Pt. Shri. Vedavyasacharya
General
A question is asked: When we pluck Tulasi leaves for the worship of God, it is said that the nails should not touch the leaf. What is the scriptural authority for this?
The scriptural statement says:
“Nakha-sparśena rahitaṁ cinuyāt śucinā svayam.”
This means that Tulasi should be plucked personally, in a state of purity, and without the touch of the nails.
Therefore, when taking Tulasi leaves from the plant for the worship of God, one should gently pluck them without touching them with the nails. Only such Tulasi leaves should be offered to the Lord.
Hence, while plucking Tulasi, it should be done softly and carefully without nail contact, then placed in a vessel and taken for offering to God during the puja.
