In Sanatan Dharma, the Tulsi plant is considered extremely sacred and worthy of worship. It is found in almost every household. According to religious beliefs, Tulsi is very dear to Lord Vishnu; hence, she is known by beautiful names such as 'Haripriya', 'Vrinda', and 'Vishnu-priya'.

It is believed that Mother Tulsi is an associate of Goddess Lakshmi and purifies the home's atmosphere. However, are you aware that the scriptures prescribe specific rules for plucking leaves from this plant? It is said that plucking Tulsi leaves is prohibited on both Ekadashi and Dwadashi.

The scriptures clearly state that one should never pluck Tulsi leaves on certain specific days. Plucking them is strictly forbidden on Sundays, Ekadashi, Amavasya (new moon day), Purnima (full moon day), and during solar or lunar eclipses. Plucking Tulsi leaves on these dates is considered a serious transgression according to the scriptures. Furthermore, there is a strict prohibition against plucking Tulsi leaves after sunset—that is, during the evening or night.

**Guidelines for Plucking Tulsi**
There are also rules regarding the method of plucking the leaves. One should never pluck Tulsi leaves by scratching them with fingernails; instead, one should use the fingertips gently. Additionally, touching the Tulsi plant in an impure state—without having bathed—is considered a sin. Also, one should not offer water to the Tulsi plant on Sundays.

**Why is plucking leaves prohibited on these days?**
The question arises: why shouldn't Tulsi leaves be plucked on these specific days? According to religious scriptures, a special kind of sacred energy is highly active within the Tulsi plant on Sundays, Ekadashi, Dwadashi, Amavasya, and Purnima. Plucking leaves on these days disrupts that energy, potentially inviting negativity into the home.

Meanwhile, during solar and lunar eclipses, the negative energies of Rahu and Ketu permeate the cosmos. Therefore, Tulsi leaves plucked during an eclipse are considered impure and are not accepted for the worship of the deity. Plucking Tulsi leaves at the wrong time or on forbidden days can incur various spiritual flaws or negative consequences. Such actions lead to unnecessary discord within the home, disrupt mental and spiritual peace, and invite financial troubles.

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