Tulsi (Holy Basil) is not just a plant in Hinduism; she is worshipped as Tulsi Mata, a sacred manifestation of Goddess Lakshmi. Every Hindu household that follows daily puja treats the Tulsi plant with deep respect. However, many devotees are confused about on which day we should not touch Tulsi, when not to pluck Tulsi leaves, and the exact Tulsi plant rules mentioned in scriptures.
This article clearly explains all the sacred rules, reasons, and spiritual logic behind them in simple language.
🌿 On Which Day We Should Not Touch Tulsi Plant and Why?
According to Hindu scriptures and Vaishnav traditions, Tulsi should not be touched or plucked on certain days because these days are considered resting or highly sacred periods for Tulsi Mata.
❌ Days When Tulsi Should Not Be Touched or Plucked
1️⃣ Sunday (Ravivar)
- Tulsi Sunday touching rule says Tulsi should not be touched or plucked on Sunday.
- Sunday is dedicated to Surya Dev.
- Touching or plucking Tulsi on Sunday is believed to reduce positive spiritual energy in the house.
📖 Reason: Tulsi Mata is believed to rest on Sunday, and disturbing her is considered disrespectful.
2️⃣ Ekadashi (Most Important Rule)
- Tulsi Ekadashi rules strictly prohibit touching or plucking Tulsi leaves.
- Ekadashi is fully dedicated to Lord Vishnu.
- Tulsi Mata is considered the beloved devotee and consort of Lord Vishnu.
📖 Scriptural belief: Plucking Tulsi on Ekadashi is equal to committing a sin and reduces the spiritual merit of fasting.
👉 Never pluck Tulsi leaves on Ekadashi, even for Vishnu or Krishna worship.
3️⃣ Amavasya (New Moon Day)
- Tulsi should not be touched or plucked on Amavasya.
- This day is associated with Pitru Tarpan and ancestral rituals.
📖 Reason: The spiritual vibrations are considered heavy, and Tulsi Mata should not be disturbed.
4️⃣ Dwadashi (Day After Ekadashi)
- Tulsi should not be plucked on Dwadashi.
- Breaking Ekadashi fast without Tulsi is considered incomplete.
📖 Belief: Tulsi regains her energy on Dwadashi; plucking her leaves is avoided.
5️⃣ Night Time (After Sunset)
- Tulsi should never be touched or plucked after sunset.
📖 Reason: Tulsi Mata is believed to rest at night, and negative energies increase after sunset.
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🌱 When Not to Pluck Tulsi Leaves (Complete Rule List)
You should not pluck Tulsi leaves during the following times:
- ❌ Sunday
- ❌ Ekadashi
- ❌ Amavasya
- ❌ Dwadashi
- ❌ After sunset
- ❌ During eclipse (Surya or Chandra Grahan)
- ❌ When the plant is dry, unhealthy, or newly planted
🕉️ Tulsi Plant Rules According to Hindu Scriptures
Following proper Tulsi plant rules increases peace, positivity, and devotion in the home.
✅ Correct Tulsi Ji Puja Niyam
- Always touch Tulsi after bathing.
- Water Tulsi in the morning only.
- Light a diya near Tulsi every evening (without touching the plant).
- Chant:
“Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya”
or
“Tulasyai Namah” - Circumambulate Tulsi plant 3 or 7 times.
🙏 How to Take Tulsi Leaves Properly (When Allowed)
When plucking Tulsi leaves on permitted days:
- Join hands and seek forgiveness from Tulsi Mata.
- Do not pluck with nails; gently break the stem.
- Never pluck too many leaves at once.
- Use Tulsi leaves only for worship or prasad, not casually.
🌼 Spiritual & Scientific Reasons Behind Tulsi Rules
🔹 Spiritual Reason
- Tulsi is considered a living goddess.
- Certain days are energetically sensitive.
- Respecting Tulsi increases Satvik energy and Vishnu bhakti.
🔹 Scientific Reason
- Tulsi plant releases oxygen and medicinal oils during daytime.
- At night, the plant rests and releases carbon dioxide.
- Avoiding plucking helps the plant remain healthy.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
❓ On which day we should not touch Tulsi plant?
You should not touch or pluck Tulsi on Sunday, Ekadashi, Amavasya, Dwadashi, and after sunset.
❓ Can we water Tulsi on Sunday?
Yes, watering is allowed, but touching or plucking leaves is avoided.
❓ Can Tulsi be plucked for Krishna puja on Ekadashi?
No. Tulsi should never be plucked on Ekadashi, even for Vishnu or Krishna puja.
❓ Is it sinful to touch Tulsi at night?
Touching Tulsi at night is avoided because Tulsi Mata is believed to rest, and negative energies dominate after sunset.
🌿 Final Words
Understanding on which day we should not touch Tulsi and why helps us follow Sanatan Dharma correctly. Tulsi Mata blesses devotees with health, peace, devotion, and protection when treated with love and discipline.
By following these Tulsi ji puja niyam, you honor not just a plant—but a living divine presence in your home.
🙏 Jai Tulsi Mata 🙏
