Lotus buds on sale in the old flower market in Dadar.Padma (nelumblum speciosum), the sacred lotus, is an aquatic plant that plays a central role in Indian religions such as Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism. The lotus and lotus flower is an ancient polyvalent symbol. The lotus flower is one of the Vajrayana Ashtamangala. It is representative of creation and cosmic renewal and shares in the chakra and mandala symbolism of the Dharmachakra. It also represents purity as its flowers grow on long stalks, which are rooted in the mud. It is also symbolic of detachment as drops of water easily slide off its petals.
Robert Lawlor (1991: p.388) states:
The lotus in both Egypt and India symbolizes the union of the four elements; earth, air, fire, and water. The roots are in the earth, it grows in and by means of water, its leaves are nourished by air, and it blooms through the power of the sun's fire. The lotus is therefore the perfection of the fourfold order of the natural world. The growth of a new flower directly from the earth-bound original (inflorescent proliferation) may be interpreted as a symbol of transcendence as found in Indian philoshophy: a spiritual emergence of a higher world directly from our physical manifestation. It may also be interpreted, as in Egypt, as the exaltation of the essence quality of the lotus.
Info sourced from Wikipedia.
it's one flower i've never seen close up
ReplyDeleteBeautiful. These lotus buds and the maigolds are hot-selling in Dadar market.
ReplyDeleteMumbai Weekend Snapshot
"Louis" is enjoying the series of floral shots you are posting! Very colorful and smile-inducing!
ReplyDeletewhat the lotuses are used for? for offering?
ReplyDeleteOh, this is the most beautiful shot of lotus buds I've ever seen, nice~
ReplyDelete@alaya.. yes they are used as offerings and decorations too
ReplyDeleteThose buds are as beautiful in their way as the open flowers. Enjoyed the information, too.
ReplyDeleteI've never seen buds before. I used a lotus mandala when I went through childbirth. It gave me a focal point to steady my breathing. Love the background info.
ReplyDeleteHow fabulous - this is a most amazing plant. Your shot is just lovely, Magiceye.
ReplyDeleteThis is a very beautiful shot, bravo. I enjoyed learning about its symbolism. I guess this might be why buddah usually sits on lotus flower (purity and detachment).
ReplyDeleteLovely photo. The pinks and yellows and soft buds show that it is a special flower.
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