National Flower

Almost every country in the world chooses plants to represent the important geographical aspect of their nation. Some Nations keep a country wide floral symbol which represents the whole nation. The national flower of a country is a symbol of its culture. For example, lotus, the national flower of India, is sacred to  people of the nation. This symbol is associated with a nation and can be the embodiment of its people and place. Floral symbolism has been used in many forms of art and architecture, for example in the floral patterns may also be embroidered on the national flag of the country. In a broader sense, the flower can symbolise the country’s independence, freedom and unity. 

National flower of India

Lotus, scientifically known as Nelumbo nucifera is considered as the national flower of India.

Popularity of the lotus flower in India was reflected in part by the many important figures in ancient and contemporary Indian history and culture. In the ancient Vedic culture, the lotus was the vehicle/seat of the creator god Brahma and thus it was also regarded as sacred. It symbolised the power of creation, the power of the gods, and eternal divinity. 

The National flower of India, lotus, also known as Nelumbo, is a sacred flower for Hindus. The lotus flower is widely known for its elegance and beauty. Lotus is a perennial aquatic plant of the Nelumbonaceae plant family. It is commonly found in ponds, lakes and rivers, growing in shallow water with emergent roots (floating in water), as well as on floating mats (floating on water). Lotus is one of the most sacred flowers in India.

The national flower of India, lotus,  grows in the southernmost part of the country in the Eastern Ghats, and in the floodplains of rivers. It is widely distributed in the plains of Bihar, Bengal and Orissa. It is also found in Assam, Meghalaya, and Sikkim.

Significance of the National Flower of India

A lotus flower has mythical importance in Hinduism as God Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi are frequently represented standing on a pink lotus flower, while the goddess Saraswati is usually portrayed on a white lotus flower. The “Lotus-Eyed One” is another name for God Vishnu. A lotus flower signifies heavenly beauty in Buddhism, as it evolves from dirt into a lovely blossom. It also symbolises purity of heart, soul, and mind. Because the lotus bloom hovers above muddy swamps, it also denotes devotion and yearning, making it a beloved flower by Indians.

In Hinduism, the national flower of India, lotus, is highly revered. According to ancient scriptures, it was employed by the Bhagavad Gita to represent the ideal condition of existence. The Bhagavad Gita is said to have utilised it to depict the perfect way of life, according to ancient writings. The scriptures of the ancient Vedas teach that people shall try to be just like the lotus flower, working hard beyond the attachment with negativity and committing their lives to God.  The ancient Vedas also cited that humans can preserve their qualities regardless of their place of growth just like how a beautiful lotus can grow in a muddy swamp, preserving its grace and beauty. The relation of our national flower to the holy citations of the Vedas was one of the prime reasons why the lotus flower is considered as the national flower of India. 

Some of the Uses of our National Flower

• The lotus flower is nutritious and has several medicinal benefits; its usage in classical Asian treatment dates back to antiquity. 
• The flower is used to make lotus tea, which helps to halt haemorrhaging and reduces heart issues.
• The lotus’ roots aid in the elimination of poisonous wastes from our system as well as the improvement of our immunity, they also aid in the reduction of body heat. 
• Smallpox, throat issues, melanin levels abnormalities, and diarrhoea are all treated using the root of the lotus flower. 
• The stem of the lotus flower aids in the proper development of the foetus and can also be used to relieve chest tightness. 
• The lotus seed kernel is used to tonify the spleen and kidney, as well as to eat. The seeds are sometimes used in soups.
• The huge leaflets of the lotus plant are used as chilly bedsheets to alleviate high fevers and hot weather, and they are also used to make other products.

Conclusion  

The lotus flower is the national flower of India. It was chosen as the national flower of India by the newly formed Indian Constituent Assembly in 1950. The lotus flower symbolises the eternal nature of the soul and the spiritual nature of India. Lotus flower is mainly an ancient floral symbol of the Indian subcontinent, which represents purity and excellence. The flower is used as a symbol of both the Goddess of Wisdom, Saraswati, and of the Hindu deity Vishnu. It is also a symbol of knowledge. The lotus is said to have originated from the lotus pond in the heavens where Buddha sat to meditate in the Buddhist mythologies.