Lotus scientifically known as
Nelumbo Nucifera is the National Flower of India. It is a sacred flower
and occupies a unique position in the art and mythology of ancient India
and has been an auspicious symbol of Indian culture since time
immemorial. The Lotus symbolises divinity, fertility, wealth, knowledge
and not to forget enlightenment. Lending to its uniqueness, the flower
grows in murky waters and rises on a long stalk above the surface to
bloom glorious. It is also a symbol of triumph, since the lotus is
rooted in the mud and can survive to regerminate for thousands of years.
It represents long life, honor, and good fortune.
Untouched by the impurity, lotus symbolises the purity of heart and
mind. Human beings are instructed by Indian scripture to live a life of
non-attachment, which is very hard. The lotus holds additional
significance for Hindus, as it is a symbol of God and used often in
religious practices. Then in Indian thought, there is the last and final
lotus - Charan Kamal or lotus feet of the Almighty. It was this depth of
thought that made the founding fathers of modern India enshrine the
lotus in the Constitution as the National Flower.
