Sankashti Chaturthi 2026: Why Is Tulsi Not Offered To Lord Ganesha?

Tulsi leaves are never offered to Lord Ganesha: Sankashti Chaturthi, also known as Sankata Hara Chaturthi, is a festival dedicated to Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles. This festival is celebrated on the fourth day (Chaturthi) of the Krishna Paksha (waning phase of the moon) every month according to the Hindu lunar calendar. This time, it is being observed on August 2, 2026.

Devotees observe a fast on this day and pray to Lord Ganesha by offering durva grass, red hibiscus flowers and modak. However, you will never find tulsi being offered to Lord Ganesha on any occasion.

Tulsi is considered the most sacred plant in Hinduism. It is believed to be associated with Goddess Lakshmi. Lord Ganesha and Goddess Lakshmi are worshipped together on Diwali. So why is tulsi never offered to him? Let's understand the reason behind it.

Why Is Tulsi Never Offered To Lord Ganesha?

According to the Brahmavaivarta Purana, once Lord Ganesha was doing meditation on the banks of the River Ganga. At the same time, Tulsi was searching for a suitable groom. When she saw Lord Ganesha, she was captivated by his divine appearance and proposed marriage to him.

Lord Ganesha, at that time, was practising celibacy and was in the middle of his meditation, refused her proposal. Feeling insulted by his refusal, Tulsi became angry and cursed Lord Ganesha, saying that he would have to marry twice. When Lord Ganesha heard this, he too became enraged and cursed Tulsi, saying she would marry an asura (demon). Tulsi got infuriated upon hearing this curse.

After a while, Tulsi realised her mistake and apologised to Lord Ganesha. Vighnaharta, in return, blessed Tulsi, saying that when the curse is over, she will be considered very auspicious to Lord Vishnu and her significance in Kaliyug will be to show the path of salvation to mankind. However, he asserted that no one would ever offer him Tulsi leaves and that doing so would be very inauspicious.

Because of this, Tulsi leaves are considered very auspicious and are universally accepted in puja rituals but are not offered to Lord Ganesha. Instead, dhruva grass and flowers are offered to him.

Lord Ganesha is offered durva grass, flowers and modak by devotees (Image: Pexels)

ALSO READ: Why Lord Ganesha Is Worshipped With Goddess Lakshmi On Diwali? Know The Mythological Reason

Rituals To Follow On Sankashti Chaturthi

• Devotees need to wake up before sunrise, take a bath, and observe the Sankashti Chaturthi fast.
• Devotees can observe a complete fast or partial fast on this day
• Place the idol of Lord Ganesha in a clean and sacred space.
• Light a ghee lamp and incense sticks, and chant Lord Ganesha's mantras.
• Offer durva grass, modaks, and fresh flowers to the deity.
• Pray to Lord Ganesha throughout the day and seek his blessings.
• In the evening, after performing the puja and offering prayers, devotees can break their fast.

Tulsi leaves are never offered to Lord Ganesha because of the curse mentioned in the Brahmavaivarta Purana (Image: Pexels)

ALSO READ: Can You Place Lord Ganesha's Idol At The Main Door? Vastu Rules You Should Know

So, the tradition of not offering Tulsi to Lord Ganesha is rooted in the legend mentioned in the Brahmavaivarta Purana. While Tulsi holds immense significance in the worship of Lord Vishnu, Lord Ganesha is traditionally worshipped with offerings such as durva grass, red hibiscus flowers, and modaks.