1 About Flowers used in Hindu Rituals and Pujas About Flowers
used in Hindu Rituals and Pujas About Flowers used in Hindu Rituals
and Pujas About Flowers used in Hindu Rituals and Pujas Flowers And
Hinduism Flowers And Hinduism Flowers And Hinduism Flowers And
Hinduism Both in worship and in portrayals of the divine, Hindus
are infatuated with flowers. The very name of the Hindu worship
ritual, puja, can be translated as "the flower act." The lotus is
the foremost symbol of beauty, prosperity and fertility. According
to Hinduism, within each human inhabiting the earth there is the
spirit of the sacred Lotus. It represents eternity, purity and
divinity and is widely used as a symbol of life, fertility,
ever-renewing youth and describes feminine beauty, especially the
eyes. One of the most common metaphysical analogies compares the
Lotus perennial rise to faultless beauty from a miry environment to
the evolution of man's consciousness - from instinctive impulses to
spiritual liberation. In the Bhagavad Gita, a sacred Hindu text,
man is adjured to be like the Lotus - he should work without
attachment, dedicating his actions to God, untouched by sin like
water on a Lotus leaf and the beautiful flower standing high above
the mud and water. In the postures of Hatha Yoga, a major branch of
Yoga, the lotus position, padmasana, is adopted by those striving
to reach the highest level of consciousness, which itself is found
in the thousand-petaled lotus chakra at the top of the head.
Flowers And Hinduism Flowers And Hinduism Flowers And Hinduism
Flowers And Hinduism Both in worship and in portrayals of the
divine, Hindus are infatuated with flowers. The very name of the
Hindu worship ritual, puja, can be translated as "the flower act."
The lotus is the foremost symbol of beauty, prosperity and
fertility. According to Hinduism, within each human inhabiting the
earth there is the spirit of the sacred Lotus. It represents
eternity, purity and divinity and is widely used as a symbol of
life, fertility, ever-renewing youth and describes feminine beauty,
especially the eyes. 2 One of the most common metaphysical
analogies compares the Lotus perennial rise to faultless beauty
from a miry environment to the evolution of man's consciousness -
from instinctive impulses to spiritual liberation. In the Bhagavad
Gita, a sacred Hindu text, man is adjured to be like the Lotus - he
should work without attachment, dedicating his actions to God,
untouched by sin like water on a Lotus leaf and the beautiful
flower standing high above the mud and water. In the postures of
Hatha Yoga, a major branch of Yoga, the lotus position, padmasana,
is adopted by those striving to reach the highest level of
consciousness, which itself is found in the thousand-petaled lotus
chakra at the top of the head. Ancient literature in India is
replete with names of various flowers. Most of these flowers are
referred to by names which are not in common use today. One
frequently comes across flower names like Kund , padam , kumud ,
neelkamal . Surely, one would like to know what these flowers are,
as we know them today. The purpose of this section is to throw some
light on this. Ashok Ashok Ashok Ashok (Saraca indica) -- Sita
Ashok `Ashok' is a Sanskrit word meaning without grief or that
which gives no grief. Ashoka, a herald of spring, has scarlet or
crimson bunches of flowers in early March. It is said to flower
upon being touched by a beautiful woman's feet. In the Ramayana,
Sita spent her sorrowful days under an Ashoka tree in Ravana's
garden after being abducted by him. P PP Prij rij rij rijt t t t
