colour and is kept in a box. Anyone who keeps a Shalimar stone at home has to follow strict rules of cleanliness and worship.

The tale of the Shaligram stone is interesting and sad at the same time. It is a story of arrogance, devotion, love and betrayal. The God tricked His most loyal devotee and earned a curse for Himself in return. Read on to find out the whole story of the Shalimar stone and why Lord Vishnu was cursed.

Jalandhar: A Part Of Shiva

There was once a demon king named Jalandhar. He was born out of the flames which emanated from Lord Shiva's third eye. That is why he was an extremely powerful warrior. He was married to the demon princess named Vrinda. Vrinda loved Jalandhar very dearly and was a devoted wife. Her devotion, loyalty and chastity made Jalandhar invinsible.

Jalandhar Faces Shiva

Jalandhar was against the demi Gods and chased them out of the heaven. He established his own kingdom. The demi Gods went praying to Lord Vishnu and Shiva for help. Shiva knew that He could never defeat Jalandhar because he was a part of Shiva Himself. Yet, Lord Shiva went on to fight with Jalandhar. The battle continued for years but Lord Shiva could not defeat Jalandhar because of the protection which was provided by Vrinda's chastity and devotion for her husband.

Vrinda: The Greatest Devotee Of Vishnu

In spite of being the demon princess and wife of the demon king, Vrinda worshipped Lord Vishnu. She was a dedicated and staunch devotee of Lord Vishnu and prayed to Him with all her faith.

Vishnu's Betrayal

When the demi Gods saw that even Lord Shiva could not defeat Jalandhar, they turned to Lord Vishnu. Lord Vishnu could not do anything other than playing a trick to malign Vrinda's chastity. He disguised Himself as Jalandhar and stood in front of Vrinda. Vrinda could not recognise Lord Vishnu and thought Jalandhar had returned. She ran into his arms and soon realised that it was not Jalandhar. Her chastity was maligned and the protection of Jalandhar was destroyed. As a result Lord Shiva killed Jalandhar in no time.

Dev Uthni Ekadashi: देवउठनी एकादशी पर शालिग्राम पूजन का महत्व और लाभ | Shaligram Pooja | Boldsky

Vrinda's Curse

Realizing her mistake, Vrinda asked Lord Vishnu to show His real form. She was shattered to see that she was tricked by her own Lord. Seeing Lord Vishnu disguising as Jalandhar and tricking her to break her chastity, Vrinda cursed Lord Vishnu. She gave the curse that Lord Vishnu would turn into a stone. Lord Vishnu accepted the curse and He turned into the Shaligram stone. Vrinda was also heart broken and decided to end her life.

Tulsi's Boon

Lord Vishnu accepted the curse as He felt guilty of betraying His greatest devotee. So, He gave Vrinda a boon that from her ashes the plant of Tulsi would be born and the plant would get married to the Shaligram stone. This way her chastity would not be maligned and she would stay with Lord Vishnu forever. Vishnu also said that he would never accept food without Tulsi and therefore Vishnu's prasadam is always offered with a leaf of Tulsi in it.

Shaligram's Marriage With Tulsi

It is considered extremely auspicious for couples if they marry the Tulsi plant with the Shalimar stone on the day of Dev Parbodhini Ekadashi. It brings happiness and prosperity in their marriage.