Indian mythological curse and boon stories. English mythology curse and boon stories.
The goddess Tulsi is considered a principal part of the primordial nature. Initially, she was a Gopi named Tulsi in Goloka. She had immense love for the feet of Lord Krishna. Seeing her devotion during the Rasa Lila, Radha became upset and cursed her to be born in a human form. As a result, Tulsi was born as the daughter of King Dharmadhwaja in India.
In Goloka, there was also a cowherd named Sudama, a chief attendant of Lord Krishna, who Radha also cursed to be born as a demon, Shankhchuda, in his next life. Due to Brahma's encouragement, Tulsi married the demon Shankhchuda in a Gandharva ceremony. With a boon from Brahma, Shankhchuda overpowered the gods and took control of the heavens. Distressed, the gods sought refuge with Lord Vishnu, who explained Shankhchuda's origin and the nature of his boon, revealing that Shankhchuda could only be defeated if Tulsi's chastity was broken.
Following this plan, Lord Vishnu deceitfully destroyed Tulsi's chastity, and Lord Shiva killed Shankhchuda with a trident. When Tulsi learned that deceit had taken her chastity, she was filled with sorrow and cursed Lord Vishnu to turn into a stone.
To console her, Lord Vishnu said, "O virtuous one! You have performed great penance for me while living in India, and Shankhchuda also did the same for a long time. After receiving you as his wife, he returned to Goloka. I deem it appropriate to reward you for your penance. Your body will be known as the Gandaki River, and your hair will manifest as a sacred plant, called Tulsi, which will be considered supreme among all flowers and leaves used in the worship of deities. You will always remain in my presence in all the world. As a result of your curse, I will reside as a stone (Shaligram) near the banks of the Gandaki River in India. The merit one gains from studying all four Vedas and performing penance will certainly be attained by worshiping the Shaligram stone."
Thus, the Gandaki River emerged from Tulsi's body, and Lord Vishnu became the Shaligram stone on its banks, a source of great merit for those who worship it.
