Why Is the Lotus Flower an Auspicious Symbol?

The lotus flower originated in Southern Asia. It has many religious and symbolic meanings as well as nutritional and medicinal uses. One can find many species of lotus flowers across Asia, but the sacred Lotus of Hindus is scientifically called Nelumbo nucifera.

 This perennial flower is found growing in the muddy waters of shallow pools. Its leaves have a unique nanostructure which gives it a self-cleaning ability. Hence, the flowers emerge from the mud without any dirt.

 This quality of the Lotus flower has given rise to the symbolism associated with the flower’s purity. It found resonance with ancient thinkers, philosophers, and religious people. The flower also has many unique properties which benefit us in terms of nutrition and health. It is consumed by people in many parts of Asia as it is very nutritious and can heal many problems like gastrointestinal issues, bad breath, insomnia, etc. In ancient Vedic scriptures, the Lotus has divine connections.

 Lotus as Metaphor

A translation of the Rig veda first mentions the Lotus as a metaphor. The verse expresses a wish for the safe delivery of a baby. The description of the wind ruffling the lotuses seems to evoke auspiciousness with regard to the delivery.

 The Lotus also appears in the Rigveda hymn XVI in connection to Agni’s birth. The hymn describes Agni as one of the two most worshipped deities, along with Indra, the God of Thunder.

 These early references to birth and divinity probably led to the Lotus’ symbolism in later literature and practice. Its presence in the scripture lends it divinity, but its connection with the gods reappears repeatedly throughout the Hindu scriptures.

 Lakshmi, the consort of Lord Vishnu, one of the Trimurti or trinity of major gods in the Hindu pantheon, and the mother of the world, is closely associated with the Lotus. In fact, she dwells within the Lotus flower.

 Her birth story describes her emerging from the Milky Ocean in a Lotus, covered in jewels and sporting many auspicious signs. She had Lotus flowers in each hand and was called Goddess Padma, which means Lotus.

 Lotus’ Significance in Vaishnavism

Lakshmi has many names and titles, including Dhanalakshmi. She is the goddess of wealth, good fortune, and auspiciousness. The Lotus flower’s auspiciousness could be due to its connection with the goddess.

 Vishnu devotees or Vaishnavites have great reverence for Lakshmi. They see her as the power of Vishnu to rule and protect the universe. The Lotus symbol is therefore very significant to the Vaishnavas.

The Lotus is also associated with Brahma, the god of creation. One of his origin stories relates that Brahma appeared in a Lotus flower from Vishnu’s navel.

 Many Hindu deities are depicted sitting on a Lotus throne.  This highlights the Lotus’ associations with purity, divinity, and power. The Lotus is also one of Vishnu’s 4 attributes. It is a symbol of creation.

Some believe that the sacred plant and deity, Soma, is the Sacred Lotus. In the Rig Veda, Soma is deified and worshipped. He even offers immortality.

 All the factors mentioned so far have a role in the iconic nature of the Sacred Lotus in Hinduism. Its natural life cycle and biological properties are responsible for its hallowed status.

 Lotus as Cultural Icon

The Lotus’ presence in the Vedas and its links to major deities, including its possible identity as Soma, a deity, give it a sacred and spiritual aura. Its symbolism has permeated even the cultural idiom of India.

 Indian art and architecture feature 8 symbols of auspiciousness, like the Conch (sankha) and the Wheel (chakra). The Lotus (padma) is also one among them. All these symbols are seen as pure, divine, and auspicious.

In many temples and shrines erected for various deities like Shiva and Surya, one can find stone carvings, motifs, and images of the Lotus. One can also discern a subtle connection between Hindu architecture and the Lotus, which finds expression in the structure of Hindu temples.

The tiered domes of temples look like Mount Meru, a sacred cosmic center in Hinduism. The mountain has a symbolic reference to the cosmic Lotus as well. It stands as the origin point of divinity and creation.

 The Lotus imagery that is linked to mountains, temples, health, and the divine reveals the symbol’s prominence in Hindu religion and culture.

The Lotus today has become an icon for businesses, a symbol of peace, and more. It is also the symbol of a nationalist movement and the ruling party in Indian politics. This connection reveals how significant the Lotus symbol is. The Lotus is also the national flower of India.

 The Lotus in Buddhism

The Lotus symbolism in present in other religions too. It appeared in ancient Egyptian religion where it had connections to birth, including that of Ra, the Sun God. It was used as a hallucinogen as well.

 In Buddhism, the symbolic meanings are similar to those in Hinduism. It represented one’s journey through the murky waters of samsara towards Nirvana, when one blooms, pure and perfect.

 The Lotus also signifies enlightenment. Those who attain it rise above the world like a Lotus rising above the filth. Jains also see the flower as a sacred symbol of power and purity. Within the tradition, there are 14 auspicious dreams and eight auspicious marks. The Lotus has a place in both lists. The Jain founders (tirthankaras) are also depicted sitting or standing on Lotus flowers, like many Hindu deities.

 Thus, the stature of the Lotus has continued to grow, maintaining its sacred connotations.

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