Tagetes –Genda flower-गेंदा के फूल !

Tagetes –Genda flowers-गेंदा के फूल !

Genda Flowers -गेंदा के फूल {हिंदी में यहाँ पढ़ें}

            This is a very common worship flower found in different sizes and colors in different shades of yellow, saffron and maroon. Since yellow color is favorite of Vishnu and his avatars like Ram and Krishna, this flower is generously used in his worship. In addition to its beautiful looks this flower has a light and pleasant smell. Putting a garland in the neck of God during worship is also a part of "Sringaar" (Make up) of God. The garland of "Genda flowers" is most commonly used for this purpose. 

          It is also a favorite flower of Goddess Lakshmi due to its golden color. During festival of Deepawali  (Lakshmi Puja) the demand of "Genda flowers" increases manifolds. In addition to offering "Genda flowers" to Goddess it is also used in decoration of temples and houses in Deepawali festival. For decoration on different occasions, specially on weddings it is used with other flowers.

Genda and Lotus flower
Sold for Laxmi Puja

          During worship it can be offered to any god. The saffron color of ''Genda flowers" has a special significance for the Hindus. Saffron color is related to "Moksha" that is the desire of most of the religious Hindus.That is why we see "Saadhus" (Hermits) in saffron clothes. This combined with its easy cultivation makes it a favorite flower for Hindus. 

         "Genda flowers" have become a part of Indian culture. It is not only used for worship and decoration on festivals & religious events but also in the last rites after death. The flowers and its garlands are placed on the dead body.

           To fulfill the huge demand in the Indian markets this flower is cultivated on a large scale in India. Its cultivation has made the economic condition of many farmers better.

Tagetes –Genda flowers in flower beds
at "Fun Castle,Ranchi गेंदा के फूल !

       The tagetes flower is the beauty of a garden. The varieties having lesser height and multi-petaled ball like looks are planted in the garden. Such plants grow well during winter. Planted either in flower beds or in pots the give a fascinating look. I have seen a lover of "Genda flower" in Ranchi who decorates his double storied house with potted "Genda flowers"  along railings of terrace, roof and outer open stairs in winter. Pots are placed on the outer side of the railings in circular steel holders. Then that house looks amazing and awesome and keeps a permanent space in ones memory.

Tagetes is sometimes called by marigold which is a similar plant of European origin. In Sanskrit its name is "Sthulpushpa (स्थूलपत्र)".Some varieties of "Genda" has single layer of petals only but they are not preferred because their looks are not so lovely as the multi layered ones. Many years ago I had seen a multi-layered "Genda" flower which petals were conical in shape.

Tagetes Marigold –Genda flowers
The bright yellow flowers are fascinating!

   "Genda_flowers" have industrial and medicinal uses too. "Genda" flower oil is used in making perfumes and dried flower powder in poultry farming. Antiseptic property of "Genda" leaves is well known. It is also used in stomach and throat related problems. In eczema it is directly applied to the skin.

The herb of "Genda flower" is easily grown from dried full grown flower. The dried flower when opened shows pack of long thin seeds. These are sown in flower beds. After watering for few days numbers of small plants grow. After 4 - 5 centimeters height these are transferred and planted to desired places. It does not require much care. In fact if more fertilizer and watering given, it grows more but flowers less. This state in local Hindi language is called "palaa jana" (पला जाना). The smaller size variety flowers more in number than the bigger ones. It can also be grown in balconies in apartments for show or "Puja flower" where limited open space is available.

   

===  

    

Tulsi Leaves (तुलसी दल)

Tulsi Leaves (तुलसी दल)          हिंदी ब्लॉग के लिए यहाँ क्लिक करें

A Tulsi Plant with flowers (मंजर)

