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| Flower of Aparajita, Shankhpushp, blue pea, butterfly pea or pigeon wings |
Aparajita, Shankh-Pushp, blue pea, butterfly pea, pigeon wings are the common names for this beautiful blue flower which is scientifically known as Clitoria Ternatea
Its scientific name 'Clitoria Ternatea' is due to the resemblance of its shape to the human female genital. It may be a reason that its roots are used as a charm for women in villages of south India, Pregnant women wear the roots of 'Aparajita' in their arms or waist as a charm and think that it will help them to deliver normally. The flower and its roots are being used as "Ayurvedic" medicine since time unknown. Its effect as an antidepressant, anticonvulsant and antistress has been proven in testing on animals.
A 'Puja' flower
'Aparajita' means 'unbeatable' or 'undefeatable' in Hindi, and 'Shankh-pushp' means - a flower that resembles a conch shell. This blue flower is offered to Goddess 'Durga', 'Kali' and her different 'roop'. Goddess loves this flower. It remains available during "Durga Puja"This flower is also offered to God Shiva. It is even more fruitful to offer this flower to "Mahadeo" with the recitation of the mantra -
" ह्रीं ॐ नमः शिवाय "
It pacifies the bad effects of "Shani Gruh". Both Shiva and Shakti like this flower so bring the "Ardhanarishwar" in your "Dhyana" and offer it on the "Shivalinga".
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| A flowering vine of Aparajita, Shankhpushp, blue pea, butterfly pea or pigeon wings on a rooftop garden |
The plant of 'Aparajita' flower is a climber or vine. If it gets regular moisture in the soil near its roots then lots of flowers will come upon the vine. So it can be easily grown in the backyard, rooftop garden or balcony but some people avoid growing it in the balcony. Since it is a plant of pea family so it is propagated through seeds. Five to six seeds come out of a pod. Like pea (a legume) its roots help in nitrogen fixation in soil.
Generally, other flowers we see around are white, orange, red, yellow and their different shades but blue flowers are uncommon. That is why it is also used as an ornamental plant.
Multi-layered variety of Aparajita/Shankh Pushp flowers
The Clitoria Ternatea
The Clitoria Ternatea
It is also found in a light blue color. It is sometimes also found in white color that is rare. It has a single layer of petal but a multi-layered petals variety is also found at some places. Here is a picture of a multi-layered petals variety of blue Aprajita flowers.
Other uses
The flower and seeds are edible. Its flowers are used to color rice or other food in southeast Asia. In China, it is traditionally used to treat ailments like gonorrhea and unusual menstrual discharge. They also use it as an aphrodisiac. In India, it is used as an "Ayurvedic" medicine to treat many ailments.
The tea of its flower is available on Amazon as - Blue Tea
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