The Fragrance remains on the hand that gives the flower. – Mahatma Gandhi.
We offer flowers during our puja. The flowers are plucked early in the morning or bought from a shop selling flowers, which is usually near the temple. The flowers that are offered are yellow marigolds, fragrance lotus buds, red roses, and jasmine. One is not supposed to smell the flowers. However, their fragrance is all around, combined with the burning incense. Continue reading
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. Continue reading
These are two very fragrant flowers. Queen of the Night (Raat ki Rani) or night blooming Jasmine only flowers at night and King of the Day (Din ka Raja), or day blooming Jasmine only flowers in the day. The Raat ki Rani is a fragrant white flower with an orange stem. It flowers at night and the next morning; one sees a bed of orange stemmed flowers around its base. This happens every night and if one did not know about this tree, one would be surprised that there are no buds on the tree. Continue reading
A theosophist by the name of Roland Hunt conducted a study on colors in the 1930s. Swami Sivananda, wrote about his work. I felt that my dear ones, you all would be interested in it. Continue reading
My dear ones you are shocked that I am writing about theft. It is such a strong word. It came to my mind when I was looking at my orchid in my apartment in Yoga Vidya. I feel very proud of it, and it looks so graceful. In India, in New Delhi where I live people pluck flowers for their early morning prayers. They like to offer fragrant smelling flowers to the deity. I admire this ritual, I myself do not offer flowers as I feel that their fragrance and beauty should be shared by humans and the birds. Continue reading
There is a ritual to be followed when one offers flowers to the Deity. There are many flowers which can be offered. Some of the favorites I have listed below.
Hibiscus—Botanical name Hibiscus rosa-Sinensis. The goddess loves the Hibiscus flower. It is her favorite flower. The hibiscus belongs to Kali. She represents empowerment, and with that comes destruction of evil. Therefore, she is considered a fierce Goddess. The red hibiscus is symbolic of Kali’s tongue. She portrays a form of energy and this blood symbolism becomes life affirming and it ties her to the life forces that pulsate in all of us. Continue reading
This morning I watched the dewdrops falling on the flowers, but their footsteps could not be heard. How peacefully, how silently, and with so much love, were the dewdrops falling. Godliness descends in just the same way when the heart is ready. You realize that it is happening only when it has arrived. Continue reading