“Flowers please the mind and grant prosperity. Hence, men with righteous deeds bestowed the name Sumana on them.”
According to this verse from the epic Mahabharata, when a pious man with a pure heart offers flowers to the deities, the deities become gratified and as a result bestow prosperity upon him.
Yes, flowers play a significant role in almost every religious ritual in Hinduism. Any religious ceremony, be it offering prayers or performing Aarti, is incomplete without flowers. Worshiping Hindu Gods and Goddesses with Hindu flowers that are mentioned in the Hindu mythology that are not only considered auspicious but have their own importance too is considered to be an auspicious deed and therefore, these flowers are an integral part of every pooja. Although any type of flower can be offered to any God yet, there are certain ones that happen to be the favorite flowers of Hindu Gods that can bring you good fortune if offered to Hindu Gods and Goddesses for instance, Mahadev’s favourite flower is considered to be Datura.
Know here what flowers God and Goddesses love to get adorned with:
1. Dhatura
According to the Hindu religious text Vamana Purana, when Lord Shiva drank the poison which was churned out of the ocean by the Gods and demons, Dhatura appeared from the chest of Lord Shiva. Since then, Dhatura has become Lord Shiva’s favourite flower. Hence, Dhatura is offered to Lord Shiva during Shiv Puja to get rid of the poison of ego, rivalry, envy, and hatred. While there are some other Shiva flowers like Akand and Bael Patra, the Ketaki flower is never used in the worship of Shiva. The story of the cursed Ketaki flower serves as a powerful lesson in devotion, integrity, and humility. Lord Shiva, the destroyer of falsehood, teaches that true devotion is not built upon lies and manipulation but on sincerity and authenticity. The exclusion of the Ketki flower from Shiva's offerings serves as a constant reminder of the consequences of deception and the need for genuine reverence in worship.
2. Red Hibiscus
This enchanting and ravishing red-colored flower is offered to Goddess Kali. It is because the shape of the flower represents Maa Kali’s tongue and it’s red color symbolizes Maa Kali’s fierceness. Thus, in West Bengal, Goddess Kali is adorned with a garland of 108 red Hibiscus flowers during Kali pooja.
3. Parijata
Parijata flower or Night-flowering coral Jasmine is a divine flower whose roots are in heaven since it is a Vishnu flower. This flower is believed to be the favorite of Lord Vishnu, Goddess Laxmi, and their incarnations. According to Hindu mythology, this tree came out as a result of the churning of the ocean by the Gods and demons. Lord Indra found this tree and brought it to heaven where its beautiful and fragrant flowers spread beneath the tree and pleasured the Gods.
4. Lotus
The Goddess of wealth and prosperity, Laxmi sits on a lotus flower and thus, this flower becomes Goddess Laxmi’s favorite flower. If you offer a Lotus flower to goddess Laxmi during Diwali or Laxmi pooja, it will make her gratified and in return, she will grant wealth and good fortune. In fact, if you keep a lotus seed mala or rosary in the temple of your home, it will please Goddess Laxmi.
5. Marigold
All red colored flowers are dear to Lord Ganesha but the saffron yellow flower named Marigold is Lord Ganesha’s favorite flower. Especially Red Genda or Red Marigold flowers are believed to please the Vinayaka greatly. This flower is special because it is the only flower of the Hindu deities that can be divided into its petals. The Marigold's vibrant petals and its universal appeal make it a fitting emblem of devotion that spans cultures and faiths. From its cherished place in Hindu rituals, where it embodies the blessings of Goddess Lakshmi, to its recognition in diverse traditions, the Marigold stands as a testament to the timeless connection between the human spirit and the beauty of the natural world.
6. Palash
The Goddess of knowledge who wears a white saree and sits on a white Lotus, Devi Saraswati is fond of Palash flowers. Although all white colored flowers are liked by Devi Saraswati, Palash flowers are considered to be the essential component in Saraswati puja. In fact, the worship of Devi Saraswati is considered incomplete without Palash flowers.
7. Tulsi
Tulsi, a medicinal plant acts both as a flower and an auspicious leaf which is used in the worship of Lord Krishna. It is because Tulsi or Basil leaves are loved by Lord Krishna and thus, in most of the temples, Tulsi leaf is also offered as Prasada. Hence, Tulsi is also known as Krishna Tulsi. Other flowers like blue Lotus and coral flowers are also loved by Lord Krishna. Tulsi stands as a unique embodiment of devotion, purity, and the divine within the world of flowers. Its presence in Hindu rituals, its rich mythological background, and its remarkable medicinal properties all contribute to its status as a god flower. In gardens, homes, and temples, Tulsi serves as a constant reminder of the harmonious connection between nature, spirituality, and the human spirit.
8. Crown Flower
Lord Shiva's favorite flower has intrigued devotees and scholars alike for generations, sparking discussions about its symbolism and significance in Hindu mythology. Many enthusiasts of Hinduism often wonder, "What is Lord Shiva's favorite flower?" This question has led to various interpretations and cultural practices associated with divine offerings.With a white and purple shade, this flower is one of Lord Shiva’s favourite flowers, has five petals along with a crown-like ring and hence the name crown flower. Also known as Akanda, this is a poisonous flower and, therefore is a must-have ingredient for Shiv Puja. Crown flowers have beautiful shades of purple and though considered to be poisonous, the auspiciousness of the flower can be determined by it being used in pujas and offered to Lord Shiva also popular as the destroyer within the Trimurti. Lord Shiva's favorite flower has intrigued devotees and scholars alike for generations, sparking discussions about its symbolism and significance in Hindu mythology.
9. Red Nerium Oleander
Yet another beautiful choice of flowers, these flowers with beautiful hues of pink and are offered to Goddess Durga, Kali, Gauri as well as her other “Roopas”. This flower is also important in “Tantrik worship” which is yet another important aspect of Hindu mythology. Even the scrubs of these flowers are important when worshipping the Goddesses and it is also believed that the devotee who takes the path of “Tantra” has to worship and complete the related”Mantra Jaap” near a red Oleander tree. For those seeking to perform a puja or any other spiritual ritual, you can Send Flowers in India without any hassle. With the aid of online floral services, the act of offering blooms to the divine has seamlessly merged with the digital era, allowing devotees to express their reverence from anywhere in the world.
10. Jasmine
Although Jasmine flowers are known for their fragrance and medicinal properties, these flowers, besides being considered Lord Hanuman’s favourite flower also hold a religious importance. Jasmine is loved by Lord Hanuman and according to the ritual, five Chameli or Jasmine flowers should be offered to please Lord Hanuman. Offering Jasmine oil along with sindoor or vermilion to Lord Hanuman also helps in warding off evils from your life.
Flowers in Hinduism are often associated with spirituality and devotion and therefore when it comes to offering respect to the Gods and Goddesses, flowers are what comes first into our mind. Delving into the rich tapestry of religious traditions, it becomes clear that the divine realm has a penchant for certain blossoms. From Lord Shiva's fondness for the Lotus to Goddess Lakshmi's preference for Marigolds, the pages of mythology are adorned with tales of which god likes which flower. In the context of our discussion on divine blooms, it's fascinating to witness how tradition evolves. Online flower Baskets provide a modern platform for devotees to express their devotion virtually, allowing petals of respect to be offered in a digital landscape.