(Nyctanthes arbor-tristis) -- Hr-Singr 3 According to mythology,
Prijta is a heavenly tree brought to earth by lord Krishna. A
quarrel over it ensued between Satyabhama and Rukmini, Krishna's
wives. But Krishna planted the tree in Satyabhama's courtyard in a
way that when the tree flowered, the flowers fell in Rukmini's
courtyard. Lord Vishnu's heavenly throne is placed under a
flowering Parijata tree, and Hanuman lives under its shade. Another
romantic story woven around the tree is about princess Prijta who
fell in love with the sun. When he deserted her she committed
suicide and a tree sprung from the ashes. Unable to stand the sight
of the lover who left her, the tree flowers only at night and sheds
them like tear-drops before the sun rises. Kadamb Kadamb Kadamb
Kadamb + + + + (Neolamarckia cadamba) -- Kadamb Kadamba trees and
flowers are also a universal favourite among the Gods. Krishna
loved to sport in Kadamba forests, and the Mother Goddess Durga
resides in a Kadamba forest (Kadamba vana vsin). Kamal Kamal Kamal
Kamal (Nelumbo nucifera) -- Lotus The (red) lotus has pride of
place in Indian literature. The national floweris another universal
favourite of the Gods, and its beauty is often used in in similes
for the beauty of heros/heroines: "face as beautiful as a blooming
lotus" or "eyes shaped like lotus petals". A woman's beauty may be
compared to that of a pond full of blooming lotuses (Nalin, padmin)
or her slender frame to that of a lotus stem. A famous couplet
ascribed to Kalidasa describes a woman's face as a miracle of
flower blooming within a flower: her beautiful eyes are like dark
blue lotuses blooming in the pink lotus of her face! 4 The goddess
Lakshmi sits on a red Lotus, and Sarasvati, on a white one. The
Lotus is associated with Lord Brahma, who was created sitting on a
lotus arising from the navel of Lord Vishnu. The lotus has esoteric
and sacred significance in spirituality. The Mother Goddess (Devi)
is called Kamalmba or "Lotus Mother": she resides in a
thousand-petalled lotus said to be located in the Sahasrra Chakra
in the head. Raising the serpent power kundalini to this place
leads to Realization, which is the aim of the practitioners of "Sri
Vidya Upasana". Lotus symbols are central in yantra patterns, and
form part of many designs of decoration in more secular contexts.
The lotus blooms at day and closes at night: so the sun is referred
to as the "Friend of the Lotus". Karnik Karnik Karnik Karnikr r r r
(Pterospermum acerifolium) -- Kanak Champ This golden-hued flower
has a beautiful tassel-like form which makes it look very
ornamental. It has an intense fragrance, perceptible even from a
great distance while it is on the tree. The fragrance starts fading
the moment it is plucked. The golden pendant flowers of the
Karnikara adorn the ears of Sri Krishna in the Bhagavatam (karnayoh
karnikram). Vakul Vakul Vakul Vakul (Mimusops elengi) -- Maulsari A
very small, yellowish and fragrant flower used for garlands and
other ornaments. The milkmaids of Vrindavan are allured by Krishna
playing his flute under a Bakula tree on the banks of the Yamuna.
This tree is said to blossoms when sprinkled with nectar from 5 the
mouth of lovely women. M MM Mlat lat lat lat (Aganosma dichotoma)
-- Mlat Mlat is a vine with very fragrant white jasmine-like
flowers. This flowers is frequently confused with jasmine. Ancient
Hindu mythological stories are full of references to Mlat flowers,
as in the braids of women, or in overhanging bowers under which
lovers meet. Malati flowers routinely drop from the hair of women!