                        It is one of the sacred (पवित्र) things in the Hindu religion, especially in the Vaishnava sect. Also known as Vrinda (वृन्दा), it is so much liked (प्रिय) by Vishnu (Narayana) that one can not imagine his worship to be complete without it. "Vrindavan" near Mathura where Krishna resided in his childhood means a "forest of Tulsi". Tulsi leaves are offered to the Vishnu idols. The leaves of Tulsi are to Vishu what Bilva-Patras (बेल-पत्र) are to Shiva. On every offering of eatables (प्रसाद) to God at least a leaf of Tulsi is put on it, then only He accepts it. You may have noticed it in "Satyanarayan Puja". Every Hindu family keeps a plant of Tulsi near their house. It is planted in the courtyard (आँगन) in a two to three feet high flower pot which is called Tulsi-pinda (तुलसी पिंडा). It is kept cleaned and decorated. Due to a blessing given by God Vishnu to Vrinda (वृन्दा) (There is a story behind it), He always resides beneath the Tulsi plant. Hindus keep a round small stone called "Shaligram" near the stem of the plant in Tulsi-pinda (तुलसी पिंडा). "Shaligram" represents God Vishnu. This round small stone called "Shaligram" is preferably taken from the "Narayani" river or "Kali Gandaki river" that flows in Nepal and North Bihar. Devote Hindus have a daily routine of offering water (जल) to Tulsi-plant and Sun God (सूर्य), and show lamp (दीप) to them. Those not having a courtyard or sufficient space, they too keep a plant of Tulsi in a flower pot (गमला) in their veranda or balcony. They prefer not to keep it under shade but in open as is the rule. The fallen leaves of Tulsi on the ground are picked by hand and put in the pot and care is taken not to touch these fallen leaves by feet or by broom.

नव तुलसिका - A small Tulsi Plant

         Tulsi plant is commonly known as 'Holy Basil' in English but its biological name is 'Ocimum Tenuiflorum'. Generally, two varieties of Tulsi are found- One green-leaved (Laxmi Tulsi, Sri Tulsi, Rama Tulsi) and the other purple-leaved (Shyam Tulsi, Krishna Tulsi). The bunch of very small flowers is called "Manjar"(मंजर) in Hindi, a term used for mango flowers.  These flowers are offered to God Shiva and 'Hanuman'. But Tulsi leaves are not offered to Devi or Bhagawati (Hindu Divine Mother). This plant is an aromatic herb and in addition to the above two many other varieties are found that are not considered as holy. Though holy basil grows well in the temperate zone and cannot withstand very cold weather but other variety grows in cold conditions too. One of the most important temples of Vishnu is the "Badrinath Dham" which is in the Himalayas and in winter it is covered with snow. A variety of basil grows on hills around the temple there as shrubs and it is used in offerings to God "Badrinath". So this variety is also holy basil (Tulsi).

                Beads made from Tulsi stem or root are used to make "Japa Mala"(A string of beads) which is used as a rosary or worn around the neck by 'Vaishnavas'. Visit the link जप कैसे करें ? to see my blog in Hindi to know "How to perform Japa". (Tulsi Mala is also available online at Amazon at this link) There are rules for plucking leaves from the Tulsi plant. Before plucking "Pranam" (with devotion) is said and requested to pardon for plucking the leaves. It is not plucked on Sundays. Hindu calendar days of 'Ekadashi' and 'Chaturdashi' in each fortnight is special for Vishnu, so on this day worship of the Tulsi plant is done. Tulsi Vivah is performed in the Hindu month of "Karthik" around "Prabodhini Ekadashi" in which the wedding of Tulsi with Vishnu is celebrated. After this day "Lagan"(लगन) starts after a long period of monsoon in which marriages are not performed in Hindu society. "Lagan"(लगन) are the days (तिथि) of Hindu calendar on which marriages are allowed.

New Tulsi Plant

                 Salvation or Moksha (मोक्ष) is the ultimate desire of most of the Hindu devotees for which they worship the Gods in many ways. Moksha (मोक्ष) means freedom from rebirth but it is not easy. a small amount of "Papkarma"  may put one in the cycle of rebirth. But it is said that if a dying person is given Tulsi with Gangajala (Holy Ganga-water) in his mouth kept in a copper vessel then he gets Moksha (मोक्ष).

              Tulsi plant is also full of medicinal properties. In 'Ayurveda' it is an important herb. In the home remedy of cold and cough tea of Tulsi leaves is given. To stop continuous coughing Tulsi leaves and a few black peppers are chewed slowly. The green tea of Tulsi leaves which is known as "Kaadha" is beneficial for health. Due to this tea companies have brought many products related to Tulsi. Different types of Tulsi tea are available online at this link - Amazon Tea.

