Why did Tulsi Cursed Lord Ganesh?

Tulsi, also known as the Holy Basil, while used for all Hindu traditions, is never offer to Lord Ganesh for puja. It is a known fact that Tulsi plant houses Goddess Lakshmi. The leaves are sacred in the Hindu culture and are offered for many important rituals. Even then, Ganapati puja never included Tulsi. In fact, Ganapati is offered durva (grass) and red jaswanti flowers, but Tulsi is not a part of the rituals. So why is it that such a holy plant is not offered in ceremony to ‘Vighnaharta’? There is an interesting story behind it.  

Story Behind Tulsi And Lord Ganesha’s Mutual Curse:

Tulsi was born as the daughter of Dharmaraj. Dharmaraj was the keeper of righteousness and instilled good values in the lady Tulsi. A young Tulsi grew up to be devoted to Lord Narayana. One day the beautiful girl was walking past Ganges and came across an ashram. In the ashram she saw a young and handsome Ganesh lost deep in meditation. As soon as Tulsi laid eyes upon him she was captivated by his beauty.

She approached the meditating Lord and asked him to marry her. Ganesh was a brahmachari then, and refused Tulsi’s proposal. This angered Tulsi and she cursed Ganesh ‘you will be married against your will to not 1 but 2 wives.’ The handsome lord also got infuriated and in turn cursed her, ‘you will be married too but to a conch-demon.’ The anger in both subsided after this harsh exchange and Tulsi now started crying and begged for mercy to Ganesh. The Lord took pity on her and said ‘you will be blessed by the Gods and be born as a plant. This plant will have the essence of all fragrances. All the gods will be happy with your presence and will be a part of rituals.

You will be especially loved by Lord Vishnu and your leaves will be used in the worship of the God. You however, will never be offered in my puja.’ After this, Ganesha went to Badrikashram and Tulsi went home. 

The curse took effect and Lord Ganapati married Riddhi and Siddhi. Devi Tulsi on the other hand got married to Shankhachuda (Or Jalandhara, the conch demon). She was devoted to her husband but as he was a demon, he caused much havoc and was finally killed by Lord Shiva. After this, Tulsi was born as a plant, the Holy Basil and became dear to Lord Vishnu. All rituals were only considered complete when Tulsi was offered to the ceremony. 

Uses Of Tulsi: 

Tulsi is an auspicious plant found in Hindu households. It is considered as the Queen of all herbs and has religious and medicinal significance: 

• It signifies Goddess Lakshmi and is said to bring abundance in the home it is planted in.
• It is offered to many Gods and Goddesses specially to Lord Vishnu during Narayan puja. 
• It is offered to dying person with water. 

Medicinal Uses of Tulsi: 

• The plant is great at fighting acne and scars on skin and is considered safe for topical use. 
• It prevents hair fall and premature greying. 
• Tulsi helps control metabolism and boost the digestive system. 
• Tulsi eye-wash relieves strain on eyes. 
• It has antiviral and antibacterial properties and is used commonly to cure fever, sore throat and cold. 

Things To Be Careful About When Planting Tulsi: 

• Tulsi leaves should never be chewed as they contain mercury which is bad for the enamel. 
• Do not subject the leaves to heat cooking. 
• Do not keep the plant in the vicinity of a garbage bin or broom (any cleaning supplies).
• Never offer Tulsi to Shiva-linga. 
• Place the Tulsi in the North or North-East direction of the house. 
• Do not pluck Tulsi leaves on Sunday or Ekadashi. 
• Do not keep thorny bushes around the Tulsi plant. 
• Avoid keeping dry or dying Tulsi in the house and immerse any dead plants in a river body.