National Symbols Of India

National Flower

Lotus- National Flower of India

An aquatic plant form Nymphaea family, water lily or lotus is an important one in Indian subcontinent for being country’s National Flower. Anybody can feel the sense of beauty and quietude from lotus as its gorgeous pink color and well organized petals in broadened form and floating on water mesmerize due to unmatched attributes. Large chunk of Indians especially believers of Hindu religion worship this flower for being sacred. Perhaps it is a major reason that this flower associates with different stories or religious mythologies in the form of folklores to define its religious value. This flower is symbolic for longevity of life, triumph, fortune and honor. As lotus easily lives in fresh and shallow waters or in muddy marshlands its re-germination for hundreds of thousands of years indicate long lasting survival it has so does it define the retention of pure heart, soul and mind to feel better.

In most occasions depiction of lotus flower is of the seat of various Hindu Gods so its association with the religious practices and worships are unmatched. Beauty of this flower is well observed through its huge stems for perfect air spacing while its rhizomes are perfect to substitute for roots for newer feel. If taken into account metaphorically then it is best understood that lotus showcases divinity, wealth, fertility and last but not the least total enlightenment or knowledge. As its plant is capable enough to retain as well as produce amazing and elegant flowers even though planted in muddy swaps it is understood that evil forces hardly impact on it henceforth it remains powerful to symbolize courage and divinity. Hindu scriptures like Vedic verses mention how lotus petals resemble Lord Vishnu eyes and so do this flower’s petals define his pink feet as Charan Kamal or Lotus Feet. Ancient Indian architecture and art mention the lotus for motifs and patterns worth remembering.

Choice of Lotus As National Flower

Metaphors like insight, knowledge, fertility, wealth, power and mysticism are the few which define lotus flower to the best. Equally does this flower remains the sign of achievement due to survival of its plant for hundreds and thousands of years through constant re-germination. Other attributes for that lotus is often known include good luck, longevity and respect et al. Its symbolization for purification of heart and mind is well understood through the flower remaining unscathed through impurity even though its plant usually develops in the muddy water. Hindus find in this flower additional significance due to closeness and symbolization with various Gods and Goddesses henceforth its use in many Hindu religious activities remain common. Noble significance and importance of this flower on different grounds enchanted the framers of modern India to assess its cultural importance to ensure that this flower could be selected as country’s national flower without any question.

Cultural Significance of Lotus

Asian traditions consider lotus a symbol of purity especially sexual purity since time immemorial. It is necessary to understand sacredness of lotus by keeping in view its overall importance. Many other religions besides Hinduism regard lotus one of the awesome symbols of holiness and purity. Lotus has close relation with Hindu Gods Vishnu, Brahma, Lakshmi and Sarasvati so its powerful impact is always there in Hindu way of life by being a pious one. This flower is true symbol of beauty and divinity hence it usually defines Lord Vishnu’s power and beauty. In most occasions this God is referred Lotus-Eyed One so does lotus remain important. Expansion of soul is other significant aspect which Hindu mythology defines unfolding petals of lotus flower. This flower is considered one with caring spiritual promise due to it maintaining virtue even while flourishing in muddy water. According to Buddhists, lotus flower has other significance which is sacred and truly propitious for it being sign of faithfulness. It is undeniable that lotus plant remains sacred flower and such believe sustains since ancient Puranic and Vedic period.

Lotus Trivia

• Lotus is Vietnam’s national flower besides being India’s national flower.
• Lotus is considered symbol of Sun God in Egypt hence remains auspicious in that country.
• Medicinal value of lotus seeds remain important as they are used to treat kidney, spleen and heart related diseases. They are equally useful to treat Leucorrhea, insomnia and palpitation.
• Such seeds are perfect antidotes to use for mushroom poisoning cases.
• Leaves, tubers and seeds of lotus flower are eaten in many societies.