All about the Mythological Brahma Kamal Plant

The Brahma Kamalam is a beautiful flower that grows in the Himalayan region. Its scientific name is Saussurea Obvallata, and it belongs to the Sunflower family. It is also called Orchid Cactus, Dutchman’s Pipe, and Lady of the Night. The significance of Brahma Kamalam in Hinduism is both mythical and religious. Lord Brahma, the Creator Archetype in Hinduism, supposedly sat on this flower while he was meditating. The flower will be in full bloom only once a year, and that too, only for one night. It has an intoxicating fragrance.
This rare flowering plant blooms in the monsoon season between the months of July and August. The fragrant flower is used in religious ceremonies. Many ancient texts mention this flower.
According to Hindu mythology, the flower emerged from Brahma's head when he created the Universe. The Rigveda mentions this plant in several hymns. Even the ancient Greeks and Romans worshipped this flower, as it was associated with goddesses of love and fertility in their religions.
Brahma Kamalam symbolizes the cosmos in Buddhism and Hinduism. It is also one of Lord Vishnu's Pancha Kamala (5 sacred flowers), along with the Lotus, Kumkuma, Chamara, and Nagakeshara.
The Brahma Kamalam’s pearly white blooms add an ethereal glow to the night, and the beauty of its flowers has earned the plant the title of one of India's best flowering plants.
The Brahma Kamalam represents purity and innocence. People believe that it has magical properties.
Myths about the Brahma Kamalam Plant
One myth claims that Brahma created the plant. It says that while meditating on a lotus flower, he fell asleep. On waking up, he found that he had become one with it. Thus, the flower got the name Brahma Kamalam.
Supposedly, Brahma also used the flower to create the Universe. Another story says that Vishnu used the flower to revive his consort, Lakshmi after a demon killed her.
Some believe that the flower was created from a tear of Brahma. It is a symbol of purity, devotion, and enlightenment.
People believe that the plant has healing properties and can grant wishes and bring good fortune.
Brahma Kamal Flower Plant and Ayurveda
Brahma Kamal has many medicinal uses in Ayurveda. It is used to treat many disorders and ailments like colds, fevers, flu, bronchitis, and asthma. It can also help those suffering from anxiety, depression, and insomnia.
Benefits of Brahma Kamalam
Brahma Kamalam is a very rare and sacred plant. Other names for it are Queen of the Night and Lotus of the Dark. The flower has healing properties. The plant has been used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments. It has anti-inflammatory, diuretic, antipyretic, tonic, expectorant, and sedative properties. Saussure is the main active constituent of this plant, and it is also responsible for its unique healing properties. Brahma Kamalam is the state flower of Uttarakhand.
Here are the main benefits of this flower:
It is an effective remedy for skin problems like eczema and psoriasis.
It can heal burns and wounds.
It has anti-cancerous properties.
The plant boosts immunity, helping the body fight infections.
It is also used during auspicious occasions.
It is good for the skin. The flower is rich in calcium, magnesium, potassium, zinc, and copper which boosts skin health. It bestows a naturally glowing and healthy skin.
The intoxicating fragrance of the flower is used in Aromatherapy to reduce stress and boost concentration.
It can facilitate one’s connection to the higher realm of consciousness and elevate your meditation. Having the plant around you while meditating brings improved cosmic consciousness.
The flower has associations with Brahma. It represents the presence of a higher power. Keeping it at home attracts the divine presence.
The Brahma Kamal flower is a religious offering at Vishnu temples. The Rig Veda says that the flower was essential for Yajnas and other ceremonies.
Brahma Kamal and Vaastu
According to Vaastu Shastra, the Brahma Kamalam flower can attract peace, balance, harmony, and positivity to your home. It will boost the flow of positive energy, especially if your home has been empty for a while.
∙ Place the plant in the northeast corner of the house, as it connotes positivity.
∙ Don’t place it around the head of the bed, as the flower boosts energy flow, thereby disturbing your sleep.
∙ Keep it in the area where you work or spend most of your time. It will keep you feeling more energized throughout the day.
Growing Brahma Kamalam at Home
Brahma Kamalam can be grown both indoors and outdoors. It needs bright and indirect sunlight all day to grow properly. Also, the temperature should be between 18°C and 25°C. It needs plenty of water, so hydrate the soil with regular watering. The soil should be rich. You can add some fertilizer every month. The plant needs maintenance for around two months before it flowers. Brahma Kamalam's flowering time is two to three weeks.