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