Why Tulsi Is Not Offered To Lord Ganesha? Spiritual Myths
Before doing any auspicious or mangal work, Lord Ganesha is worshipped. In every worship, he is invoked first so that the work can be completed without any obstacles. According to the belief, many varieties of modaks are offered to Ganeshji in his worship; along with this, roli, akshat, durva, plant life, perfume, vermilion, etc., are offered to him. But Tulsi is never offered to Lord Ganesha. In Hinduism, Tulsi (Basil) is considered very sacred and worshipable, but Tulsi is not offered to Lord Ganesha. There is an interesting mythological story and spiritual belief behind this. So let us know why Tulsi is not offered to Ganesha.
Why is Tulsi not offered to Lord Ganesha? - Story
There are many stories related to Lord Ganesha in the Puranas, one of which is the story of Ganapati and Tulsi.
According to mythological belief, once Tulsi Devi, who was an extreme ascetic and religious girl, reached Ganesh ji while doing penance. At that time, Ganesh ji was also immersed in penance and was observing the vow of celibacy.
When Tulsi ji saw Lord Ganesh, she proposed marriage. But Ganesh ji rejected her proposal, saying that he is a celibate and will not marry. Hurt by this, Tulsi Devi cursed Ganesh ji that "You will also definitely get married."
Ganesh ji in turn cursed Tulsi that, "You will never become the wife of any god, and in this world you will be married to a demon (Shankhachud)." Due to this curse, Tulsi was considered a cursed plant after marriage, and she was forbidden from worshipping Lord Ganesh.
Hearing the curse of being the spouse of a demon, Tulsi (Basil) apologized to Shri Ganesh. Then Shri Ganesh told Tulsi that you will marry the Shankhachud demon. But then you will be dear to Lord Vishnu and Shri Krishna and will give life and salvation to the world in Kaliyug. But offering Tulsi in my worship will not be considered auspicious. Since then, Tulsi is considered forbidden in the worship of Lord Shri Ganesh Ji.
Spiritual Meaning Behind Tulsi And Ganesha
Ganesha is the image of information, prudence, and impeccable intelligence. Tulsi is commonly used in Vishnu Puja and is considered a symbol of conjugal life. Ganesha's vow of celibacy and Tulsi's marriage proposal represent opposite forms of energy, so Tulsi is considered taboo in Ganesh Puja.
Conclusion
According to spiritual scriptures, Lord Ganesha is said to be the incarnation of Shri Krishna, and Shri Krishna himself is the incarnation of Lord Vishnu. But Tulsi is very dear to Lord Vishnu, so dear that even Shaligram, a form of Lord Vishnu, was married to Tulsi. On the other hand, Tulsi is not at all dear to Ganesh ji, so much so that its use in the worship of Lord Ganesha is prohibited. If you want to know more about why Tulsi is not offered to Lord Ganesha, then talk to astrologers.
