Do Not Touch Tulsi in Sawan: Why It Is Forbidden and Its Connection to Lord Shiva's Worship

The holy month of Sawan (Shravan) is considered one of the most spiritually charged periods in the Hindu calendar. Devotees across India observe fasts, visit temples, and offer special prayers to Lord Shiva during this time. However, one lesser-known but widely followed tradition is avoiding the touch or worship of the Tulsi (Holy Basil) plant during Sawan. But why is Tulsi, a sacred and revered plant in Hinduism, not touched in this pious month? Let’s explore the spiritual reason and mythology behind it.

Why You Should Not Touch Tulsi During Sawan

Tulsi is usually worshipped daily in Hindu households, especially by women. It is considered the consort of Lord Vishnu, and rituals involving Tulsi are central to Vaishnav traditions. However, Sawan is a month dedicated to Lord Shiva, and there's a deep mythological reason why Tulsi is kept aside during this time.

Mythological Belief Behind the Practice

According to Hindu mythology, Tulsi is deeply devoted to Lord Vishnu. During Sawan, the entire focus of worship shifts toward Lord Shiva, and it's believed that Tulsi, being Vishnu’s consort, does not favor the worship of Shiva during this month. Touching or offering Tulsi to Lord Shiva is considered inauspicious, and such an act is believed to make your Shiv Puja incomplete.

Moreover, an ancient legend tells of a time when Tulsi cursed Lord Shiva due to a misunderstanding involving a demon named Jalandhar (Tulsi’s husband in some legends). Because of this enmity, it is believed that Lord Shiva does not accept offerings of Tulsi, especially in Sawan.

What Happens If You Touch or Offer Tulsi in Sawan?

If someone unknowingly touches or plucks Tulsi leaves during Sawan:

It is considered disrespectful to Lord Vishnu and inappropriate for Shiva Puja.

Devotees believe that it may cause disruption in spiritual harmony and reduce the fruits of Shravan fasts or pujas.

Offering Tulsi to Lord Shiva is especially prohibited—it is believed that he rejects such offerings.

What You Should do Instead

Avoid plucking Tulsi leaves for any ritual during the entire month of Shravan.

Focus your devotion on Lord Shiva with bilva leaves, dhatura, milk, and gangajal—items he is believed to favor.

You can still offer prayers near the Tulsi plant, but avoid touching or disturbing it.

Final Thoughts

Sawan is a sacred time for intense devotion to Lord Shiva, and adhering to traditional do's and don'ts enhances the spiritual merit. While Tulsi remains sacred all year, honoring this age-old belief of not touching it during Sawan shows respect toward both Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu, maintaining devotional balance.

So, as you observe your Sawan vrat and perform pujas, remember—refrain from touching Tulsi, and let your prayers reach Shiva without any spiritual hindrance.

(Disclaimer: This content including advice provides general information only. NewsCrab does not claim responsibility for this information.)

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