FlowersFlowers from Slokas, Songs etc..

As we all know, flowers are an integral part of religious worship in the Vedic religion. Flowers are
also worn by women (and men) in their hair to enhance the fragrance of their hair. Several
different oils are extracted with the perfumes of flowers and used too. While the general rule is to
offer any of the fragrant flowers and or leaves during the religious service(s), various Sanskrit
works, carnatic songs etc.. (similar to Azhwar pasurams) have mentioned different flowers (which
were in existence at that time) , which are the most suitable for worship. Let's take a peek at the
flowers, mentioned in Lalitha Sahasranama, and Mantra Mathruka Pushpamala stotra(s).

With all the religious glories of Lalitha 1000, which was blessed by none other than Sri
Hayagreeva to Agasthya Muni , this highlights the Saguna form of worship of Paradevtaha. Divine
mother is envisioned as Prakruthi or nature itself, and obviously worshipers of Sri Lalithambika
will be nature lovers, gardeners etc..the flowers mentioned in Lalitha 1000 can be logically
grouped into the following categories. Some of them are adorned by her, some are used to
compare the tenderness of her body (like feet, hands etc..) and some her color and others are
associated with the great cities of her residence.
Flowers used in decoration:

● Champakasoka – punnaga-sowgandhika- lasath kacha – She who wears in her hair

flowers like Champaka,Ashoka, Punnaga and Sowgandhika

Champaka

1
Punnaga

Sowgandhika

2
Ashoka - Saraca asoca

3
Flowers used in Comparison:

● Nava champaka –pushpabha-nasa dhanda virajitha - One, who has a nose like a freshly
blossomed Chapaka flower.
● Kadambha manjari kluptha karna poora manohara – One who has beautiful ears like the
kadamba flowers
● Bisa thanthu thaniyasi – One who is as thin as the thread from lotus
● Maha kamesha nayana kumudahladha kaumudhi – One who is like the full moon which
opens the lotus like eyes of Lord Kameshwara
● Dhadimi kusuma prabha -One whose color is like the pomegranate bud
● Mrinala mrudhu dhorllatha – One who has arms as tender as lotus stalk
● Bhandhooka kusuma prakhya – One who has the glitter of bhandhooka flowers
● Japapushpa nibhakrithi – One who has the color of hibiscus

Bandhooka - pentapetes phoenicea

Japa - Hibiscus

4
Kumuda -

Note: Ambal's nose is compared to a freshly blossomed champaka flower (not fully opened). Her
ears to a Kadamba floer (may be for the diamond ear rings etc.). For her color rising sun,
sindoora, Dadimi or pomogranete flowers, Banduka flowers and reddish hibiscus flowers are all
compared. Her arms tot he stalk to the stem of a lotus flower.

5
Flowers of Interest:

● Kadambha kusuma priya – One who likes the flowers of Kadamba tree
● Champeya kusuma priya – One who likes the flowers of Champaka tree
● Patali kusuma priya – One who likes the flowers of Patali tree
● Mandhara kusuma priya – One who likes the flowers of Mandhara tree

Mandara - Bauhinia vahlii

Champeya - Plumeria rubra (or Michelia Champaka)

6
Patali - Stereospermum colais

7
Kadamba -

Flowers related to residence(S):

● Maha padmadavi samstha – One who lives in the forest of lotus flowers (Thruvanai Kaval
is called as Maha Padmadavee)
● Kadambha vana vasini – One who lives in the forest of Kadmbha (Madurai city is also
called Kadambha vana)
● Srimad vagbhava koodaiga swaroopa mukha pankaja - One who has the Vaghbhava
kootam as her lotus of face.
● Sahararambhujarooda - One who resides in the Lotus with 1000 petals.

Flowers Mentioned in Uthara Bhagam or Phala Sruthi

The following. sloka or verse(s) in Uthata Bhagam of Lalitha 1000 mentions a variety of lowers to
be used in her service:

8
Padma

Thulasi

9
Kalhaara

Kadamba

10
Champaka

11
Jathee

Mallika

12
Karaveera

13
Uthpala

Bilva Dhala

14
Kunda

Kesara

Patala

15
Kethaki

16
Madhavi

All other fragrant flowers

Posted by sv at 1:18 PM 26 comments:

Email This

BlogThis!

