“Flowers please the mind and grant prosperity. Hence, men with righteous deeds bestowed the name Sumana on them.”
―The Mahabharata book 13, Anusasana Parva Chapter 101, verses 19-21
According to this verse from the epic Mahabharata, when a pious man with a pure heart offers flowers to the deities, the deities become gratified and as a result bestow prosperity upon him.
Yes, flowers play a significant role in almost every religious ritual in Hinduism. Any religious ceremony, be it offering prayers or performing Aarti, is incomplete without flowers. Worshiping Hindu Gods and Goddesses with flower offerings is not only considered auspicious but has its own importance too. Although, any type of flower can be offered to any God yet, there are certain ones which happen to be the favorite flowers of Hindu Gods that can bring you good fortune if offered to Hindu Gods and Goddesses.
Know here what flowers do God and Goddesses love to get adorned with :
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1. Dhatura
According to the Hindu religious text Vamana Purana, when Lord Shiva drank the poison which was churned out of the ocean by the Gods and demons, Dhatura appeared from the chest of Lord Shiva. Since then, Dhatura became Lord Shiva’s favorite flower. Hence, Dhatura is offered to Lord Shiva during Shiv Puja to get rid of the poison of ego, rivalry, envy, and hatred . While there are some other Shiva flowers like Akand, Bael patra, ketaki flower is never used in the worship of Shiva.
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2. Red Hibiscus
This enchanting and ravishing red colored flower is offered to Goddess Kali. It is because the shape of the flower represents Maa Kali’s tongue and it’s red color symbolizes Maa Kali’s fierceness. Thus, in West Bengal, Goddess Kali is adorned with a garland of 108 red Hibiscus flowers during Kali pooja.
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3. Parijata
Parijata flower or Night-flowering coral Jasmine is a divine flower the roots of which are in heaven. This flower is believed to be the favorite of Lord Vishnu, Goddess Laxmi, and their incarnations. According to the Hindu mythology, this tree came out as a result of churning of the ocean by the Gods and demons. Lord Indra found this tree and brought it to heaven where its beautiful and fragrant flowers spread beneath the tree and pleasured the Gods.
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4. Lotus
The Goddess of wealth and prosperity, Laxmi sits on a lotus flower and thus, this flower becomes Goddess Laxmi’s favorite flower. If you offer a Lotus flower to goddess Laxmi during Diwali or Laxmi pooja, it will make her gratified and in return, she will grant wealth and good fortune. In fact, if you keep a lotus seed mala or rosary in the temple of your home, it will please Goddess Laxmi.
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5. Marigold
All red colored flowers are dear to Lord Ganesha but the saffron yellow flower named Marigold is Lord Ganesha’s favorite flower. Especially Red Genda or Red Marigold flowers are believed to please the Vinayaka greatly. This flower is special because it is the only flowers of the Hindu deities that can be divided into its petals.
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6. Palash
The Goddess of knowledge who wears a white saree and sits on a white Lotus, Devi Saraswati is fond of Palash flowers. Although all white colored flowers are liked by Devi Saraswati, Palash flowers are considered to be the essential component in Saraswati puja. In fact, the worship of Devi Saraswati is considered incomplete without Palash flowers.
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7. Tulsi
Tulsi acts both as a flower and an auspicious leaf which is used in the worship of Lord Krishna. It is because Tulsi or Basil leaves are loved by Lord Krishna and thus, in most of the temples Tulsi leaf is also offered as Prasada. Hence, Tulsi is also known as Krishna Tulsi. Other flowers like blue Lotus and coral flowers are also loved by Lord Krishna.
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8. Jasmine
Although Jasmine flowers are known for its fragrance and used for its medicinal properties, these flowers also hold a religious importance. Jasmine is loved by Lord Hanuman and according to the ritual, five Chameli or Jasmine flowers should be offered to please Lord Hanuman. Offering Jasmine oil along with sindoor or vermilion to Lord Hanuman also helps in warding off evils from your life.