               Each and every part of Tulsi is Sacred. Creator God Brahma resides in its branches. In the roots are all the pilgrimage, in the middle are all the Gods while at the top are all the Vedas. This fact is also stated in the "Sloka" below which is recited while saying "Namaskar" to Tulsi.

              So for your prosperity and salvation, plant a Tulsi-plant near your residence and serve it. Following is the Mantra which should be recited daily while offering Jala (जल -water) to Tulsi:--

श्रीप्रिये   श्रीवसे                   नित्यम्   श्रीधर वल्लभे 

भक्त्या दत्ताम मया अर्घ्यम् हि तुलसी प्रतिगृह्यताम।

( SriPriye    SriVase       Nityam    SriDhar     Vallabhe

Bhktya Dattam Maya Arghyam hi Tulsi Pratigruhyatam)

After Jala (जल -water) show "Dhoop-Deepa" (धूप -दीप) and say namaskar by reciting the following "Mantras":--  

यन्मूले सर्व तीर्थानि     यन्मध्ये सर्व देवता

  यदाग्रे सर्व वेदेभ्यो तुलसी त्वाम नमाम्यहं ।

तुलसी श्री शक्ति शुभे पाप हारिणी पुण्यदे

    नमस्ते   नरदनुते   नारायण   मनः   प्रिये।

 (Yanmoole sarva  tirthani    yanmadhe sarva devata

 yadagre sarva vedebhyo tulsi twam namamyaham

 
Tulsi Srishakti Shubhe papharini punyade

 Namaste Nardanute Narayan manah priye.) 

 

Swarn Champa (स्वर्ण चम्पा)

Swarn Champa (स्वर्ण चम्पा)            (हिंदी ब्लॉग)

"Swarn Champa" is a magnificent flower that is used in the worship of Gods and Goddesses. It's lovely

Swarn Champa flower among the leaves

and strong fragrance may reach up to 50 to 70 feet distance in its vicinity. This fragrance is used commercially in incense sticks. Even after drying flowers, the fragrance is still there in "Swarn Champa" flowers. But it is difficult to pluck these flowers because you will see them at a height. The reason for flowering at height is that its branch-lets (Twigs) are not strong and easily break on bending, people can not resist themselves in plucking the flowers at lower heights so they break. One may say that its virtue is a curse to some extent.

It has got its name due to its yellow color. Gold is yellow and "Swarn" means gold in Hindi and Sanskrit. "Champa" are flowers of many varieties, different varieties are named with different prefixes. In a broad way, "Champa" is the magnolia family of flowers. Some are- "Kath Champa", "Kateli Champa", etc. "Swarn Champa" is also known as "Himalayan Champka". It is native to South East Asia and grows well in moist soil and a lot of sunshine. Some

'Swarn Champa' tree

say its botanical name as "Magnolia Rajaniana" but I could not verify it. This flower gets its reference in some old Hindu books and is planted near temples. In fact, it is the tradition that "Swarn Champa" along with "Bakula" trees are planted at both sides of the entrance gate of the temple complex. For its lovely fragrance, I have seen the "Swarn Champa" tree planted near the gates of many residential houses in Bhubaneswar.

"Swarn Champa" flower is a flower of worship too. It is offered to "Shiva", "Lakshmi" and "Ganesha". Sometimes also offered to "Vishnu". Some people say that "Champa" and "Kevada" flowers are not offered to "Shiva" citing some story behind it, but this is true for "Kevada" flowers only. As I have stated in my earlier blog that "Aadishankaracharya" composed "Shiva Manas Puja" in which it is said, "O master of animals (Pashupati), Kind hearted, I offer you jasmine flower, Champa flower, Bail-Patra, other flowers, Dhoop-Deepa all made by imagination in my heart, please accept it". So it is clear that "Champa" flowers are offered to Shiva. Another tell-tale is of the Mahabharata period. It is said that near "Baruna" hills in Odissa, "Kunti" had offered one lakh and one "Swarn Champa" flowers to Mahadeva with a wish of victory for her sons in the great war. So "Swarn Champa" is a flower loved by Shiva.

    It is also offered to Goddess Lakshmi. The "Swarn Champa"  flower is itself a representation of Goddess Lakshmi. Yellow flowers are offered to "Ganesh Bhagwan" so this flower is also offered to him. 

After the flowering season is over, the "Swarn Champa" tree bears fruits that resemble a bunch of grapes,

कनेर के फूल ... Oleander flower !

