SACRED FLOWERS IN HINDU WORSHIP

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SACRED FLOWERS IN HINDU WORSHIP

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Contents

Introduction

Types of flowers offered to the Lord

References to flowers in Hindu Scriptures

Flowers for specific deities

Conclusion
Introduction
As mentioned in Hindu Scriptures, flowers are symbolic manifestations of ones spiritual and
worldly ambitions in life.
No Hindu worship is complete without offering flowers to the deities. Again, different deities have
different favorites and their propitiation is incomplete without offering them their desired flowers.
A particular flower is linked to a particular deity where the color of the flower also plays an
important role.
Types of flowers offered to the Lord
Flowers with mild smell are generally offered; strongly scented or scentless flowers are avoided.
Fully blossomed flowers are only selected while mutilated flowers are done away with. Forests
and garden area flowers are considered best for the pujas.
As mentioned in ancient scriptures, the flowers are also categorized into Sattva, Rajas and
Tamas. Basically, they are distinguished on the basis of their fragrance, shape, color and origin.
Sattva and Rajas flowers are for the daily offerings while Tamas flowers are meant for special
festivals only.
Sattva flowers Nandyavattam, Arka, Drona, Jasmine, Coral tree, White lotus flowers
Rajas flowers Trumpet flowers, White thorn apple flowers, Red lotus etc.
Tamas flowers Kasa grass, China rose, Cotton plant, Ketaki
References to flowers in Hindu Scriptures
1. When Vali, the son of Virochanaa (a Daitya King), inquisitively asks his guru Sukracharya
about the special merits of flower offering to the gods and goddesses, Sukracharya gives the
following answer "Penance first sprang into life. Afterwards came Dharma (or compassion and other virtues). In
the interval between started into life many creepers and herbs.
Source The Mahabharata, Book 13, Anusasana Parva, Chapter 101
2. manohladayate yasmac chriya capi dadhati ha
tasmat sumanasa prokta narai suktakarmabhih
devatabhya sumanaso yo dadati nara sucih
tasmat sumanasa prokta yasmat tuyanti devatah
Translated as - Flowers gladden the mind and confer prosperity. Hence, men of righteous deeds
bestowed the name Sumanas on them.

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That man who is in a state of purity offers flowers to the deities finds that the deities become
gratified with him, and as the consequence of such gratification bestow prosperity upon him.
Source The Mahabharata, Book 13, Anusasana Parva, Chapter 101, Verses 19 to 21
Flowers for specific deities
For Lord Shiva, the offering of China Roses is generally made. Lord Vishnu is always pleased
with white colored flowers. The offering of Hibiscus or Jaba flowers is mandatorily made before
goddess Kali and goddess Chamundi in the Shakti cult. In West Bengal, goddess Kali is adorned
with 108 Jaba flowers garland around her neck during Kali Puja. All red colored flowers are
favorites of Lord Ganesha. Though, yellow and orange marigold flowers are also offered to him.
Lotus flower has been given a sacred position in Hindu mythology. It is believed that Lord
Brahma, the Creator of this Universe, was born on the lotus which sprung from Lord Vishnus
naval. Lotus flower is also used in Durga and Saraswati propitiation and the flower is also offered
to Sun God.
In the Hindu mythology, Kama Deva is symbolically presented as mango-blooms. Planet Saturn
is worshiped by the Hindus, mainly on Saturdays, to set off the karmas; Saturn worship is always
done with blue flowers.
Amongst the plant-leaves as offering to gods, it is well known that a Vishnu Puja is incomplete
with offering him the sacred Tulsi (Sweet Basil) leaves and for Shiva Puja the offering of Bilva
(Bael) leaves is must.
Conclusion
It should be noted that a particular flower is never offered to a particular deity due to curse etc.
The flowers and leaves not suitable to particular gods and goddesses are as follows
o Lord Shiva - Ketaki or Kewda (Fragrant Screw Pine)
o Lord Ganesha- Tulsi (Sweet Basil)
o Goddess Parvati Arka (milkweeds), Amla (Indian gooseberry)
o Lord Rama Arali (Oleander)
o Sun God Surya Vilva (Bilva or Bael leaves)
o Lord Bairava - Nandyarvattam (East Indian rosebay, Crape Jasmine)
Tags:
Types of flowers offered to the Lord, Flowers in Hindu Scriptures, , Flowers for specific deities,
Sacred Flowers in Hindu Worship
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