M MM Mdhav dhav dhav dhav Lat Lat Lat Lat (Hiptage benghalensis) --
Mdhav In stories of Krishna, Madhavi-lata is found every where in
Vrindavan, and creates a wonderful atmosphere with its fragrance
and the three-colored flowers: "This forest has Atimukta-trees,
therefore the chariot makers resort to it (chariots are made of the
wood), the makers of Madhavi-garlands like it (Atimukta means
Madhavi flower) and those who desire liberation come here (to
Vrindavana; (Atimukta means completely liberated). Ketak Ketak
Ketak Ketak | | | | (Pandanus odoratissimus ) -- Kewd A fragrant
flower used in making perfume and aromatic oil, Ketaki is not used
in worship: it is supposedly cursed by Lord Shiva for bearing false
witness of Lord Brahma. According to a Puranic legend, Vishnu and
Brahma were arguing hotly as to which of them was supreme. Lord
Shiva interceded, appearing amidst them in the form of a 6 huge
pillar of light. The contestants decided that the question would be
settled by the one who first found the limit of this awesome cosmic
pillar. Vishnu set off towards its base but was unable to find it
and admitted defeat. Whereas Brahma on his journey upwards came
across ketaki flower floating down slowly. Inquiring from the
flower from where she had come from, ketaki replied that she had
been placed at the top of the pillar of light. Unable to find the
uppermost limits Brahma decided to take the flower back to Vishnu
to bear witness that he had reached the top of the pillar. This
infuriated Shiva. Brahma was punished for lying and the creator was
banned from being worshipped. Similarly, ketaki was also cursed
that she would never again be used in worship of Shiva. Thus,
ketaki is debarred forever from being offered in worship. Neel
Kamal Neel Kamal Neel Kamal Neel Kamal (Nymphaea nouchali/stellata)
-- Blue Waterlily The dark complexion of Krishna is compared to
that of Neelkamal. For this reason, the Blue Waterlily is also
called Krishna Kamal. In the 'Ramayana', as it goes, Rama went to
'Lanka' to rescue his abducted wife, Sita, from the grip of Ravana,
the king of the Demons in Lanka. Before starting for his battle
with Ravana, Rama wanted the blessings of Devi Durga . He came to
know that the Goddess would be pleased only if she is worshipped
with one hundred 'NeelKamal' or blue lotuses. Rama, after
travelling the whole world, could gather only ninety nine of them.
He finally decided to offer one of his eyes, which resembled blue
lotuses. Durga, being pleased with the devotion of Rama, appeared
before him and blessed him. Kund Kund Kund Kund (Jasminum
multiflorum/pubescens) -- Star jasmine In Indian mythology, Kund is
known for its whiteness. So, instead of 7 the common western phrase
'white as snow', what often appears in Hindu mythological stories
is 'white as kunda'. Also, beautiful white teeth are often compared
to Kunda buds. It is held to be especially sacred to Vishnu. In
Manipur, Kundo flowers are used in worship, and are an essential
part of a marriage ceremony. The bride garlands the groom with two
Kundo flower garlan In Hinduism, flowers constitute an important
offering made to the deities. Flowers are used while doing puja at
home, temples and at sacred places. In fact, rarely do we come
across a puja in Hindu religion without flowers. The idol or image
of the deity in temple and home is decorated with garlands of
flowers and leaves. Flowers are also placed at the feet of deity
and the idol is also showered with flowers. Akund Akund Akund Akund
(Calotropis gigantea) -- Crown flower A pretty purple coloured, and
slightly scented flower, having a sweet and agreeable smell. It is
called Arca in Sanscrit, and has two varieties, both of which are
held to be sacred to Shiva. It forms one of the five darts with
which the Indian God of Love is supposed to pierce the hearts of
young mortals. Sir 8 William Jones refers to it in his Hymn to Kama
Deva. It possesses medicinal properties. Champak Champak Champak
Champak + + + + (Michelia champaca) -- Champ This beautiful,
delightfully scented cream-yellow flower is used often in worship.
The tree is grown in temple precincts and is considered
particularly sacred to Krishna. It forms one of the five
flower-darts of Kamadeva (Cupid). Champaka flowers along with
Ashoka and Punnaaga adorn the locks of the Mother Goddess
Lalitambika. Rabindranath Tagore immortalised this flower in one of
his poems too Yuthik Yuthik Yuthik Yuthik (Jasminum
auriculatum/molle) -- Juh Yuthika is a beautiful Jasmine vine with
fragrant, attractive white flowers. Stories of Krishna are full of
reference to yuthika flowers, like this one: "And look! The
Yuthika-flowers in this forest smile very proudly when they attract
the restless honeybees to themselves from the laps of the best
housewives, the jasmine-flowers, with their fragrance ... " Kumud
Kumud Kumud Kumud (Nymphaea lotus var. pubescens) --White waterlily
9 The White waterlily is another romantic favourite. The moon is
her friend (since she blooms at night) and the sun is her enemy. A
woman's face is compared to her cool white beauty. A pond full of
lilies (kumudini) is also a favourite simile for beauty. Jap Jap
Jap Jap kusum kusum kusum kusum (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis) --China
Rose The glory of the rising sun is often compared to this
resplendently beautiful flower. A famous couplet in praise of the
Sun God begins `japaa kusuma sankaasam'. The glowing complexion of
the orange-skinned Hanuman is also compared to this flower. Japa
flowers are used in the worship of Goddess Durga. Her glowing
complexion as the Mother Goddess Lalita is compared to the hibiscus
in the lalitopaakhyaana. Vat Vat Vat Vat ( Ficus bengalensis)
--Banyan The banyan tree, India's National Tree, is a symbol of
spiritual knowledge. Lord Shiva in his form of Dakshinamurti the
universal Teacher sits under aVata vrksha and illumines the minds
of sages seated at his feet. In the great Cosmic Deluge, Pralaya,
nothing survives of the entire creation except for the Lord in the
form of an infant Krishna floating on a banyan leaf (vata-patra
shaayi), sucking his toe, a familiar theme for Tanjore paintings.