कनेर के फूल (हिंदी ब्लॉग)

A shrub of yellow oleander (Cascabela Thevetia - पीला कनेर ) 

Beautiful Oleander flowers !

              Oleander is one of the common flowers of worship in India. This evergreen tropical plant is easy to grow. Once it is planted it requires little care. It grows as a shrub and even in drought-like conditions it survives. The flowers are beautiful too. So it is even grown as an ornamental flower. Some people grow it as a hedge. Nowadays it is being extensively grown as ornamental plants on the dividers of National Highways due to the above qualities. Oleander and hibiscus flower trees can be seen near almost all the temples. Oleander flowers are of two types- Yellow oleander (Cascabela Thevetia, पीला कनेर ) and Red oleander (Nerium oleander, लाल कनेर ), both of them used in worship. Though the looks and structure of flowers of both varieties vary a lot, the difference between their leaves is not much.  

The Oleander tree full of flowers

Cascabela Thevetia, पीला कनेर   

               This is a funnel-shaped flower of mostly deep yellow color but sometimes white or reddish-yellow colored flower may also be found. Almost all parts of the plant are toxic but the fruit is the most toxic. There have been many incidents of death due to consumption of this fruit which is peculiar in shape. The flower has a faint fragrance. Like many other toxic flowers, the yellow oleander flower is very much liked by Shiva.

Yellow oleander flower (Cascabela Thevetia - पीला कनेर ) 

     The western specialists think it is native to Mexico or Central America but it is present in India from ancient times. Its proof is the Holy book "Sri Madbhagawat Purana" written by "Ved Vyas".In tenth "Skanda" (section) while describing the childhood "Leelas" of Sri Krishna there are many activities of child Krishna which are quite interesting. One of these activities says that while playing with friends in the jungle Child Krishna plucks yellow oleander flowers and puts them on both of his ears. This shows that the oleander flower is present in India from time immemorial.

   Since yellow is the favorite color of Krishna (He wears the "Peetamber" - yellow-colored clothes) and the above activity mentioned in the Holy book "Sri Madbhagawat Purana", so the yellow oleander flowers are also offered to Sri Krishna during his worship. So this flower is offered to both Shiva and Krishna. 

Nerium Oleander (लाल कनेर)

Nerium Oleander / लाल कनेर 

          Red oleander can be differentiated from yellow one by looking at the leaves. The leaves of the red oleander plant are somewhat broader and darker in shade compared to the yellow variety. But the most striking feature is the completely different shape of the flower. It is smaller, red-pink or white in color and it flowers in bunches. 

White flowers on a
Nerium Oleander shrub
at
Sun Temple, Bundu

            The red/pink flowers are offered to Goddess Durga, Kali, Gauri, and her other "Roopas". In "Tantrik worship" (तांत्रिक साधना) this flower is very important. Even the shrub of red oleander has its importance in this worship. The "Tantrik" (The devotee who takes the path of 'Tantra') has to worship and complete the related "Mantra Jaap" near the red oleander tree.    

Golden Trumpet (स्वर्ण कनेर)

Golden Trumpet, Allamanda, Swarn Kaner
similar to Techoma,Tekumba,TrumpetBush

 This flower resembles Yellow Oleander, only its petals are larger. It comes from a completely different plant family. Earlier I did not take it as a flower of worship but during my recent visit to temples at Bhubaneswar, Orissa  I saw these flowers being offered to gods and goddesses. I asked the priests there what flower it was and whether it should be offered to gods. He told me that here it is called "Swarn Kaner" (स्वर्ण कनेर) and offered to gods. I searched for this flower by this name on the internet but could not find any reference. I went to a nursery and asked its name from the gardener. He told me that it is 'Allamanda' and is offered to god because it has five petals. Though his reasoning was not acceptable because there are numerous flowers that have five petals but are not flowers of worship. Well, I researched on it a bit and found that it is a plant of South America which has got well adapted to tropical areas. Its botanical name is Allamanda Cathertica and commonly called 'Allamanda', Golden Trumpet, or Yellow 'Allamanda'. Again there is yet another similar flower which is used like it and its name is "Techoma stans" or Chestnutleaf Trumpetbush(Tekumba). It flowers in bunches. These flowers do not get any mention in the "Puranas" or ancient Hindu books because they were not available here then. Since these flowers resemble "Kaner" and being offered in most of the temples we too accept it as a flower of the offering.

