Flower Power

WE TAKE A LOOK AT THE SIGNIFICANCE THAT DIFFERENT FLOWERS AND THE TULSI PLANT HOLD IN INDIAN CULTURE AND TRADITION

 

- Susan Philip

In a Nutshell

Nature is both venerated and used in worship in India. No puja is complete without the use of flowers. Various Hindu deities are associated with various flowers and plants. The sages of old understood the benefits of aroma, aesthetics and chemicals found in plants long before modern science had begun to decode them. The tulsi or holy basil, the marigold, the jasmine and the lotus are all flowers and leaves of special significance in India.

Meaning and Deeper Meaning

The plants used in worship and as decoration at important events are symbolic, and carefully chosen to address specific needs. The tulsi is worshipped for its own sake – an acknowledgement of the fact that it is a storehouse of medicinal benefits. The serene white of the jasmine is used in wedding garlands and other floral decorations, and women wear it in their hair whenever they can – its aroma soothes the nerves and also titillates the senses. Marigolds make a splash at all auspicious functions – and also at funerals. And the lotus, rising in breathtaking beauty from muddy ponds and shallow lakes, is especially dear to Indians – it is the country’s national flower.

The Stuff of Legends

Lord Krishna’s wives graced his court with their beauty. Satyabhama was especially beautiful, and haughty as well, because she was of royal lineage, and her father exceptionally rich.

One day, Narada, the celestial sage who revelled in making mischief, asked Satyabhama whether he was correct in his impression that Krishna loved Rukmini more than he loved her, the younger queen. Satyabhama was troubled, but Narada said he had a plan for her to demonstrate the extent of her love to Krishna.