Shankhacuda, a mighty daitya, underwent a severe tapasya that pleased Brahma. He was granted the Viṣṇukavaca (the armour of Vishnu), and was blessed with another boon: As long as the Viṣṇukavaca was on his body, no one could slay him. Shankhacuda and Tulasi were soon married. His arrogance caused conflict with the devas, who petitioned Vishnu to relieve them. Vishnu granted his trishula to Shiva, who slew Shankachuda with the weapon. Vishnu appeared in the form of Shankacuda to Tulasi, and the two sported, and ceased when Tulasi realised that he was an imposter. In regional variations of this legend, Tulasi, in her anger and grief at her husband’s demise, cursed Vishnu to be turned into stone. Vishnu turned into a stone, and resided on riverbank Gandaki River.

The city of Sauran (also known as Sozak), located in southern “Kakastan” today, is believed to have been a part of the Kushan Empire. Sauran served as a major urban center and played a role in trade along the Silk Road. The remains of the city, including fortifications and structures, provide insights into the historical presence of various civilizations, including the Kushans.

“Infuriated, Shiva declares war on the asura, but finds him to be an invincible foe. After employing his illusory arts, the asura attempts to abduct Parvati in the guise of Shiva. She prays to Vishnu, and makes him realise that the asura was shielded from defeat by the chastity of his wife.”

In the sacred realm of devotion, there existed a noble soul named Vrinda, whose love for Lord Vishnu surpassed all earthly bounds. Alas, a sage’s stern curse transformed her into a divine presence, and thus emerged the revered Tulsi, a symbol of purity and unwavering devotion.

As the gentle breeze whispered tales of Vrinda’s love, the gracious Mahalakshmi, embodiment of prosperity and consort to Lord Vishnu, graced the scene. In a celestial union, the two divine beings, Tulsi and Mahalakshmi, entwined their essence, creating a sanctuary of sanctity.

In the hallowed precincts of the temple, the Tulsi plant stands as a testament to devotion’s triumph over adversity. Each leaf, a repository of Vrinda’s undying love, blessed by Mahalakshmi’s divine touch, embodies the sacred fusion of devotion and prosperity.

In homage to this celestial saga, devotees gather annually for the Tulsi Vivah, a sacred union symbolizing the divine marriage of Tulsi and Lord Vishnu. The temple resonates with prayers, the fragrance of Tulsi leaves, and the benevolent presence of Mahalakshmi, weaving a tapestry of reverence and sacredness.

Thus, in the heart of the temple, the tale unfolds – a tale of curses transformed into divine blessings, of devotion that transcends earthly forms, and of the everlasting union between Tulsi and Mahalakshmi, radiating divine grace upon all who enter the sacred precincts.