Share to Twitter

Share to Facebook

17
Share to Pinterest

More Flowers for Puja

As seen earlier like these 21 flowers also are of great significance. Each of them possesses a
unique aroma or fragrance, which is capable of healing etc. Most of these flowers are also used in
Devi Puja, and other Pujas. Most of these may not be available commercially in the market and
should be collected from meadows, private gardens etc.

Note: Most of these flowers do not bear fruits (like hibiscus, kunda, jati,chrysanthemum) or are
collected from the ground after they have fallen on the ground (like vakula, parijata) or have other
modes of vegetative propagation (like Punna etc..) or they produce substantial amount of flowers
so that, collecting a little bit of them shouldn't harm or hurt the plants. In general (unless for
special occasions) flowers like mums or hibiscus are preferred as we don't harm the plant or do
not offer the pollinated flowers to Lord. Also, these flowers should be ideally collected early in the
morning before 6.00 AM, when they are not in full bloom to avoid, bees, etc.. Usually mango
flowers aren't collected (unless for this Puja etc.)

Punnaga (Punnai) - Calophyllum inophyllum

18
This flower has the glory of being mentioned in Azwar Paasurams, Lalitha 1000 and also used for
this Pooja. Punna tree looks like a laurel tree and it's seeds are used for oil extraction.

Arka (Erukku) - Calotropis procera

19
20
Note: As seen in the third picture, beautiful garlands could be made of these petals and the
stigma. Usually the white colored variety is used in pujas. Root, leaves, latex, and flowers are all
medicinal. It is used in treating snake poisons etc. They also possess purgative qualities.

Mandaara - bauhinia variegata

Note: There were white, yellow and red versions of this flower. Usually for Ganesha/ Shiva white
are preferred. and for Ambal it's yellow. Red ones, are not usually used for Pujas.

Vakula (Mahizham) - Mimusops elengi

21
22
Note: This is a tree and produces small and sweet smelling flowers. Even the fruits of this tree
are tasty (Mexican Plum). Strings of garlands are made out of this flower and offered to all Gods.
(of the 12 azwars Sri Nammazhvar calls himself as Vakulabarana Nayaki in his songs.)Since this
is big tree, usually the flowers are withered and collected from the ground.Fruits,flowers, bark and
leaves are used in Ayurvedic preparations.

Amrunaalam (Vetiver)

23
Note: The roots of this grass are fragrant and dark in color. They are used in garlands etc.. and
also added to fire as incense + water as a flavoring agent. This is also used to decorate the hair
of Gods/Godesses.

Patalee (Padiri) -Stereospermum tetragonum

24
Note: The root of this tree is one of the components of Dasha Moola ristam , an Ayurvedic
medicinal preparation for good health. This tree or flowers are being referred in most of the Vedic
and Puranic scriptures.

Drona (Thumbai) - Leucas aspera

25
Note: These beautiful flowers are also very important in Shiva Pooja. They also attract butterflies
, while in full bloom after the monsoon seasons. They can be easily propagated using seeds.
They are found abundantly in open lands after the rains. The leaves of this plant are supposed to
have medicinal qualities and can cure cold etc.. The entire plant can be extracted as a juice and
consumed for cold, cough, fever etc.. No need for any harmful pills.

Durthaara(Umathai) - Datura discolor

26
Senpakam - Champaka - Michelia champaca

27
This could grow to be a big tree and they climb on the tree to collect the flowers. Oils, extracts are
made from these flowers. Buds of this flower is(unblossomed) are used in making facial and body
treatment powders.

Rasasa (Maa) - Azadaracta indica

Note: Mango flowers aren't usually collected. They flower in the Spring/ summer seasons
April-May. So, only certain species of Mangoes produce flowers during this Aug-Sep. season. The
dried / withered flowers are consumed as an ailment for diabetes etc.

