Lotus, the National Flower of India, is considered to be auspicious in Indian culture. Read on to learn more about Indian National Flower.
National Flower of India
Lotus, botanically known as the Nelumbo Nucifera is
the national flower of India. The Lotus plant is basically an aquatic
plant with wide floating leaves and bright aromatic flowers which grow
only in shallow waters. The Lotus plant has floating leaves and flowers.
It has long aerated stems. The lotus flowers are extremely beautiful
with an overlapping proportional motif of petals. It is considered to be
a sacred flower and occupies unique position in the art and mythology of
ancient India. This flower has been an auspicious symbol of Indian
culture since time immemorial.
Choice of Lotus As National Flower
The Lotus Flower symbolizes divinity, fertility, wealth, knowledge and
enlightenment. It is also regarded as a symbol of triumph as it can
survive to regerminate for thousands of years. Lotus represents long
life, honor, and good fortune. Untouched by the impurity despite growing
in mud, the flower is also meant to symbolize the purity of heart and
mind. It holds additional significance for Hindus, as it is regarded as
the symbol of many Gods and Goddesses and is often used in religious
practices. It was because of these noble meanings and cultural
significance that made the founding fathers of modern India enshrine the
lotus in the Constitution as the National Flower.
Cultural Significance of Lotus
From ancient times the lotus has been considered to be a sacred symbol
in Asian traditions representing sexual purity. It is also regarded as
the symbol of purity and divinity by several religions. Hindus relate it
to their Almighty, Vishnu, Brahma, Lakshmi and Sarasvati who are often
depicted sitting upon this pious flower. As Lotus also stands as the
symbol of divine beauty, it is used as a symbol to describe the beauty
of Lord Vishnu by referring him as the 'Lotus-Eyed One'. In the Hindu
Mythology, the unfolding petals of Lotus signify the expansion of the
soul. As the Lotus carries piousness despite growing from the mud, it is
said to represent a caring spiritual promise. The Buddhists consider the
Lotus Flower to be sacred and auspicious as the flower stands for
faithfulness in their religion. The lotus plant has also been cited as a
sacred flower extensively in the ancient Puranic and Vedic literature.
Lotus Trivia
- Apart from India, Lotus is also the national flower of Vietnam.
- In Egypt the Lotus Flowers are considered to auspicious because they are regarded as the symbol of Sun God.
- Lotus seeds are medicinal in nature and are used for the treatment of kidney, spleen, and heart ailments. They are also considered beneficial in the treatment of Leucorrhea, palpitation and insomnia.
- Lotus seeds are also used as antidotes in mushroom poisoning.
- The seeds, leaves and tubers of the Lotus Flower are edible.