Tam Tam Tam Taml l l l (Garcinia xanthochymus) --Himalayan Garcinia
10 The dark green beauty of this tree and its leaves, and its long
limbs make it a favourite simile for the Lord Rama. The baby
Krishna is compared to a newly unfurled Tamala leaf. The freshly
blooming tamaala tree attracts hordes of bees, and Shankaracharya
compares this to the dark body of Lord Vishnu attracting the
bee-like dark eyes of his spouse Lakshmi in thekanakadhaara stotra.
Punn Punn Punn Punng g g g 7 7 7 7 (Calophyllum inophyllum) --
Sultan Champa This flower is sacred to Lord Vishnu, forming his
garland. A fragrant flower, it adorns the hair of Goddess
Lalitambika in the Lalitaa Sahasram. The punnaga flower is used in
worship of Lord Vishnu. There are many references to the Punnaga
flower in the lyrics of Karnatic Music, as a flower for worship and
as adornment of various Gods. A raaga by the namepunnaagavaraali
could be named after this tree! Kovid Kovid Kovid Kovidr r r r
(Bauhinia purpurea) -- Purple orchid tree Kovidara occurs
frequenctly in the Ramayana. Bharata's chariot is recognized by a
flag with a kovidara ensign. It is also called raktapushpa,
literally meaning blood-flower. It is a close cousin of the more
popularkachnar (Bauhinia variegata), and is extensively planted as
an ornamental tree today. Photo: Missouri Botanical Garden 11 P PP
Ptal tal tal tal (Stereospermum chelonoides) -- Paral This
beautiful red flower is another favourite of the Gods and decorates
the hair of Goddesses and maidens. The ancient city of Patna was
calledPaaTaliputra probably after this tree! The city was variously
refered to asPaaTalipura, Kusumapura, Pushpapura or Kusumadhvaja
and certainly has reference to this flower. Gunj Gunj Gunj Gunj
(Abrus precatorius) -- Gunj Gunja seeds are a favourite for native
jewellery. the bright red-and-black bead-like seeds are attractive
to children right from the days of mythology. These beads have
special significance to the Gaudiya sect: followers of Chaitanya
Mahaprabhu in Krishna worship. The child Krishna is inseperable
from his favourite gunjaa maala, and it was said to represent
Radha. Followers of Chaitanya worship Krishna in a small stone
representing Mount Govardhan, with a gunja mala around it
representing Radharani. Children in the South still play variants
of lotto with it. Gunja seeds are bitter to taste and poisonous,
but possess medicinal properties.Gunja seed extract is used to kill
lice as an ingredient of hair oil. Atasi Atasi Atasi Atasi (Linum
usitatissimum) -- Flax 12 This pretty blue flower is popular in
Sanskrit literature for comparing with the complexion of Krishna. A
famous sloka in Krishna's praise goes * "atasii pushpa sankaasam
haara noopura shobhitam". This flower, along with the blue
butterfly-pea flower, Aparaajita, is also popular in worship of
Goddess Durga (who is also sometimes considered an "amsha" ( ) of
Krishna). Bandhook Bandhook Bandhook Bandhook (Pentapetes
phoenicea) -- Midday Flower Bandhook is a beautiful orange-red
flower which blooms at noon. In Sanskrit literature, it is often
used to symbolize glowing red color. For example, the following
lines are from Surya Ashtakam(Octet to Sun God): 7* | H 9+ || (My
salutations to the Sun God, Who is as red as the bandhook flower,
Who wears ornaments of garlands and ear rings, And who is the god
with one great Wheel.) Another example is from the various forms of
Lord Ganesha, which denote different aspects of life. Kshipra
Ganesh (H9 ) is described as glowing brilliantly like bandhook
flower and holding a pot of jewels and other usual articles. Source
: http://www.flowersofindia.net/mythology.html 13 Details about the
types of flowers that can be used for puja and the method in which
they are to be used in puja and rituals are mentioned in the
scriptures. Some flowers are associated by a particular deity;
while a particular flower is never used due to a curse etc.
