Guide to Flower Symbolism in Indian Folklore
Flowers hold deep symbolic meaning in Indian folklore, mythology, and religious traditions. They are often associated with gods, emotions, virtues, and spiritual ideals. This guide explores the significance of key flowers in Indian culture and their folklore connections.
1. Lotus (Kamal - कमल)
Symbolism: Purity, Enlightenment, Divine Beauty
Folklore & Mythology:
The lotus is one of the most sacred flowers in India, symbolizing purity and spiritual awakening.
It is associated with Goddess Lakshmi, who sits on a fully bloomed lotus, representing prosperity and fortune.
Lord Brahma, the creator of the universe, is said to have emerged from a lotus sprouting from Vishnu’s navel.
The lotus thrives in muddy water yet remains untouched by it, symbolizing spiritual growth amidst worldly challenges.
2. Jasmine (Mogra - मोगरा)
Symbolism: Love, Sensuality, Good Fortune
Folklore & Mythology:
Jasmine is linked to Kamadeva, the god of love, who uses arrows tipped with jasmine flowers to inspire desire.
In many love stories and folk songs, jasmine garlands are exchanged between lovers.
The fragrance of jasmine is believed to bring peace and attract positive energies.
3. Marigold (Genda - गेंदे का फूल)
Symbolism: Devotion, Prosperity, Protection
Folklore & Mythology:
Marigolds are commonly used in Hindu rituals, especially in offerings to Goddess Durga and Lord Ganesha.
They are believed to ward off evil spirits and bring success.
In many rural Indian traditions, marigold garlands are used in wedding ceremonies to bless the couple with prosperity.
4. Rose (Gulab - गुलाब)
Symbolism: Love, Passion, Spiritual Devotion
Folklore & Mythology:
The rose is associated with deep emotions and is often found in poetry about love and longing.
In Sufi traditions of India, the rose is seen as a metaphor for divine love.
The Mughal emperor Jahangir and his wife Nur Jahan were famous for their love of roses, and rosewater was widely used in royal gardens.
5. Hibiscus (Japa - जपा पुष्प)
Symbolism: Power, Strength, Divine Energy
Folklore & Mythology:
The hibiscus is sacred to Goddess Kali and Lord Ganesha and is offered in prayers to invoke their strength.
It is considered a powerful flower for removing negativity and enhancing spiritual focus.
6. Parijat (Night-flowering Jasmine - पारिजात)
Symbolism: Immortality, Divine Blessing, Heartbreak
Folklore & Mythology:
In Hindu mythology, the Parijat tree is said to have originated from the ocean during the Samudra Manthan (churning of the ocean).
The tree was brought to earth by Lord Krishna for his wife, but it is also linked to a tragic love story involving Krishna and Princess Satyabhama.
It is believed that Parijat flowers do not touch the ground and must be collected before dawn.
7. Champa (Plumeria - चंपा)
Symbolism: Attraction, Joy, Immortality
Folklore & Mythology:
Champa is associated with Lord Vishnu and is often planted near temples.
According to folklore, it is considered unlucky for women to wear Champa flowers in their hair, as they are believed to attract separation from loved ones.
The flower is linked to the idea of longing and is often mentioned in romantic poetry.
8. Kadamba (Neolamarckia cadamba - कदंब)
Symbolism: Love, Celebration, Rain
Folklore & Mythology:
The Kadamba tree is sacred to Lord Krishna and is often mentioned in stories of his childhood in Vrindavan.
Krishna is said to have performed his Raas Leela (divine dance with the Gopis) under a Kadamba tree.
The tree is also associated with the monsoon season and the joy of nature’s renewal.
9. Tulsi (Holy Basil - तुलसी)
Symbolism: Devotion, Purity, Protection
Folklore & Mythology:
Tulsi is revered as an incarnation of Goddess Lakshmi and is considered the most sacred plant in Hindu households.
A famous legend tells of Vrinda, a devoted wife who was later transformed into the Tulsi plant as a divine blessing.
It is believed that keeping a Tulsi plant at home brings health and harmony.
10. Bluebell (Neelkamal - नीलकमल)
Symbolism: Mystery, Rarity, Spiritual Strength
Folklore & Mythology:
Neelkamal (Blue Lotus) is sometimes linked to Lord Shiva, symbolizing deep meditation and cosmic power.
In some versions of the Ramayana, Ravana tried to offer a Blue Lotus to please Shiva.
Since blue flowers are rare, they symbolize the mystical and the unattainable.
Flowers in Indian folklore are not just beautiful—they carry deep meanings and are woven into myths, legends, and spiritual practices. Whether used in worship, poetry, or everyday life, these flowers continue to shape Indian cultural traditions.
