Hindu Rituals 16 & 17

16. Why do we consider the lotus as special?

Lotus is Special…Why?

Some believe that the lotus is “cradle of creative might”, while the other believe that “lotus holds the secret of the Gods.”

Many stories illustrate the significance of lotus. In this blog, we have brought together all those mythological fractions to tell you why we consider the Lotus to be so special…

Did you know that it is also the talisman of the goddess the Padma, known as a creative force and can be seen on Hindu and Buddhist monuments? Another legend that states the holiness of the flower, is that when Buddha walked on the earth, he left lotuses in his trail and no footprints.

All around the globe, it seems to have imbibe thoughts of divine goodness that has grown from seed and bloomed throughout ages and cultures.

Lotus is Special…in the Scriptures

Our scriptures and ancient literature praise the beauty of Lotus. Art and architecture also portray the lotus in various decorative motifs and paintings. Many people of names or related to the Lotus: Padma, Pankaja, Kamal, Kamala, Kamalakshi etc.

The goddess of wealth, Laxmi, sits on a Lotus and carries one in her hand. It blooms with the rising sun and closes at night. Similarly, our minds open up and expand with the light of knowledge.

The lotus is the symbol of truth, auspiciousness and beauty (Satyam, Shivam, Sundaram). The lord is also nature, and therefore, his various aspects are compared to a Lotus (i.e. Lotus-eyes, Lotus feet, Lotus hands, the Lotus of the heart etc.)

A Lotus emerged from the navel of Lord Vishnu. Lord Brahma originated from it to create the world. Hence, the Lotus symbolizes the link between the creator and the supreme cause. It also signifies Brahmaloka, the abode of Lord Brahma.


Lotus is Special…it teaches us

The Lotus grows even in slushy areas. It remains beautiful and untainted despite its surroundings, reminding us that we too can and should strive to stay pure and beautiful within, under all circumstances.

The Lotus leaf never gets wet even though it is always in water. It symbolizes the man of wisdom (Gnani) who remains ever joyous, unaffected by the world of sorrow and change. This is revealed in a shloka from Bhagavad Gita:

Brahmanyaadhaaya Karmaani
Sangam Tyaktvaa Karoti Yaha
Lipyate Na Sa Paapena
Padma Patram Ivaambhasaa

He who does actions, offering them to Brahma (the supreme), abandoning attachment, is not tainted by sin, just as Lotus leaf remains unaffected by the water on it.

From this, we learn that what is natural to the man of wisdom becomes a discipline to be practiced by all Sadhakas or spiritual seekers and devotees.

Lotus is Special…for us

Our body has specific energy centres described in the yoga shastras as chakras. Each one is associated with Lotus that have a certain number of petals. For example, the Sahasrara Chakra at the top of the head, which opens when the yogi attains godhood or realization, is represented by a Lotus with a thousand petals. Also, the Lotus posture (Padmasana) is recommended when one sits for meditation.

The auspicious sign of the Swastika is said to have evolved from the Lotus. From all the above, we can well appreciate why the Lotus is India’s national flower and so special to Indians.

The lotus is the symbol of truth, auspiciousness and beauty (satyam, shivam, sundaram). The Lord is also of that nature and therefore, his various aspects are compared to a lotus (i.e. lotus-eyes, lotus feet, lotus hands, the lotus of the heart etc.).

The lotus blooms with the rising sun and closes at night. Similarly, our minds open up and expand with the light of knowledge. The lotus grows even in slushy areas. It remains beautiful and untainted despite its surroundings, reminding us that we too can and should strive to remain pure and beautiful within, under all circumstances.

The lotus leaf never gets wet even though it is always in water. It symbolizes the man of wisdom (gyaani) who remains ever joyous, unaffected by the world of sorrow and change. 

17. Why do we worship tulsi?

In Sanskrit, tulnaa naasti athaiva tulsi - that which is incomparable (in its qualities) is the tulsi

For Indians it is one of the most sacred plants. In fact it is known to be the only thing used in worship, which, once used, can be washed and reused in pooja - as it is regarded so self-purifying.

As one story goes, Tulsi was the devoted wife of Shankhachuda, a celestial being. She believed that Lord Krishna tricked her into sinning. So she cursed Him to become a stone (shaaligraama). Seeing her devotion and adhered to righteousness, the Lord blessed her saying that she would become the worshiped plant, tulasi that would adorn His head.

Also that all offerings would be incomplete without the tulasi leaf - hence the worship of tulasi.

She also symbolises Goddess Lakshmi, the consort of Lord Vishnu. Those who wish to be righteous and have a happy family life worship the tulsi.

Tulsi is married to the Lord with all pomp and show as in any wedding.

This is because according to another legend, the Lord blessed her to be His consort.

Satyabhama once weighed Lord Krishna against all her legendary wealth. The scales did not balance till a single tulsi leaf was placed along with the wealth on the scale by Rukmini with devotion.

Thus the tulsi played the vital role of demonstrating to the world that even a small object offered with devotion means more to the Lord than all the wealth in the world.

The tulsi leaf has great medicinal value and is used to cure various ailments, including the common cold.

Tulsi was considered as a pure devotee of Lord Krishna and Lord Sri Vishnu

In many Vaishnava temples, The main Idol of the Lord is first adorned with Tulsi garlands on many days

Tulsi leaves are used for bhoga or offerings made to Lord in many temples; The general belief is that food is purified by Tulsi and becomes the Lord's favourite

In India, many households having good yardspace usually plant Tulsi plants in large numbers and worship them by appropriately

Worshipping Tulasi is not an option but a ritual and a belief many traditional Hindus follow religiously

Yanmule sarvatirhaani
Yannagre sarvadevataa
Yanmadhye sarvavedaascha
Tulasi taam namaamyaham

I bow down to the tulsi,
At whose base are all the holy places,
At whose top reside all the deities and
In whose middle are all the Vedas.