Puranic Stories · Other Puranas & Sacred Texts
Among the more tender and ultimately bittersweet stories in Shree Ganesh's tradition is his encounter with Tulsi, a princess whose heart was moved by the sight of him deep in meditation on a quiet riverbank.
A Devotee's Wandering Heart
Tulsi, herself deeply devoted to spiritual life, came upon Shree Ganesh absorbed in meditation and found herself drawn to his form, her admiration growing into a sincere wish to be joined with him in marriage.
A Vow That Could Not Be Set Aside
Shree Ganesh, however, had committed himself to a life of celibacy and undisturbed spiritual discipline, and Tulsi's proposal, however sincerely offered, stood directly against a vow he was not willing to break, even for so genuine an admirer.
What Devotees Seek
This story is remembered not for its disappointment alone, but for what followed: an exchange between two sincere but incompatible devotions that would go on to shape a lasting devotional custom, told in the story that continues from here.