So be familiar with this important "Puja Flower" and offer them to your God during the worship. 

===<<O>>===

 

अपराजिता पुष्प - The Clitoria Ternatea !

हिंदी में पढ़ने के लिए यहाँ क्लिक करें

Shop online at -- AMAZON

Shop online at -- FLIPKART

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".

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

         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.

Shop online at -- AMAZON

Shop online at -- FLIPKART

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

      

Dhatura flowers and fruits (धतूरा) .. The Datura !

Blooming Dhatura flowers

Only God Shiva is offered this flower of Dhatura (धतूरा)!

Dhatura is known by the name of Datura, Angel's trumpet, thorn apple or moon-flower. It is found all over the world in tropical and temperate zone. Its trumpet like look is very attractive. It grows and flowers in the rainy season which contains the Hindu month of "Sawan". "Sawan" is the holy month in which Shiva is specially worshiped. Availability of Dhatura flowers and fruits in this month makes Shiva devotees happy. Both flowers and fruits are offered to Shiva. Though both Dhatura flowers and fruits are toxic, Shiva accepts them because he can tolerate them. As you know He had taken the most toxic poison (विष) named "Halahal" which came out of ocean when it was churned by gods and devils. This story of Hindu mythology says that Shiva took that poison to save the world and kept it in his throat. It made his throat blue. So He is also called "Neel-Kanth" meaning blue throat. Dhatura fruits which have thorns on it contain numerous toxic seeds. These seeds when consumed even in small quantities may produce symptoms of hallucination to madness. A bit more taken may result in death.

A bunch of double layered Dhatura flowers in the flower basket for worship

 Why God Shiva is offered toxic things like this

 In general when something is offered to gods, it is taken by devotees as "Prasada" after worship. But in the case of Shiva-worship if something is offered to Shiva putting it on the Shiva-linga, the eatables like fruits and sweets are not consumed by devotees as "prasada". So offerings of toxic things like 'bhaang', 'dhatura', 'aak' etc has a symbolic meaning that we should never consume such things and these are to be offered to Shiva only for the grater purpose of welfare of world.
In towns the flowers and fruits of Dhatura is in great demand in the month of "Sawana". Poor boys of nearby villages collect them and sell near temples at a good price. So by the grace of Shiva they earn some money.

Dhatura bud and flower just few hours before bloom

How can "Dhatura" be identified

Dhatura/Datura has many varieties all over the world. There are some other close relatives of this plant. But the Dhatura used for worship in India is a plant of herb category growing up to a height of about two meters. Flowers are white with blue tint. Generally the they have simple trumpet like structure. But some varieties have double layers of petals as if one trumpet is inserted in other. They flower erect and do not droop or hang. There are some other relatives of this plant which are bigger in size like a shrub and its flowers hang like a bell. But these are bell-flowers, not 'Dhatura'. So not used in worship. The thorny fruit called thorn apple is another thing from which it can be identified. 

Double layered Dhatura
flower that looks as if
one flower is inserted
into other

It is a hardy plant

It flourishes in warm and humid areas and easily can be seen as a healthy plant with big flowers. But it can even grow in water deficient areas changing its look drastically. Small thin plant with smaller flowers. Many times botanists have got confused thinking these two as different varieties. But later they found these as same. It is a hardy plant but can not withstand very cold and frosty weather. It even can not survive in water logged conditioned.

Uses of 'Dhatura"

In India "Dhatura" flowers and fruits are mainly used in worship of Shiva. Sometimes its toxic seeds are used in very small quantities as medicine in 'Ayurveda'. In other parts of world and mostly in tribal community its seeds and roots are used in rituals of ghost calling. 

  Multi-layered Dhatura    

Triple layered "Dhatura" flower

Today on 16/09/2015 on the occasion of "Teej" festival our worship-flower supplier boy gave a bunch of "Dhatura" flowers, most of which had double layered petals. But a few of them had three layers. Remarkable difference between double layered and triple layered flowers is that while in the double layered flower half of the inner round of petals is protruded outward (as is clear from the picture above) but in the triple layered all the three layers of petals are almost at the same level. It makes triple layered flower bigger and denser. It has more shade of blue over white. I am giving a picture of this multi-layered "Dhatura" flower.   

