Ganesh Tulsi Story
Tulsi or holy basil plant holds a great place in our lives. Not only due to derived health benefits but also because of her spiritual significance. But, did you know that Ganesh ji is never offered Tulsi, as per Hindu beliefs. Tulsi plant that we know of now, was once a human and below an incident from her life.
Ekadant’s meditation
Long time back, during a brahmakalp (first half of the day of Brahma) Lord Ekadant was sitting by the banks of Ganga river and meditating. He was an avid devotee of Lord Vishnu and always spent his meditating time concentrating on Lord Shrihari (Lord Vishnu).
Because of his sincere penance, the surroundings started to shower radiance in his devotion. There lay a gem-studded carpet under him, sandalwood applied on his body and parijat (night-flowering jasmine) flower garland, gold, silver, pearls, etc. necklaces donned on this neck. Yellow-colored muslin clothing draped around him and his face radiating as thousands of sun. So much so, his single tooth and trunk looked beautiful too. He was so immersed with his mind in Hari bhakti, that he kept opening and closing his eyes in trance. This sight was alluring.
Ganesh Tulsi meet
Tulsi wandered on the banks of Ganga and saw this godly sight of Lord Ekadant.
She stop to wonder “This is such a divine form of Lord Ganesh. I must discuss my journey with him and seek his wisdom. He can definitely help me with my quest.”
Curious Tulsi started speaking, “Hey Ganesh, how is that the entire environment is supporting your penance here and making this sight wondrous? Is there any special puja for this? If that is so, can you please tell me who you are praying to?”
Ekadant, disrupted from his trance, looked at Tulsi. He then calmly asked Tulsi, “Mother, who are you? Why are you here and is there any reason that you have interrupted my meditation?”
Tulsi introduced herself and said, “I was curious to know in detail about your penance.”
Ekadant said, “Respected mother, interrupting penance is a sin and you should not do this again. God bless you with luck. Please be kind to leave and go about doing your business.”
Ganesh Tulsi encounter
Tulsi shared her story, “I am daughter of Dharmatmaj and was wandering the world in search of a perfect spouse. Chanting Shri Vishnu’s name, pilgrimaging from one holy place to another. During this journey, I have met so many men. But, none like you. Will you marry me? We seem to be perfect for each other.”
Ekandant said, “Mother! It is not that simple to marry. Marriage comes with difficulties and responsibilities. In my opinion, marriage only causes sadness. It is not for me. Please don’t aim for me, as you shall find many worthy matches going ahead.”
Angry Tulsi, offended by this rejection, cursed Ekadant, “You shall definitely get married someday, Ekadant. My words are not going to be falsified!”
Ganesh’s curse to Tulsi
Shocked by this occurrence, Ekadant cursed Tulsi, “Devi, you have unnecessarily cursed me. So, even I will say, you are going to marry an Asura (demon) as Vrinda and post that your afterlife would be turned into a plant.”
Saddened by this, Tulsi begged for forgiveness. Ekadant said, “I understand your worry. Even in this curse there is a boon for you. You will be loved by Shri Narayan (Lord Vishnu). Through you, humans shall pray to Lord Krishna and attain moksha. You shall be pious and be honored by Devgans. But, I shall never be pleased by you and shall reject you in every form.”
Having said this, Lord Ekadant left for Badrinath to continue his meditation.
What happened to Tulsi?
Tulsi went on to marry Shankhchud, Asura king, as Vrinda. Shankhchud, in his previous birth, was Sudama, Lord Krishna’s favorite friend. He led an Asura’s life to fulfill a curse by Radha.
Lord Vishnu, himself had come to help Vrinda transition from human form to plant – Tulsi. And then he took her soul to Vaikunth Dham (Lord Vishnu’s abode).
To read more such excerpts of Lord Ganesh from our scriptures, kindly click on Ganesha short stories here.
