Why Tulsi Is NEVER Offered To Lord Ganesha.

It is a belief that Tulsi is kept in the mouth of a dying person so that his/her soul reaches Vaikunth, the abode of Vishnu. But even though Tulsi is such a sacred plant in Hinduism, it is never offered to Lord Ganesha. Do you know why?

Lord Ganesha & Tulsi’s rivalry has a very interesting story behind it. Tulsi was a beautiful woman who fell in love with Lord Ganesha when he was meditating on the banks of Ganga. Tulsi, enchanted by his appearance, requested Lord Ganesha to marry her.

Lord Ganesha, however, was living a life of a celibacy or brahmcharya at that point of time and politely refused Tulsi's proposal. He thought marriage would hamper his concentration in his ‘tapp’. Tulsi did not take it well and in turn cursed him that he will get married forcefully and won’t be able to choose his spouse.

The rude behavior of Tulsi evoked anger in Ganesha who cursed her back saying she would marry a demon and suffer throughout her life. Tulsi immediately realized her mistake, and begged Ganesha for apology. 

Lord Ganesha, being generous, forgave her, but said that even though he cannot take his curse back. He, however, said that in the next life Tulsi would be born as a sacred plant without which no Vishnu pooja would be complete. He also blessed Tulsi with exceptional medicinal properties.

As a result of the curse, Tulsi got married to a demon named Shankachuda. Her husband was later killed by Lord Shankar, and she turned into the holy basil.

The sacred plant is worshipped by all the devotees of Vishnu and Krishna ever since.