Importance of Lotus flower in Hinduism

[Nil Thapliyal]

The lotus has been revered for thousands of years as a sign of purity, divinity, rebirth, immortality, spiritual growth and resurrection. Its been found in tombs in Greece and Egypt and honoured in ancient spiritual texts such as the Bhagavad-Gita and the Lotus Sutra.

Its opening and folding, its ability to rise out of the mud, and rise even above the water, has captivated the imagination of many writers, artists and devout seekers.

 

[paul linus]

The deities of Hinduism are often portrayed standing upon an open lotus blossom, representing illumination and perfect self-realisation. Vishnu and Lakshmi stand upon pink lotus blossoms and Goddess Sarasvati upon a white lotus. Others such as Brahma, Siva, Parvati, Durga, Agni, Ganesha, Rama and Surya are shown sitting on the lotus, also holding a lotus flower in their hand.

 

[Nil Thapliyal]

The lotus symbolises the rise from instinctual responses to the height of spiritual attainment. The lotus flowers high above the murky waters, though its roots are down in the very mud it has risen from. There is not one without the other.

 

[paul linus]

Yes, lotus also sprung up from the navel of Vishnu as he rested on the waters, with Brahma atop the lotus. This is a sign not only of spiritual growth, but for what is divine or immortal in humanity.