“Why Is Tulsi Not Watered on Sundays and Tuesdays?” -

"Why Is Tulsi Not Watered on Sundays and Tuesdays?"

The Tulsi plant (Holy Basil) is considered very sacred in Hindu culture. It is not just a plant but is worshipped as Goddess Tulsi, believed to be a form of Lakshmi, the consort of Lord Vishnu. While it is a common tradition to offer water to the Tulsi plant daily, many people avoid giving water on Sundays and Tuesdays.

Let’s explore why this tradition exists — through both religious beliefs and scientific reasoning.

1. Religious Beliefs Behind the Tradition

🔸 Why Not on Sunday?

Sunday is considered the day of Surya Dev (Sun God).
According to scriptures, Tulsi is said to be the daughter of Surya.
It is believed that disturbing or watering Tulsi on this day may displease the Sun God.
Also, this day is seen as a rest day for the plant as per traditional belief.

🔸 Why Not on Tuesday?

Tuesday is associated with Goddess Durga and Lord Hanuman.
It is believed that Tulsi should not be watered on this day because it is seen as a day of rest for the plant.
Some traditions also say that on Tuesdays, Tulsi Mata is “Rajaswala” (in a symbolic menstruating/resting state), so worship or touching the plant is considered inappropriate.

📜 2. What Do Ancient Scriptures Say?

Texts like the Garuda Purana, Padma Purana, and Skanda Purana describe Tulsi’s importance in rituals.
They mention that Tulsi should be treated as a living goddess, and just like a human, she also needs rest.

3. Scientific Reason Behind Not Watering Daily

Tulsi is a delicate plant and can be easily harmed by overwatering.
Giving water every single day, especially when the weather is cool or cloudy, can lead to:
Root rot
Fungal growth
By not watering Tulsi on Sundays and Tuesdays, the plant gets time to dry out and stay healthy.
So, even from a scientific point of view, this tradition helps the plant live longer.

🌼 4. Symbolic and Emotional Meaning

Hindus treat Tulsi as a member of the family — even as a mother figure.
Just like a person needs rest, Tulsi Mata is also given rest on two days of the week.
It is an expression of love and respect, not superstition.

📿 5. Worship Tips for Sunday & Tuesday

Even though you should not water Tulsi on these days, you can still:
Offer your prayers with folded hands
Light a lamp (diya) near the plant
Chant Tulsi Mantras or Aarti
Use pre-collected Tulsi leaves for puja (do not pluck them)

✅ 6. Final Thoughts

The tradition of not watering Tulsi on Sundays and Tuesdays is a beautiful blend of spirituality and science.
It teaches us:
To take care of nature with devotion,
To understand the wisdom hidden in old customs, and
To treat plants with the same respect and love we give to people.