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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.
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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



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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!







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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








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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







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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





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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






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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

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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








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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 (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






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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







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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







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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.
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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.


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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.
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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
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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.
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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