Ketaki (Thaazhai) - Pandanus fascicularis

28
Note: These plants belong to the Pandanus family and they grow on the river banks etc.. , where
there is more water. They can be found all over Southern India, East India etc.. They bear a
beautiful fragrance. The extract from this flower is used in flavoring food items (Kewda). And
these flowers are offered to Ambal, Vishnu etc.. But these flowers aren't offered to Shiva, due to a
mythological belief that they lied .

29
Madhavi (Kurukkathi) - Hiptage benghalensis

30
Note: Inspite of various references about this flower in Srimad Bhagavatham and other
scriptures, the leaves, bark and flowers of this flower seem to possess medicinal qualities in
curing asthma, ulcer etc. This flower has a strong fruity aroma.

Shamyaaka (Mayil Konrai) Caesalpinia pulcherrima

31
Note: These flowers are found in the thorny, leguminous trees in abundance. The un-ripe pods of
this tree contain, seeds, which are liked by kids a lot. Usually it's an easily tree grown in the
tropical climates.

Kalhaara (Sengazhuneer) - Nymphaea nouchali

32
Note: Same family like water lotus. This flower is very famous for all Pujas (Devi,Vishnu,
Ganesha etc..) Rhizomes, seeds and flowers are all use din treatment of diarrohea,dysentry etc.

Soughandika (Javandhi) -Chrysanthemum morifolium

33
Note: This is easily grown perennial plant, which is a runner and can be propagated very easily.
They have a great fragrance + used in floral tea etc.. Although different colors are available,
yellow ones are more famous.

Karaveera (Arali) - Nerium Oleander

34
Note: Fragrant flowers, and poisonous seeds and plant parts.

Kundha (Mullai) - Jasminum auriculatum

35
Note: These are called as Nitya Mullai. They could be easily grown in tropical climates and are
supposed to be blooming all year. They are grown on trellises and make a good flower for nitya
Pujas. Since they are only propagated vegetatively, these flowers can be collected (as they may
not bear fruits).

Paarijaatha (Pavazhamalli) -Nyctanthes arbor-tristis

36
Note: These are small trees, which produce a large amount of flowers. They can be easily
propagated through seeds or cuttings. These flowers are also available all round the year.
Usually, small nets or plastic sheets are spread under this tree and it sheds it's flowers early in the
morning. The stalk of this flower is coral red, while the petals resemble a jasmine. They could be
made into beautiful strands with a needle and string. The flowers have a unique fragrance. The
leaves of this tree can be dry roasted and made into a tea and consumed as a remedy for cold,
fever etc..

Jathi (jathi malli) - Jasminum polyanthum

37
Dhadimi(Mathulai) - Punica granatum

38
Note: leaves, fruits, seeds etc.. are all great medicines for dysentery. Flowers are really beautiful.

Kadamba - Neolamarckia cadamba

39
Note: Flowers are beautiful and fragrant. Leaves or bark of this tree are used in medicinal
treatments of ulcer,cough,fever etc..

Japaa (Sembaruthi) or Hibiscus Rosa Sinesis

40
Note: These flowers are also available all round the year. These flowers are special to Devi and
Sri Ganesha. These are called as shoe flowers(these flowers can be used to polish shoes). They
are very good for heart and can be dried, powdered and consumed. The leaves of this plant are
very slimy and could be ground to a paste to wash the hair like a shampoo.

Davana (Marikozhundhu) - Artemisia Pallens

41
Note: Actually these are leaves and not flowers. But they are like flowers as the entire plant has
an aroma. The plant stays fragrant even after several months after harvest. This aroma is
supposed to prevent insects and cockroaches and are used with the dresses in cup-boards to
prevent insects.

Flowers from Azwar Pasuram(s)

Lotus is a common flower in the poems (pasuram) of all the Azwar saints of India, comparing
Lord's eyes, his fore-hand etc. with its petals or its color. But our Big Azwar or Sri Vishnu Chitha,
who had a great interest in flower-gardening, has enumerated a list of flowers and fragrant
leaves. Out of devotion he had sung a group of 10 poems inviting baby Krishna to wear these
flowers in his hair, which are collectively called as Poochoodal Pasurams in Thamizh (link below
with meaning) . Each of these flowers / leaves mentioned here have unique (from mild to strong)
fragrance(s) and medicinal properties. Now let's see what flowers have been listed in his songs:

Aanirai Meikka (Poochootal)- Periazhwar; Divyaprabandam Nithyanusanthanam (wi…

42
1. Senpakam - Champaka - Michelia champaca
Large tree with seeds.

