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During Ganesh Chaturthi, devotees offer prayers and decorate homes and pandals for Bappa, but Tulsi is traditionally avoided due to ancient religious beliefs.
Although many flowers and leaves are offered during Ganesh Puja, Tulsi is traditionally avoided. (News18 Hindi)
Ganesh Chaturthi, one of India’s most celebrated festivals, is set to begin on Wednesday, August 27 this year. Marked with religious fervour across the country, the 10-day festival honours Lord Ganesha and starts on the fourth day of the Hindu lunisolar month ‘Bhadrapada’, beginning with ‘Chaturthi’ and concluding on ‘Anantha Chaturdashi’.
Devotees prepare meticulously, decorating homes and pandals, offering prayers, and presenting various offerings to Bappa. Interestingly, while many flowers and leaves are offered during Ganesh Puja, Tulsi is traditionally avoided.
Astrologer Anshul Tripathi explains that this has its roots in an ancient mythological story, carrying both religious and spiritual significance.
According to the astrologer, Tulsi once proposed marriage to Lord Ganesha. However, Ganesha, devoted to celibacy, declined. Angered by the refusal, Tulsi cursed Ganesha to marry, to which Ganesha responded by cursing her, declaring she would never be suitable for marriage or accepted in his worship. Since then, offering Tulsi in Ganesh Puja has been considered forbidden.
In Hindu rituals, every flower and leaf carries specific significance. Lord Ganpati is said to favour Durva grass, red flowers, modak, and Shami Patra, while Tulsi is not offered. These offerings are considered auspicious and are believed to bring happiness, prosperity, and divine blessings. This tradition is believed to ensure the efficacy of prayers, as offering Tulsi is thought to yield no blessings.
The prohibition of Tulsi in Ganesh Puja also carries a spiritual lesson. It underscores the principle that not everything is suitable everywhere. Just as Tulsi holds the highest place in Vishnu Puja, its use is restricted in Ganesh Puja, teaching devotees balance, discretion, and proper perspective in life.
Occasionally, it may be mistakenly placed, but it is promptly removed in adherence to tradition. Religious texts and Puranas reinforce this practice, ensuring that the faith and devotion associated with Ganesh Puja are maintained.
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