Why Did Tulsi Get Cursed by Lord Vishnu? A Lesser-Known Tale of Devotion and Betrayal

Why Did Tulsi Get Cursed by Lord Vishnu? A Lesser-Known Tale of Devotion and Betrayal (image: Canva)

In the ancient times, a powerful asura (demon) named Sankhchuda performed intense penance and pleased Lord Brahma. As a result, he received a boon of invincibility and a divine armour that protected him from death. As long as he wore the armour, no one—not even Lord Shiva or Lord Vishnu—could harm him.

With this power, Sankhchuda conquered the three worlds and even drove the gods from their celestial abodes. The troubled deities approached Lord Brahma for help. Brahma advised Lord Vishnu to act. But defeating Sankhchuda directly would break Brahma’s boon—something even the gods wouldn’t dare.

To save the universe while respecting the boon, Lord Vishnu took the form of an old Brahmin. He visited Sankhchuda and asked for the divine armour as a gift. Known for his generosity, Sankhchuda gave it away, unaware of who the Brahmin truly was. Now vulnerable, Sankhchuda returned to his wife Tulsi, unaware that Lord Vishnu was planning the final step. Vishnu disguised himself as Sankhchuda and visited Tulsi at the palace.

Tulsi’s Devotion and Betrayal

Tulsi, thrilled at her husband's victorious return, welcomed him with love and celebration. But she noticed strange changes in his behaviour. Eventually, she realised something was wrong and questioned him. When Lord Vishnu revealed His true form, Tulsi was heartbroken. She felt betrayed, not knowing Vishnu's divine plan, and cursed Him in anger: “You broke a woman’s chastity and trust. You shall turn into a stone!” Lord Vishnu silently accepted her curse.

At that moment, Lord Shiva appeared and explained everything to Tulsi. He told her that her intense penance and devotion had destined her for something greater. Shiva revealed that she would now be transformed into the sacred Tulsi plant, forever beloved by Lord Vishnu, and would live with Him in Vaikuntha. He also explained that:

• Lord Vishnu would take the form of the sacred Shaaligram stone.
• Tulsi leaves and Shaaligram together would become the holiest pair in Hindu worship.
• Tulsi’s mortal body would turn into the holy Gandaki River, where Shaaligram stones would be found.

Lord Shiva blessed Tulsi, saying she would always remain close to Lord Vishnu in both divine and earthly forms. He declared that:

• Picking Tulsi from a Shaaligram brings bad luck.
• Worshipping Tulsi, Shaaligram, and conch together brings divine blessings.
• The confluence of Tulsi and Shaaligram would offer immense punya (spiritual merit).