43
2. Mallikai - Mallika - Jasminum sambac
Perennial creeoer and can be grown from cuttings.

3. Damanaham - Davana - Artemisia Pallens

Annual shrub, which can be grown from seeds.

4. Paadhiri - Patala - Stereospermum tetragonum

Big tree with seeds.

44
5. Punnai - Punnaga - Calophyllum inophyllum
Tree and can be grown from seeds.

45
6. Kurukkathi - Madhavi - Hiptage benghalensis
Woody climber with seeds.

7. Segazhuneer - Red Water Lily -Nymphaea nouchali

Perennial water plant with seeds.

46
Karumuhai - Mano Ranjitham - Artabotrys uncinatus
Woody climber, and is a perennial. Can be grown from seeds.

8.

9. Irvachi - A specialized variety of Jasmine

As the name suggests it rules the night with it's fragrance .
(irul = darkness, atchi = ruling in Thamizh) Creeper like jasmine and can be propagated

47
 vegetatively.

Maruhu - Marvaka - Origanum majorana

This called as Sweet marjoram in English. Very easy to grow from seeds / cuttings.

48
 10.

11. (Kadir) Pachai - Patchpan - Pogostemon patchouli (optional)

Extremely unique fragrant shrub with seeds.

Note: 8 flowers and two leaves make complete sense. I had added Pachai to this list assuming
that Azwar wanted to include Pachai with Davana. Maruhu, Davana and the 8 flowers make a

49
total of 10 equating the number of flowers/leaves to the number of poems in this group of
pasurams.

Davana or Thanamaham gets mentioned twice here by Azwar. Needless to say the beautiful
aroma of this plant had motivated Azwar to talk about this plant twice in his 10 verses. First he
combines this Davana with Maruhu and makes a garland (Maruvum Thanahamum SeerMalai
manam kamazkinra) and describes Sri Krishna as the one, who has his hair smelling with the
sweet aroma of that garland. Since Azwar himself loves gardening he is very creative in selecting
the best combination of fragrant flowers for his Sweet Lord.

Next time Davana is mentioned along with Pachai (Pogostemon patchouli), which is called as
Kadir Pachai in Thamizh, which I have heard to have a very distinct fragrance and Padiri flowers
(Patali pushpam). Azwar beautifully mentions (Pachai Thamnahathodu Pathiri Poo Chooda
Varai) and he combines another herb with a unique fragrance (Kadir Pachai) with Davana and
padiri flowers.

Note: Pachai could also be interpreted as the color green, which would make it sound that Azwar
is describing it as - Green Davana. But Davana is ash-colored and I made the assumption that
Pachai really meant Kadir Pachai and not the green Davana. As mentioned earlier this may be
optional in this group of 10 verses but considering the great fragrance of this plant it is worth
giving it the status of being included in this list.

50
Karumuhai flowers mentioned in Azwar's pasuram is currently known in Thamizh by its Sanskrit
name - Manoranjitham. Sengazhuneer is mentioned as water flower by Azwar, which means it is
the red water lily (which blooms in the day). He mentions it as "Thelliya Neeril Ezhunda
Sengazhuneer Sooda Vaarai" - which means he invites his Sweet Lord to wear the Red Lily
flowers, which had blossomed and had arisen from clear water. As there is another flower, with
the same name, which is called as Bhu Champaka in Sanskrit Azwar's description of this flower
as water flower really helps us to avoid any confusions.

In addition to inculcating the divine devotion, Azwar had done a marvelous job of preserving the
tradition of those flowers used in garlands for the Lord. Although most of them are still used and
available not all of them have been commercialized. For example we can never find Kurukkathi
poo in the market. Manoranjitham is usually grown at homes (although in some markets they sell
these flowers) jasmine, lotus etc. are readily available in the markets.

So, devotion is very closely associated with gardening too, where we grow those plants, which
would bear fragrant flowers with great care and offer their flowers to the Sweet Lord. The
pleasure one attains by do that is endless.

51