Premanand Maharaj
Tulsi Worship on Ekadashi: Ekadashi fast is considered to have special significance in Hindu religion. This day is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and Mother Lakshmi. It is believed that by observing Ekadashi fast and performing proper puja, a person’s sins are destroyed and happiness and prosperity comes in life. The worship of Ekadashi is considered incomplete without Mother Tulsi, because Tulsi is very dear to Lord Vishnu. But often this question remains in the minds of devotees that is it a sin to pluck Tulsi on the day of Ekadashi? Is offering water to Tulsi or plucking leaves considered inauspicious? A devotee asked Premanand Maharaj a question regarding this confusion, to which he replied in detail.
What is the rule of plucking Tulsi on Ekadashi?
It is often said in religious beliefs that on Sunday and Ekadashi, water should not be offered to Tulsi nor should Tulsi leaves be plucked. A devotee asked Premanand Maharaj a question regarding this dilemma, in response to which Maharaj ji provided very important information.
Premanand Maharaj’s opinion
Explaining the importance of Tulsi, Premanand Maharaj ji said that by seeing, touching, worshiping and consuming Tulsi, many sins of the body along with mind and speech are erased. He told that if Tulsi Manjari is offered at the feet of God, then that person gets welfare. Speaking on the rules of Ekadashi, Premanand Maharaj clearly said that it is auspicious to pluck Tulsi or offer water to Tulsi on the day of Ekadashi.
By doing this, the person does not incur any kind of sin, rather it is virtuous. Thus, Premanand Maharaj clarified the common religious belief in which plucking of Tulsi on Ekadashi is prohibited. According to him, on the day of Ekadashi, you can pluck Tulsi without any hesitation and also offer water to Tulsi.
Special rules for Dwadashi
Maharaj Premanand, along with clarifying the rules of Ekadashi, has also given a strict rule for the next day, Dwadashi (the day after Ekadashi). He told that plucking Tulsi on Dwadashi day is considered inauspicious.
Plucking a Tulsi leaf on this day is considered a great sin equivalent to ‘Brahma Hatya’. Even touching Tulsi on Dwadashi day is a sin. Finally, according to Premanand Maharaj, if you need Tulsi Dal for Ekadashi worship, then you can break it on the day of Ekadashi itself, but it is strictly prohibited to do so on the day of Dwadashi.
Importance of worshiping Tulsi on Ekadashi
Maharaj Premanand says that it is very important to worship Tulsi on the day of Ekadashi. Tulsi is very dear to Lord Vishnu and his worship is considered incomplete without Tulsi. On this day, offer water to Tulsi and revolve around it. A ghee lamp should be lit near Tulsi in the evening. According to Premanand Maharaj, whichever devotee worships and serves Mother Tulsi with a true heart, God becomes pleased with him and showers his blessings. Therefore, worship and serve Tulsi on the day of Ekadashi.
Also read: Is it selfish to chant the name for liberation or salvation? Premanand Maharaj told