Tulsi niyam
By tradition, tulsi leaves are not plucked on Sunday, Ekadashi, Amavasya, during an eclipse or after sunset. Tulsi is given water every morning and a diya every evening, and tulsi is not offered in the puja of Shiva ji and Ganesh ji.
✅ What to do
- Offer water to the tulsi after your morning bath.
- Light a ghee diya near the tulsi in the evening.
- Pluck leaves gently with your fingers, bowing first.
- Place tulsi leaves in the bhog of Vishnu, Krishna and Hanuman ji.
- Immerse dried tulsi in a river or clean soil.
❌ What not to do
- Do not pluck leaves on Sunday, Ekadashi, Amavasya, during an eclipse or at night.
- Do not tear leaves with your nails.
- Do not offer tulsi to Shiva ji and Ganesh ji.
- Do not keep dirt or footwear near the tulsi plant.
- Do not throw dried tulsi in the rubbish.
These niyam (rules) are based on tradition and belief; they can differ between regions and families.
Frequently asked questions
Why is tulsi not plucked on Sunday?
It is believed that on Sunday Tulsi Mata keeps a vrat for Vishnu ji, so both plucking leaves and offering water are avoided that day.
When should water not be offered to tulsi?
In many traditions water is not offered to tulsi on Sunday and Ekadashi.