Religious And Astrological Importance of "LOTUS" (Part 1)
Lotus is known by many names like Kamal, Padm, Arvind in Sanskrit, Kanwal, Kamal, Purhoon, Kamal in Bangla, Marathi & Gujarati, Kaanwal in Punjabi, Taamrey in Tamil, Sacred lotus in English.
Lotus grows in ponds containing stationary water. Its leaves are round of the size of a big plate having diameter of 1 to 2.5 feet or more. Its leaves are called ‘purhoon’. They are soft as velvet and very lustrous. Water drops do not stay on the leaves. Lotus is in bloom from March-April to August-September. The seeds ripen by the end of monsoons. Lotus opens up with the sun rise and closes with the sun set. Its flowers are either white or red in colour.
Raw fruit of lotus is available with vegetable vendors. Its root has pores and is known as ‘Maseed’ or ‘Muraar’. It is cooked as a vegetable. Its dried seeds become black in colour, which are known as ‘kamalgatta’ (lotus seeds). They are dear to Goddess Laxmi. Lotus is generated in such ponds which are not cleaned for long time and accumulate enough mud. Those ponds which do not dry in summer have more lotus flowers.
The religious importance of Lotus is immense. It remains in mud but saves itself from its effect and maintains its fragrance, colour and superiority. This, in itself signifies the importance of Lotus. Due to these qualities of Lotus, it has become the favourite flower of Lord Vishnu.
Maha Lakshmi ji is even known as ‘kamalvasini’ (one who resides in the lotus) and it is considered auspicious to have Lotus flower while worshipping her and the chanting of Lakshmiji’s mantras using the string made out of ‘kamalgatta’ (lotus seeds) is considered best and it is also used in ‘havans’ (oblation).
Home Contact us