Arhul ke phool, the Hibiscus !

हिंदी में पढ़ने के लिए यहाँ क्लिक करें

Java Kusum

"Ekahari Arhul" (Hibiscus with a Single layer of petals)
The favorite flower of Goddess Kali

Hibiscus is a well-known flower all over the world. It is known by different names in different regions. In Hindi speaking regions it is known by the name "Arhul/ Adhul" (अड़हुल) While in Bengali and Sanskrit it is known by "Java Kusum". There are several hundred varieties of this flower and it is widely used in offerings to gods and goddesses in Hindu religion. In the eastern part of India where Goddess "Kali" is widely worshiped, the flower of hibiscus has great importance. In the rural part of Bengali speaking Hindu villages, almost every house has a hibiscus tree and it is mostly the single-layered petal variety. This variety of flowers which is red in color is used in preparing the garland that may be seen in the neck of the idol of Goddess Kali, Tara, and her other avatars. The hibiscus tree is actually a shrub and I have seen it planted as a hedge at many places but if planted separately it grows a woody stem after many years that may be more than one and a half feet in girth. This type of tree

A flowering Arhul/hibiscus shrub on a roof-top garden

when flowered, looks beautiful and attractive. The single-layered red hibiscus is an integral part of Bengali culture. It can be seen in carvings and pictures there. Hindus generally worship idols or images of God and Goddesses. But in Bengal in addition to these images/idols, they worship the feet of Goddess.

Goddess Kali's feet (Charan)
with hibiscus flowers on the top

These feet may be made of metal like brass or maybe of terracotta. Here too one can see the flower of hibiscus made on the upper part of the feet. If you ever visit the main temple at "Tarapeeth" in Rampurhat of W.Bengal, you can see such a "Goddess feet" made of brass near the idol. Goddess "Kali's" favorite color is red, so She likes red clothes, red bangles, vermilion, blood, and red flower. Most of the hibiscus flowers are red so this is the most liked flower of Kali, Durga, and her avatars.  

Chilly Hibiscus (Mirchi Arhul) in a flower-pot on the rooftop

       In addition to red, hibiscus has a wide range of colors. Some of them are quite attractive while some are high in simplicity like the white one. A common variety of hibiscus is called "Chilly hibiscus" (मिर्ची अड़हुल). It remains in a bud shape till falls down and never comes to bloom. It resembles a red chilly and that is why it got its name. Though it is not as attractive as other blooming variety it is so popular due to numerous flowering. Other big varieties have less number of flowers in its comparison.

            Hibiscus flower is also offered to Lord "Ganesha". "Ganesha" is the son of Goddess "Parvathi" who herself is "Aadishakti". "Aadishakti" means the power which is always there even before the universe came into being. All the Goddesses like 'Kali', 'Durga', 'Tara' ... are avatars of "Aadishakti". So hibiscus is liked by "Ganesha" too. The head of 'Ganesha' is the elephant's head. Another reason for hibiscus offering may be that the long pistil of the hibiscus flower is like the trunk of 'Ganesha'.
      Arhul flower can be easily grown in flower-pots (गमला) too in small areas like rooftop garden. Though most of the hibiscus flowers fall down completely after a day or more if not plucked - no fruits or seeds behind, even then it can be easily propagated by the cutting method. In the rainy season, if you cut a foot long, pencil-thick branch of the hibiscus tree and insert in wet and drained soil 5" down, it will start to grow after one and half month.
            In addition to use in worship, this flower has medicinal value too. The dried petals of hibiscus flowers if used as a tea it helps reduce the blood pressure because it acts as diuretics. In fact, the hibiscus tea is a part of the culture in some societies. 
          Hibiscus flower is part of the study in botany at school level due to a clear and defining structure like male and female parts of the flower. If a red flower is rubbed on a white paper it leaves a blue patch and if a drop of lemon juice is put over it the color changes to red again. This experiment resembles the 'litmus paper test'. 
           Hibiscus is important not only in India but in other Asian nations too. It is national flower of South Korea and Malaysia though of different varieties. 
             Different types of Hibiscus products are available at Amazon at THIS LINK.

 ===<<<O>>>===

Shop online at -- AMAZON

Shop online at -- FLIPKART