Why is Tulsi not offered to Lord Ganesha? Know the story behind it

Ganesh Chaturthi 2024: Ganesh Chaturthi is considered to be the most special among the major festivals of Hindus. This festival is mainly celebrated in Maharashtra. Lord Ganesha is worshipped on the day of Ganesh Chaturthi. According to the Hindu calendar, Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated on the Chaturthi Tithi of Shukla Paksha of Bhadrapada month. Tulsi is never offered in the worship of Lord Ganesha.

According to religious scriptures, Lord Ganesha is said to be the incarnation of Lord Krishna and Lord 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 Lord Ganesha, so much so that its use in the worship of Lord Ganesha is forbidden. But why is this so? Let us know the story behind it.

Once Shri Ganesh was meditating on the banks of Ganga. During this period Tulsi set out on a pilgrimage with the desire to marry him. Goddess Tulsi visited all the pilgrimage sites and reached the banks of Ganga. Goddess Tulsi saw Ganesh Ji on the banks of Ganga who was immersed in meditation. According to the scriptures, Ganesh Ji, immersed in meditation, was seated on a throne studded with gems. Sandalwood was applied on all his body parts. He had many necklaces of gold and precious stones along with Parijat flowers around his neck. A very soft silk yellow cloth was wrapped around his waist. Tulsi was fascinated by Shri Ganesh’s appearance and a desire to marry Ganesh arose in her mind.

Tulsi disturbed Ganesh ji’s meditation with the desire to marry him. Then Shri Ganesh said that Tulsi’s disturbing the penance was inauspicious and after knowing Tulsi’s intention, he rejected her marriage proposal by calling himself a celibate. Goddess Tulsi was very saddened by Shri Ganesh’s rejection of her marriage proposal and in anger she cursed Shri Ganesh to have two marriages. On this, Shri Ganesh also cursed Tulsi that you will marry an Asur.

Hearing the curse of being the wife of a demon, Tulsi apologized to Shri Ganesh. Then Shri Ganesh told Tulsi that you will marry 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.