Last Updated on January 10, 2025 by
~~OM~~
Here is a story about the demon king, Shankachuda, and Tulsi.
Shankachuda was cursed in his previous life by Radha, to be reborn as an asura. Upon turning of age, he ventured to Pushkar. Here he would perform extreme purifying austerities, and eventually gain the favor of Brahma. Granting him the boon of invincibility, so long as he is wearing Vishnu’s kavachyam (armor). Furthermore, Brahma told him about his bride to be, Tulsi.
Meanwhile, King Dharmadhvaj was longlast rewarded by Lakshmi, for his sincere sadhana. Lakshmi took birth as his daughter, Tulsi (literally “matchless”). Upon reaching the appropriate age she left her palace and its’ comforts. After some time of unwavering austerity for the purpose of union with Vishnu, a very pleased Brahma appeared before her. She said “I want to go back to Golok and be with Vishnu.” Brahma replied “You will go back to Golok and you will marry Vishnu. However, first, you have to marry in this life. Your husband’s name will be Shankachuda.”
Tulsi returned to her meditation, reciting mantra, determined to stay put, until her groom to be does not arrive.
One day Shankachuda was passing by. The asura king was stopped dead in his tracks at the remarkably stunning sight of Tulsi, radiant and glowing with purity. Never had he been so mesmerized by another. He could not resist this attraction, nor had he any desire to do so. Without thought, without hesitation, dropping to his knees, Shankachuda asked her hand in marriage. Once Tulsi discovered who he was, she gladly accepted in order to fulfill the words of Brahma.
So the marriage was fixed. Soon after the marriage Shankachuda was crowned king. Tulsi was extremely loyal and loving with her husband. Her faith and devotion to Vishnu was also undeterred. Tulsi’s dharma was known to be the source of her husband’s invincibility. With this the asuras, led by Shankachuda raised war, invaded Indrapuri and even defeated Indra himself. Not even Shiva could stand against the invincible Shankhachuda.
So the Gods prayed:
“Vishnu, please help us! The asuras are undefeatable. Until Tulsi’s chastity is not tarnished, we can’t defeat Shankha, and he’s the king of the asuras. You have to find a way to help us.”
Vishnu replied: “I’m always willing to do the work of the Gods, because it’s destined that the Gods will come back to heaven. Asuras however, will always be bound by their desires on earth. Satyam Eva Jayate. Truth will always prevail. “
Vishnu took on the form of Shankhachuda and went to Tulsi. Entering the house, he tiptoed up behind her. Slowly tracing his rough fingers against her silken skin, he whispered: “At last, I am returned. All this time away, fueled only by hope of seeing you again. Your voice, your touch… I missed you incessantly, night after night, burning without your touch. Darling… be mine, just this very instant. I won’t bear another moment untouched by you. “
Tulsi had doubt, but quickly thought to herself: “My husband has come home after so long. Faced with a multitude of hardship and destruction daily, he returns to me! I must at once surrender to his ravenous appetite.” In that moment she melted to his touch, and was answered with a firm grasp. Suddenly, Tulsi shrieked. “Ahhh! You aren’t my husband! Who are you and what have you done? Identify yourself right now!”
Vishnu assumed his form with four arms and spoke. “You performed tapasya for the sole purpose of our union. Now here I am.”
“Yes, but not like this, not by deceit. Your trickery has secured the death of my husband, and I can’t accept that.” Came her reply.
Vishnu spoke: “Then let my worship never be complete without a Shankha. Shankha, the conch shell will henceforth, always stay by my feet. Wherever devotees gather will always be a conch shell. I’m giving you another boon also.” He continued: “You can be with Shankha in the day. Everyone who worships will chant the mantra Om Aim Hrim Klim Srim Vrndavanavasinyai Svaha, and offer tulsi leaves into the conch shell.”
In this way Tulsi gets to stay in the arms of Shankachuda all day. With the coming of night, when the worship is complete, devotees will take that conch shell water and sprinkle it on their heads.
In this way Tulsi goes back to Vishnu every night.”