Lord Ganesha is venerated first by every devotee, especially at the beginning of new ventures. Now, the festival of Ganeshotsav is upon us and 10 days are dedicated to worshipping Him. During the celebrations, people make various offerings like sweets, fruits, flowers, and Durva leaves during Ganesha worship. The choice of offerings during Hindu worship can vary based on regional traditions, personal beliefs, and the specific deity being worshipped. But there are some stories that account not offering Holy basil or Tulsi to Lord Ganesha. Importance and Significance of Offering 21 Shoots of Durva to Lord Ganesha.

Why Tulsi is not offered to lord Ganesha?

Tulsi, the daughter of Dharmaraja, was a devout devotee of Lord Vishnu. One day, as she strolled along the banks of the Ganges, she encountered Lord Ganesha, meditating deeply on Lord Krishna. Ganesha, the son of Parvati, possessed exceptional beauty, magnified by his meditative state. Both were in their prime and dedicated to various forms of Lord Vishnu.

Tulsi was captivated by Ganesha's presence and proposed marriage, unaware of his celibacy. Ganesha, committed to a life of solitude and meditation, gently declined her proposal. This rejection left Tulsi deeply upset, leading her to place a curse on Ganesha. She predicted that he would be compelled to marry against his will despite his preference for celibacy. 5 Vastu Rules To Follow During Ganpati Celebration.

In response, in a turn of fate, Ganesha placed a curse on Tulsi. He foresaw her marriage to a demon and her eventual transformation into a sacred plant, Holy Basil. Upon realising her mistake, Tulsi sought Ganesha's forgiveness with heartfelt prayers.

Touched by her sincere remorse, Ganesha relented and blessed her. He proclaimed that she would be held in the highest regard among plants. Her fragrance would delight all the gods, and Lord Vishnu, in particular, would cherish her leaves during worship. However, she would forever remain ineligible for Ganesha's worship.

Tulsi later married a demon king, living happily until his defeat by the gods. Following his demise and through divine blessings, she indeed transformed into the revered Holy Basil plant, a symbol of purity and devotion. Despite her transformation, Ganesha's curse endured, underscoring the unique story of Tulsi's love, curses, and ultimate transformation into a sacred plant in Hindu culture and worship.

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The tradition of not offering Tulsi to Lord Ganesha is based on this historical story involving curses, but practices can vary, and some individuals or communities may offer Tulsi to Lord Ganesha based on their personal beliefs.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 19, 2023 01:25 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).