Offering flowers (पुष्पाणि) is an important part of the Hindu tradition. Ever since we can remember, flowers (पुष्पाणि) have been offered to the Gods/Goddesses. Flowers (पुष्पाणि) are intrinsic part of Hindu worship & rituals. The fragrance of the flowers (पुष्पाणि) pleases the Deity. They create a pleasant & aesthetic value to the puja ritual. Since Ancient times, flowers (पुष्पाणि) are considered as a symbol of peace. Ancient Hindu Scriptures mention पुष्पाञ्जलिः (act of offering flowers), as an act of pleasing the Deity.
It is good to follow the rituals correctly, like offering right flower (पुष्पाणि) to the Deity but, it is also important to have a deep devotion & trust in the Deity. Usually we offer the flowers (पुष्पाणि) at the feet of the Deity. While offering flowers (पुष्पाणि) one should use all five fingers. Different Gods & Goddesses love different flowers (पुष्पाणि). By offering them their favourite flower (पुष्पाणि), you can reap their blessings easily.
Generally, the following shloka is uttered at the time of offering the flowers (पुष्पाणि) to the Gods/Goddesses;
नानासुगन्धिपुष्पाणि यथाकालोद्भवानि च ।
पुष्पाञ्जलिर्मयादत्त गृहाण परमेश्वर ॥
Meaning- (O Lord) Various fragrant flowers which are produced (i.e. which blossoms) in their right time (i.e. in the right season), are offered by me as an offering (पुष्पाञ्जलिः), O best of God! please accept these.
Significance of offering flowers (पुष्पाणि) to the God/Goddesses:
1. Since flowers are the most beautiful things found in nature, they have been offered to the Deities during their worship.
2. Flowers are used for their good fragrance & aesthetic appeal.
3. Since it’s a natural product, it keeps the atmosphere of the place of worship welcoming.
4. There is also a belief that, by offering flowers (पुष्पाणि), Deity grants good health, wealth, & prosperity.
5. Flowers make the surroundings positive with its fragrance.
6. It is also said that, flowers (पुष्पाणि) evoke the frequency of Deity, who in turn blesses us.
7. Offering a flower (पुष्पाणि) during worship represents the devotion & loyalty that one has for Deity.
8. Flowers (पुष्पाणि), calms the mind & brings in positive vibrations that is beneficial for concentration, meditation & prayers.
9. Offering flowers (पुष्पाणि) is an act which represents respect towards the Deity.
10. Offering flowers (पुष्पाणि) also symbolizes offering the part of our soul to the Deity.
What kind of flowers (पुष्पाणि) Gods/Goddesses love?
1. Lord Ganesha –Hibiscus (Jaswanti), rose & Cascabela thevetia (karen) are favorite to Lord Ganesha. Hibiscus (Jaswanti) flower comes in many different colours so, choose the red colour if possible. You can also offer lotus, champa, rose, jasmine, yellow & orange marigold flowers. Apart from this, you can offer Durva grass blades, these are the most favorite to Lord Ganesha.
2. Lord Shiva – Any white flower will do. You can offer lotus, Cascabela thevetia (karen flower), dhatura flowers & naagkesar flowers to Lord Shiva. However, bilvapatra is most important in Shiva puja, it is very dear to Lord Shiva. In the bilvapatra the chakra & the bajra should not be there. The chakra is a white mark made by the insects on the bilvapatra, while the bajra is the thick portion towards the stalk.
3. Goddess Parvati – She is fond of all flowers offered to Lord Shiva, apart from that, you can offer white lotus, palash, champa & chameli.
4. Goddess Lakshmi – She likes the lotus most. You can offer pink lotus, yellow marigold & roses.
5. Goddess Saraswati – She likes any white flower or white lotus or palash flowers.
6. Goddess Mahakali – Hibiscus (Jaswanti), bluebell, roses, lotus & kadamb flowers are dear to Goddess Mahakali.
7. Goddess Durga – Mostly red colour flowers like hibiscus (Jaswanti) & roses she likes the most. You can also offer lotus & mogra flower.
8. Lord Vishnu – He is very fond of lotus. you can also offer pink lotus, jasmine, kadamb, malti, vasanti. Tulasi leaves are dear to Vishnu so, you can offer tulasi leaves also.
9. Lord Dattatreya – Any yellow flower like marigold, sunflower are favourite to Lord Dattatreya & also Audumbar leaves. Audumbar tree is associated with Lord Dattatreya.
In this way, there are different flowers which are dear to different Gods & Goddesses.
Rules for offering flowers (पुष्पाणि) to Gods/Goddesses:
1. Never pluck flowers during evening & after evening. And when you pluck flowers in the morning, remember that they are being sacrificed to take your devotion to the Deity. Thank & express your gratitude towards the plants. Traditionally a mantra is also chanted while plucking the flower.
2. Do not offer flowers which are picked up from ground.
3. Offer fresh flowers, not stale flowers & whose petals have withered away.
4. The flower must not have any insects in them.
5. Do not offer the flowers which have diseases or damaged by insects.
6. Never use flowers that are stolen, taken without permission or are received after a lot of begging.
7. Never re-offer the flower once offered.
8. Wild flowers & flowers that have thorns in them are never to be offered to the Deities.
9. The flower you are about to offer should have good fragrance; one should not offer flowers which does not have any fragrance.
10. Make sure that the flowers that are offered to the Deity have been cultivated on a clean & pure land. If you can, it is best to grow some flowers in your garden & offer a few to your Deity daily during worship.
11. Never offer flowers that have not completely bloomed or still are buds. The only exception to this rule is the flowers of the lotus & champa.
12. The bilvapatra half-eaten up by the insects is also not considered good for worshiping Lord Shiva.
13. Never pluck tulasi leaves after 12 noon..
वैशाखः सुद ११, २०७६