Indian National Flower

The Lotus or the Water

Lily is an aquatic plant with broad floating green leaves and bright fragrant flowers that grow only in shallow waters. Based on the color of its flower, it is divided into two types, the red lotus flower and the white lotus flower. The beautiful flowers float and have many petals overlapping in a symmetrical pattern. Lotuses, prized for their serene beauty, are delightful to behold as their blossoms open on the surface of a pond.

Mythology and Symbolism of the Lotus Flower

In India the sacred lotus is legendary and much folklore and religious mythology is woven around it. Rich in meaning and metaphor, the Lotus symbolises divinity, fertility, wealth, knowledge and not to forget enlightenment.

It is associated with the goddess of wealth Maha Lakshmi, who brings prosperity, purity, chastity and generosity. She is the embodyment beauty, grace and charm. She sits on a fully blossomed lotus flower, symbolizing purity, beauty and everything that is good.

Understanding the subtle importance of the Lotus

Lending to its uniqueness, the flower grows in murky waters and rises on a long stalk above the surface to bloom glorious. Untouched by the impurity, lotus symbolizes the purity of heart and mind. It also symbolizes the the last and final lotus - Charan Kamal or lotus feet of the Almighty. Since the seeds have been found to last for thousands of years and still perfect for re-germination, it is a symbol of strong vital force that could withstand extremely adverse conditions. The lotus flower thus represents long life, health, honor and good luck. Especially in Buddhism, where this flower is valued very highly. It was this depth of thought that made the founding fathers of modern India enshrine the lotus in the Constitution as the National Flower.

Other uses of the Lotus Flower

The seed, the leaf and the stem are edible and also can be used as a medicine.