Instructions For Plucking Tulsi Leaves: Mantras and Rituals

You might have seen Tulsi leaves planted in almost every Indian household, right? It’s because the Tulsi plant is very sacred and beneficial for religious activities and treating physical ailments. Therefore, we have specific instructions for plucking Tulsi leaves for you to follow. 

Why is Tulsi Plant Worshipped? 

Planting and worshipping a Tulsi Plant daily has been a Hindu ritual since ancient times. According to Puranas, the Tulsi Plant is considered beloved by Lord Vishnu and is also the manifestation of Goddess Lakshmi. 

Moreover, people consider the Tulsi plant auspicious and beneficial because it attracts good luck, abundance, and prosperity. It guards people’s homes from evil energies and keeps them lively and cheerful. The Tulsi Plant is also associated with Krishna and Vishnu Bhagwan. Therefore, worshipping and caring for the Tulsi plant can appease and seek their blessings. 

Also Read: The Favorite Flowers Of Hindu Gods And Goddess

Mantras to chant while plucking Tulsi Leaves 

The instructions for plucking Tulsi leaves require some special mantras, which should be chanted while plucking Tulsi leaves. 

Om-Om

Chanting “Om Om” 21 times while plucking Tulsi leaves is a practice to bring a sense of calm and spiritual connection. The sound “Om” is the sound of the universe, calming the mind and body. Therefore, chanting “Om” while plucking Tulsi leaves is a way to show respect and create a meditative atmosphere while worshipping the sacred plant.

Om Subhadraya Namah 

Om Suprabhaya 

Matastulsi Govind Hrudayanand Karini 

Narayanasya Pujaartham Chinomi Twaam Namostute.’

ॐ सुभद्राय नमः 

ॐ सुप्रभाय 

मातास्तुलसि गोविंद हृदयानंद कारिणी 

नारायणस्य पुजारीधाम चिनोमि त्वं नमोस्तुते।’

The devotee chants the mantra above 11 times while plucking the Tulsi plant. This powerful mantra is associated with Goddess Tulsi and Lord Vishnu. When you pluck the Tulsi plant, you pray to Goddess Tulsi through the mantra, stating that we bow before you to ask for your blessings. 

“Mahaprasadjanani, Sarva Saubhagyavardhini, Aadhi Vyaadhi Hara Nityam, Tulsi Twam Namostute” 

“महाप्रसादजननी, सर्व सौभाग्यवर्धिनी, आदि प्रधि हर नित्यं, तुलसी त्वं नमोस्तुते”

This special mantra is chanted while you are offering water to Goddess Tulsi. Offering her water signifies great respect and devotion that keep the environment of one’s home positive and vibrant. 

Rules to follow while Plucking Tulsi Leaves 

Did you know that even plucking tulsi leaves have some of the instructions to follow? So, the rules below are for understanding how to pluck Tulsi leaves without destroying its effects. 

• Firstly, always bathe and wear a clean cloth before plucking the tulsi leaves. 
• Another instruction for plucking Tulsi leaves is to use your right hand. They is always picked from the above along with the Manjari. 
• Never use your nails to break the leaves of the Tulsi plant. Always use the tip of your finger to do so. 
• Always stand in the North or Northeast direction while worshipping or plucking the Tulsi leaves. 
• To worship the Tulsi plant, you should always light a diya and offer flowers in the morning and evening. 
• It is auspicious to pluck the leaves of the Tulsi Plant during the Brahma Muhurat (4 am to 5:30 am). 

When should I pluck Tulsi Leaves? 

This section will specifically discuss the best days to pluck a Tulsi leaf and the days you should avoid doing so. 

1. Best Days to Pluck Tulsi Leaves

According to the instructions for plucking Tulsi leaves, Thursday is the best day to pluck Tulsi leaves and manjaris. Plucking Tulsi leaves on Thursday can bring abundant blessings and good fortune. Also, remember that you should always pluck the leaves before sunrise (during the Brahma Murutha). 

Moreover, before you pluck the leaves of the Tulsi plant, always make sure to bow down and seek blessings. Also, if leaves have fallen by themselves in the Tulsi plant pot, you can use those leaves for religious practices. 

2. Days to Avoid Plucking Tulsi Leaves 

One must strictly avoid plucking the leaves of Tulsi on Sunday. On this day, devotees should not even offer water to Tulsi leaves because, on this day, Tulsi Mata observes fast for Lord Vishnu. Moreover, Amavasya, Dwadashi, and Chaturdash are not favourable days for plucking the Tulsi leaves. If you have some ancestral ritual, you should not pluck its leaves even during those days. 

Why is Tulsi Leaf Offered to Selective Dieties? 

Tulsi, or Basil plant, is one of the most auspicious and religious plants that people use to offer deities. However, only the selective lords receive the tulsi plant as an offering. Tulsi plant is only offered to Vishnu Tattva dieties, among which the highest is Lord Krishna. Besides that, worshipping Lord Vishnu with the Tulsi plant can wash away all the past karmas and attain moksha. 

Also Read: Which Hindu God to Worship According To Your Zodiac?

Why Avoid Offering Tulsi Plant to Lord Ganesha? 

Hindu beliefs state that people do not offer the Tulsi plant to Lord Ganesha or any of his family members because of a mythological legend. So, once, Goddess Tulsi approached Lord Ganesha with a marriage proposal while he was meditating. However, as Lord Ganesha is celibate and avoids marriage due to his religious beliefs, he declines Tulsi’s proposal.

On hearing this, Tulsi got angry and cursed Lord Ganesha, stating that he would have to now marry twice. When Lord Ganesha heard this, he became enraged and cursed Tulsi, declaring that she would marry an Asura (Demon).On hearing this, Tulsi immediately asked for forgiveness. 

However, Ganesha noted that she would be very dear to Lord Krishna after the curse. In Kaliyug, humans on earth will highly respect her importance, and she will guide them on the path of salvation. But Ganesha also declared that no one would ever offer him Tulsi leaves, or they would have to face significant consequences. 

Frequently Asked Questions  

Also Read: Why Did Tulsi Cursed Lord Ganesh?

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