Generally, flowers with strong odor are not used. Similarly,
flowers without fragrance are also not used. Flowers that are not
fully blossomed are not used. Mutilated and flowers eaten by
insects are avoided. Flowers grown in a garden is considered apt
for puja. Flowers collected from forest are also used. Flowers used
in a Hindu puja are classified into Sattva, Rajas and Tamas. The
classification is based on their color, fragrance, shape and
origin. Sattva and Rajas flowers are used in daily worship. Tamas
flowers are avoided and some are used during festivals. Flowers
like Arka, Nandyavartham, drona, white lotus, jasmine, coral tree
flowers etc are considered as Sattva flowers. The Rajas flowers
include Red lotus, trumpet flowers, white thorn apple flowers etc.
The Tamas flowers include ketaki, China rose, cotton plant, Kasa
grass etc. 14 Flowers and Leaves used in Ganesh Puja Flowers and
Leaves used in Ganesh Puja Flowers and Leaves used in Ganesh Puja
Flowers and Leaves used in Ganesh Puja Each deity in Hinduism has
its own favorite flowers and leaves and they are used by Hindus
during worship and while performing pujas on festivals. All
festivals and rituals in Hindu religion begin with Ganesh Pooja.
Red colored flowers are the favorite of Lord Ganesha. Here is a
list of flowers and leaves that are offered while praying to Lord
Ganesha: Red Flowers: Red Flowers: Red Flowers: Red Flowers: Any
usual red color flower used in Hindu rituals. Durva Grass Durva
Grass Durva Grass Durva Grass is an important offering to Ganesh.
Especially in South India, you will find vendors selling garlands
of Durva outside Ganesh Temples. It is known as arugam pul in
Tamil, Dhub, Durva and Haritali in Hindi (North India). Bermuda or
Bahama Grass is the English name. 15 Another important flower
offered is theMilkweed flower Milkweed flower Milkweed flower
Milkweed flower. It is known as Arka in Hindi and Eruku or Erukkum
Poo in South India. Jilledi is the name used in Eastern India.
Pomegranate leaves Pomegranate leaves Pomegranate leaves
Pomegranate leaves and flowers are also offered in many places.
