Why isn't Tulsi offered to Lord Ganesha in worship?
Why isn't Tulsi offered to Lord Ganesha in worship?
We all are aware of the various health benefits of Tulsi, by eating one basil leaf daily many diseases of the body are destroyed. However, while discussing the devotion of Lord Ganesha, tulsi leaves are not served. Does anyone know why it is strictly forbidden to use Tulsi leaves in Ganesha Pooja? Why isn't Lord Ganesha offered such a virtuous and revered Tulsi?
According to the scriptures, Once Lord Ganesh was doing penance on the bank of the river Ganga. Tulsi, on the other hand, traveled on a pilgrimage with the intention of getting married. She saw Lord Ganesh in the state of meditation on her way, who was sitting on the throne and wearing a necklace made of precious stones.
Seeing Lord Ganesha Tulsi was fascinated by him and proposed marriage to him. Due to this Ganesha got distracted in his meditation. He immediately rejected the marriage proposal saying that he is a celibate. Tulsi felt very sad and in anger, she cursed Lord Ganesh that his marriage will go on against his wish. Since Lord Ganesh had convinced himself a celibate. Tulsi also cursed that he would now have to do two marriages. When Lord Ganesha heard this, he became enraged and cursed Tulsi, saying she would marry an Asura (Demon). Tulsi got infuriated got hearing this curse.
After a while, she realized her mistake and apologized to Ganesha. Lord Ganesha said she would marry the demon named Shankhachurna. After the curse is over then she will be considered very dear to Lord Krishna, her significance in Kaliyug will be so much that she would show the path of salvation to humans on earth. But he asserted that no one would ever offer me Tulsi leaves and that doing so would be very inauspicious.
So this explains why Tulsi is not served to Lord Ganesha during devotion.
