Decoding the sacred symbolism of the Lotus flower

The culture and civilization of India has always been of a living tradition encompassing several dimensions. It is one where symbolism plays a great role in passing forward scientific and spiritual learnings. Nature has always played a significant role in Hindu symbolism, and the Lotus flower especially occupies a lofty position in the iconography. Its inextricable connection with Indian culture can be traced from time immemorial.

Vedic texts and the Puranas contain numerous references to the linkage between the lotus and the Hindu pantheon. Rig Veda, the earliest of the Vedas, mentions pundarika i.e., the blossoming of lotus, (RV10.142) several thousand years ago. The Lotus has been compared to a human heart in the Atharvaveda and Chhandogya Upanishad (AV 10.8.43, CH U 8.1.1.).  It also finds mention in the Padma Purana as the Koustubha Mani (the most valuable jewel possession of Vishnu).

The Lotus has also been associated with the Asvins (the horsemen of Sun God Surya)(RV.10.184; AV 3.22; SB 4.1.5), Brahma (BS.Pt.2.11.58.41), Visnu, Surya (BS 11.58.47), Sarasvati and Lakshmi, whose murtis (images) are depicted either sitting on, or holding or wearing garlands of lotus. Evidence of the wide dissemination of the significance given to the lotus flower can be seen in temples not only in India but across the globe where divine representations often bear a striking resemblance with the deities portrayed in the Vedic, Samhita and Puranic texts. 

The Lotus has been compared to a human heart in the Atharvaveda and Chhandogya Upanishad .  It also finds mention in the Padma Purana as the Koustubha Mani (the most valuable jewel possession of Vishnu).

Now the question that arises is what is so important in the lotus flower that it enjoys such an exalted status in Indian culture. Even if one regards the huge corpus of literary evidence as myth, the innumerable references to vital medical usages of various parts of the lotus flower that have been found by researchers can justify its elevation. 

The Indian Lotus i.e. Nelumbo nucifera (Nelumbonaceae) is of much medico-botanical significance. Its rhizome is used to treat dysentery and dyspepsia, its flowers are astringent and cardiotonic, seeds are used as a cooling medicine for cutaneous diseases, its leaves and flower peduncles are used as medicines for the treatment of diabetes, inflammation, liver disorder, urinary disorder, menorrhagia, blennorrhagia, menstruation issues, neuropharmacological uses and also as anti-microbial antioxidants for curing infections.

Its rhizome is used to treat dysentery and dyspepsia, its flowers are astringent and cardiotonic, seeds are used as a cooling medicine for cutaneous diseases, its leaves and flower peduncles are used as medicines for the treatment of diabetes, inflammation, liver disorder, urinary disorder, menorrhagia, blennorrhagia, menstruation issues, neuropharmacological uses and also as anti-microbial antioxidants for curing infections.

The carbohydrate-rich rootstalk, root tea can also be consumed to treat diarrhoea, sores, sore throats and rash. Water in which lotus has been soaked for a particular period of time is also used for hydrotherapy. Even the pink colour of lotus, which has a soothing effect, is used in colour therapy for psychological healing. Thus, the many medicinal values of lotus make it worthy of its divine status. 

The lotus flower, according to its nature, rises with the sun at daybreak and closes and falls with the setting sun, symbolizing creation, regeneration and re-birth: the cycle of life and death. The water- and dirt-repellent structure of its waxy petals and leaves symbolizes purity. Goddess Sarasvati is venerated in the Rig Veda as a river representing water i.e., life and Lakshmi represents prosperity i.e., growth, fertility. Both stand for purity, beauty, long life and health, that can be best defined by the many properties of the flower. The Lotus is, therefore, is very much an emblem of these two deities of Hinduism.

Indeed the permanence of the Lotus as a symbol attests that Indian culture has always kept for a scientific temperament which is expressed and perpetuated through artistic allegories across the religious domain. 

The Lotus has been of great importance in the ancient civilisation of India, and so it is today as India’s national flower. In many ways throughout the world, it has also been used to depict the larger Asian culture. Indeed the permanence of the Lotus as a symbol attests that Indian culture has always kept for a scientific temperament which is expressed and perpetuated through artistic allegories across the religious domain.