Any ritual offering, custom or a sacred puja is considered incomplete without the offering of flowers. The hymn “Pushpam Samarpayaami” or the Aarti given with the flowers along with the sacred camphor fill the air with a divine feeling and bliss. The colour of the flowers brings vibrancy and beauty into our lives and hearts. Worshipping our gods and goddesses with flowers attains not only their blessings, but has significance too which brings health and prosperity into our lives
Lotus- this divine flower is the seat of Bhagwathi Lakshmi and is considered the seat of prosperity. When Lotus flowers are offered to Bhagawathi Lakshmi, it becomes a sign of gratitude and hence Bhagwathi Lakshmi offers prosperity and success as she becomes pleased with our prayers of gratitude.
Parijata – the divine flower, whose origin is traced to the Samudra Manthan, is offered to Bhagwan Vishnu and Bhagawathi Lakshmi as it was worshipped by them in the incarnation of Shri Krishna and Rukmini in Dwaraka. The Parijata is considered as the tree which bestows desires wished for, hence the flowers are offered to Gods as a mark to please them with our prayers
Red Hibiscus – The glowing red Hibiscus is the favourite flower of Mata Kaalika. The red colour symbolises the power and fierceness of the goddess in destruction of the evil forces. Also, Bhagwanthi Parvathi too is offered hibiscus as it signifies the feminine power that she is not only a symbol of love and affection, but also strength and courage.
Dhatura – The Vaman Puran mentions that the flower emerged from the heart of Bhagwan Shiv when he drank the Halahal posion during the Samudra Manthan. As it emerged from his heart, it is very dear to him. He is worshipped with the Dhatura flower to get rid of ego, envy and arrogance.
Marigold – This beautiful yellow flower which brings colour and beauty to all our festivals is the most liked by Bhagwan Ganesh. The Marigold is a representation of sacred and pure offerings and removes all the negative forces around us. Hence they are also variedly used as Torans and decorative flowers too in worship and rituals along with Mango leaves.
Palash – The Palash flower is the favourite flower by Bhagwathi Saraswathi, as it is a symbol of purity with its colour. As the goddess of knowledge, she is the giver of pure intellect and hence, the white flowers which are considered the symbols of purity are dear to her.
Flowers are considered as the representations of our thoughts and humble offerings to god placed at the feet of the Almighty. The beauty of the flower lies in its creation and when placed in front of the Almighty becomes divine. When our prayers are offered with faith and purity just as the beautiful flowers, then it is a step closer to God in seeking and understanding him.