Another important flower and leaf offered is the Sanku Pushpam or
Conch flower. Sanku Pushpam or Conch flower. Sanku Pushpam or Conch
flower. Sanku Pushpam or Conch flower. Leaves and flowers of Screw
Pine Screw Pine Screw Pine Screw Pine are also offered. It is known
as Ketaki or Kedgi in Hindi and Kaita in South India. There are
also other local flowers and leaves that are used like the Naga
leaves. 16 Tulsi leaves and flowers are not generally used in
Ganesh Puja. But it is used during Vinayaka Chaturthi or Ganesh
Puja. Flowers and Leaves Offered to Goddess Lakshmi during Puja
Flowers and Leaves Offered to Goddess Lakshmi during Puja Flowers
and Leaves Offered to Goddess Lakshmi during Puja Flowers and
Leaves Offered to Goddess Lakshmi during Puja Lakshmi Puja is one
of the most important pujas performed by Hindus. It is done to seek
blessings and favor from Goddess Lakshmi, the Hindu goddess of
wealth and prosperity. Based on the Puranas, each Hindu deity has
favorite flowers and leaves and it is used for pujas and other
rituals.Lakshmi puja is mainly performed during Diwali or
Deepavali. Another major Lakshmi Puja is the Varalakshmi Pujaduring
Sravana or Sawan month in South India. Here is a list of flowers
and leaves that are used in Lakshmi Puja: Lo Lo Lo Lot tt tus: us:
us: us: Goddess Lakshmi is associated with Lotus and she is
portrayed. Lotus is Kamal in Hindi, Ambuja, Padma, Pankaja, kamala
in Sanskrit, Ambal and Thamarai in Tamil, Kamala and Tavaregadde in
Kannada, Thamara and Senthamara in Malayalam, Padam in Oriya, Padma
in Bengali, Kamala in Marathi, Lalung and Erra Tamara in Telugu and
Suriyakamal in Gujarati. Durva Grass (Dhruva) Durva Grass (Dhruva)
Durva Grass (Dhruva) Durva Grass (Dhruva) is an important offering
to Goddess Lakshmi. This grass is an important element in most
Hindu pujas. It is known as arugam pul in Tamil, Dhub, Durva and
Haritali in Hindi (North India), Hariali in 17 Kannada. Bermuda or
Bahama Grass is the English name. Fragrant Screw Pine: Fragrant
Screw Pine: Fragrant Screw Pine: Fragrant Screw Pine: There are
numerous myth in Hinduism associated with screw pine. It is used in
several pujas and avoided by some deities. It is Umbrella Tree,
Screw pine and Screw tree in English, Keora (Hindi), Mugali
(Telugu), Ketuki (Bengali), Thazhampoo (Tamil, Kannada), Kaita
(Malayalam), Kevada (Marathi, Gujarati), Ketaki (Sanskrit). The
flower that is usually avoided during Lakshmi puja is Thumba poo a
small white bell-shaped flower. The flowers used also vary from
region. Lotus is considered to be most important flower in Lakshmi
Puja. Flowers and Leaves offered to Lord Krishna during Pujas and
Flowers and Leaves offered to Lord Krishna during Pujas and Flowers
and Leaves offered to Lord Krishna during Pujas and Flowers and
Leaves offered to Lord Krishna during Pujas and Prayers Prayers
Prayers Prayers Tulsi, or Tulasi leaves is the most important leaf
and flower used in pujas and prayers dedicated to Lord Krishna.
Tulsi acts both as a flower and leaf and in most temples it is also
offered as prasad. It is also known as Krishna Tulsi a dark variety
of the plant. It is holy basil in English and in most Indian
languages it is known as Tulsi or Thulasi. Nandhyavattai is another
flower is used in South India. Another important flower that is
used in some regions is the Parijatha or coral flowers. 18 Usually
all local flowers that are used pujas and prayers are used in
worshipping Lord Krishna. It is always said by elders that the
greatest offering to Lord Krishna is a Tulsi leaf. Flowers that are
avoided during Krishna Puja include hibiscus, milkweed and angels
trumpets. There is a story that it arose from the navel of God
Vishnu, and at the center of the flower sat Brahma. Brahma (the
Creator), Vishnu (the Protector) and Siva (the Merger) are
associated with this plant. There are also accounts of the world
born through a "Golden Lotus" and Padmakalpa, the Lotus Age in the
Padmapurana (678 ce). Goddess of the Lotus: Goddess of the Lotus:
Goddess of the Lotus: Goddess of the Lotus: Most Hindu Deities have
names inspired by or associated with the lotus, most especially
Lakshmi. She is commonly called: Padmini, "possessing Lotus;"
Padmesthita, "standing on Lotus;" Padmavarna, "Lotus colored;"
Padmasambhava, "Lotus born;" Padmakshi, "eyes like Lotus;"
Padmanana, "face like Lotus;" Sarasijanilaya, "dwells in lotus;"
Padmapriya, "fond of Lotus" and Padmahasta, "holds a Lotus in her
hand." Cnu.pne