Scientists know the Lotus Plant as Nelumbo Nucifera or the Bean of India.
Laymen commonly recognize Lotus as an aquatic plant that is found in and around the lakes & ponds of India.
Indian Lotus is a sacred plant. It is associated with Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth.
Goddess Lakshmi sits on a lotus and holds one in each of her hands.
A peculiar thing about Lotus is that it blooms with the rising sun, and closes at night.
But, That Is Not Where The Peculiarity Of This Flower Ends!
This particular flower also has extraordinary properties. Due to this reason, various people use it in various areas. Some of them are:
- The dried seed heads are used globally for decorative purposes.
- The flowers, seeds, leaves, and also the roots of the Lotus plant are edible.
- Lotus stamens are also used for making various herbal teas.
It has a sacred value too.
Lord Vishnu is often described as the ‘Lotus-Eyed One‘. The unfolding petals of this flower symbolize the expansion of the soul. Also, the growth of its beauty from the mud of its origin holds a benign spiritual promise.
It is said that as it blossoms with sunlight, and closes at the dark, our minds open up and expand with the light of knowledge.
The lotus even grows in slushy areas. However, it remains beautiful and untainted despite its surroundings, reminding us that we too, can and should strive to remain pure and beautiful within. Not only in the happy situations, but also in the harsh ones.
The Lotus plant is also exclusively associated with our traditional literature.
Here’s a translation of a verse from Shrimad Bhagavad Gita.
One who performs his duty without attachment, surrendering the results unto the Supreme Lord, is unaffected by sinful action, as the Lotus Plant is untouched by water.
Now, we can well appreciate why Lotus Plant is India’s national flower.
