Why are flowers offered to God?

In a way, offering a flower in worship represents the devotion and loyalty that a person has for his Lord. It is believed that when you try to please the Gods by offering flowers, the deity becomes pleased and showers the devotee with wealth, happiness, prosperity and healthfered to God?

In a way, offering a flower in worship represents the devotion and loyalty that a person has for his Lord. It is believed that when you try to please the Gods by offering flowers, the deity becomes pleased and showers the devotee with wealth, happiness, prosperity and health.

1/20

1

The importance of flowers

Ever since we can remember, flowers have been offered to God. Ancient Hindu scriptures mention "Pushpanjali" as an act of pleasing the Lord.

2/20

2

Signifiance

Offering flowers is an important part of the Hindu tradition and different gods love different flowers. Read on to know more.

3/20

3

Beautiful

Flowers are considered to be beautiful and pure --- hence it is considered that if we offer flowers to God, we will prosper and have lots of wealth.

4/20

4

Sweet fragrance

It is said that flowers help maintain an atmosphere of the place since they are peaceful and smell good --- they welcome you in God's land.

5/20

5

Chanting God's name

The word puja itself is made up of ‘Puja’ where ‘Pu’ stands for ‘Pushpam’ or flowers and ‘Ja’ stands for ‘Japa’ while chanting the name of God.

6/20

6

Good soil

It is said that different gods love different flowers --- it is said that one should offer only those flowers to god that smell good and are cultivated on good soil.

7/20

7

Wild flowers

One should not offer wild flowers to God nor should we offer flowers with thorns.

8/20

8

Devotion

Offering flowers to god is also a sign of our devotion to god and one should do so with all his heart --- this way we are giving a part of our soul to the Lord.

9/20

9

Different flowers

According to religious scriptures, flowers are categorized into Sattva, Rajas and Tamas. They are divided on the basis of their fragrance, shape, color and origin. It is said that while Sattva and Rajas flowers can be offered daily, Tamas is only for special occasions.

10/20

10

Sattva flowers

Sattva flowers – These include Arka, Drona, Jasmine, Coral tree, White lotus flowers.

11/20

11

Rajas

The Rajas flowers include Trumpet flowers, White thorn apple flowers, Red lotus etc.

12/20

12

Tamas

Tamas flowers include Kasa grass, China rose, Cotton plant and Ketaki.

13/20

13

Attraction

It is said that each flower, based on its colour and smell has an attraction power --- all of them attract different deities to them.

14/20

14

What different gods like?

It is said that while white flowers like Dhatura are offered to Shiva, flowers such as Hibiscus are offered to Shree Ganēsh. It is also said that flowers evoke the frequency of Lord who in turn blesses us.

15/20

15

Lord Shiva

Lord Shiva likes Ketaki or Kewda flowers (Fragrant Screw Pine).

16/20

16

Ganesha

Lord Ganesha likes Tulsi (Sweet Basil) flowers.

17/20

17

Parvati

Goddess Parvati likes Arka (milkweeds) and Amla (Indian gooseberry) flowers.

18/20

18

Rama

Lord Rama likes Arali (Oleander) flowers.

19/20

19

Surya

The Sun God Surya likes Vilva (Bilva or Bael leaves) flowers and leaves.

20/20

20

Bairava

Lord Bairava enjoys Nandyarvattam (East Indian rosebay, Crape Jasmine) flowers.