Flowers symbolize the bridge between earthly and divine realms. Their presence represents the universe’s grandeur. Each petal conveys life’s fleeting nature and eternal cycle.
Night jasmine known as Parijaat or Harsingaar flowers at night. Its petals are white and it has an orange stem. It symbolizes the fusion of earthly element with celestial lore. It is described as highlighting the eternal life cycle and rebirth. Its spiritual essence is deepened by its ties to Krishna. It has an exquisite fragrance. It embodies eternal love, divine romance and echo’s themes of longing. Rukmini and Satyabhama quarreled over this flower and Krishna played his flute under this tree.
Champak or Plumeria is described as the fragrance of the divine. In the Gita it is described as the bond between Atma and Parmatma. It has golden, yellow petals which symbolize hope and enduring faith. Krishna adorned his crown with these flowers.
Kamal or lotus represents grace and spiritual ascent. It emerges from the mud in a pond and rises above the water. It never has any dirt on its petals. The lotus leaf is untouched by murky water and it can be compared to us becoming detached. The Gods are seated on lotuses and often hold a lotus in their hands.
Those who dedicate their actions to God, abandoning all attachments remain untouched by sin, just as a lotus leaf is untouched by water. – Chapter 5, verse 10.
Kanak Champa is also associated with Krishna. Kanak Champa stands as a metaphor for the eternal shared between the deity and his devotees.
Wearing a peacock feather ornament upon his head, blue Kanak Champa flowers in his ears, a yellow garment as brilliant as gold, a Vaijanti garland, Krishna exhibits his transcendental form as the greatest dancer. He enters the Vrindavan forest, beautifying it with the marks of his footprints. He filled the holes of his flute with nectar of his lips and the cowherds sang his glories. – Chapter 21 Canto 10, Verse 5
Madhavi Lata or helicopter flower evokes images of Krishna’s divine play. It is also mentioned in the Vishnu Purana and it is a metaphor for spiritual longing. Its other name is Atimukta which means completely liberated. It is a powerful reminder for one to seek liberation.
Kewda has a bewitching fragrance. It is associated with the Trinity.
If one offers me with love and devotion a leaf, a flower, fruit or water, I will accept it. – Chapter 9, Verse 26
Neel Kamal or blue waterlily is associated with purity, serenity and spiritual birth.
Bhandook or Midday Flower blossoms at midday. It is a reminder for passionate living and the transient and fervent moments. Ganesha and Krishna are associated with this flower. It also celebrates the divine rhythm governing the cosmos.
Marigold is offered in all prayers. It signifies love, surrender and grace.
The Bhagwad Gita uses floral metaphors to convey profound spiritual truths. One learns from each of these flowers. They serve as our spiritual guides, inspiring us to venerate and treat the universe with love.
Aim Hrim Klim
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