March 21, 2023

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Navratri Flowers: Symbolism and Importance

Navratri, the festival of nine nights, is one of India’s most significant and celebrated festivals. The festival is dedicated to the worship of the Hindu goddess Durga, who is known to be the mother of the universe. During Navratri, people across the country worship the different forms of Durga, represented by nine different colors. Along with these colors, Navratri is also associated with various flowers that hold significant spiritual importance. In this article, we will explore the symbolism and significance of Navratri flowers.

Navratri is one of the most important Hindu festivals celebrated across India with great zeal and enthusiasm. The festival marks the victory of good over evil. During Navratri, devotees offer prayers and perform special rituals; flowers play a significant role in these celebrations.

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Flowers are considered an integral part of Navratri celebrations, and each flower has significance and meaning. In this article, we will explore the symbolism and importance of Navratri flowers.

Which Flowers Are Used For Navratri?

1. Marigold
2. Lotus
3. Jasmine
4. Rose
5. Hibiscus
6. Chrysanthemum
7. Passion flowers
8. Mogra
9. Sunflower

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Marigold

Marigold, known as ‘Genda Phool’ in Hindi, is among the most popular flowers used during Navratri celebrations. The bright orange-yellow color of marigolds is considered auspicious and believed to attract positive energy. It is also thought that marigold flowers symbolize purity and are used to purify the environment during Navratri. Marigold garlands are commonly used to decorate the idols of the Goddess during Navratri. They are also used in making torans (door hangings) and rangolis (decorative designs made with colored powders).

Lotus

The lotus flower, India’s national flower, holds a significant place in Indian culture and religion. In Hindu mythology, the lotus is considered the seat of the Goddess Lakshmi, the Goddess of wealth, prosperity, and fortune. The lotus is also a symbol of purity and enlightenment. During Navratri, the lotus flower is offered to the goddess Durga, which is believed to bring prosperity and good luck.

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Jasmine

Jasmineis another popular flower used during Navratri celebrations. The delicate white flowers of jasmine are considered to be a symbol of purity and innocence. It is also believed that the fragrance of jasmine flowers is pleasing to the Goddess Durga and attracts positive energy. Jasmine flowers are commonly used to make garlands and are also used in making perfumes and incense sticks.

Rose

The rose is a beautiful and fragrant flower that symbolizes love, passion, and devotion. It is often used to decorate the puja room during Navratri and is believed to attract positive energy and good luck. The red rose is associated with Goddess Durga, while the white rose represents Goddess Saraswati.

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Hibiscus

The hibiscus flower is associated with Goddess Kali, who is worshipped for her fierce and protective energy. The hibiscus is believed to have a cooling effect on the mind and body, making it an ideal flower to offer to the Goddess during Navratri.

Chrysanthemum

The chrysanthemum flower is associated with Goddess Durga and is believed to represent longevity and resilience. In addition, the chrysanthemum’s vibrant colors represent the Goddess’s fierce energy and ability to defeat evil.

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Passion flowers

On the seventh night of Navratri, people worship Maa Kalaratri. She is a form of Goddess Kali. People believe she can destroy all evils, demons, and negative energies. She is one of the fierce forms of Maa Mahadevi. Mata Kalaratri is worshiped with Krishna Kamal or Passion flower. So if you want to take the blessings of Maa Kalaratri, then worship her with aahuti and jaggery on the seventh night of Durga Puja.

Mogra

Mogra, or jasmine, is a fragrant white flower representing Goddess Durga. It is believed to have a cooling effect on the mind and body and is used to seek the Goddess’s blessings during Navratri.

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Sunflower

The sunflower is associated with the Sun God and is believed to represent positivity, vitality, and strength. During Navratri, the sunflower symbolizes the Goddess’s divine energy and ability to bring positivity and light into people’s lives.

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The Goddess is also worshiped with red flowers, white lotus, Palash, Ashoka, Champa, Maulsiri, Madar, Kund, Lodh, Kaner, Aak, Shisham, and Aparajit (shankhpushpi), etc.

Prohibition of these two flowers, Aak and Madar, is also found in these flowers. Devinamarkmandarau… (Varjayet). Therefore, both of these are canonical as well as prohibited. Use these two when other canonical flowers are not available.

Shami, Ashoka, Karnikar (Kaniyar or Amaltas), Guma, Daphariya, Agatsya, Madan, Sinduvar, Shallaki, Madhavi, etc. creepers, Kush’s Manjariyas, Baelpatra, Kevda, Kadamba, Durva Grass, Bhaktaya, Kamal these flowers are dear to Bhagwati.

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Importance of Navratri Flowers

The use of flowers during Navratri is not just a symbolic gesture but also has practical significance. Flowers are believed to have a unique energy and fragrance that uplift the mood and creates a positive atmosphere. During Navratri, flowers enhance the spiritual power of the surroundings, creating a divine atmosphere that helps connect with the Goddess Durga.

Besides the spiritual significance, using flowers during Navratri also has cultural and social relevance. Flowers are used to decorating the pandals, the idols of the Goddess, and the homes, creating a festive and celebratory atmosphere. The use of flowers during Navratri also helps promote the local floriculture industry, which employs many people.

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During Navratri, flowers are also used to make garlands, which the devotees wear as a symbol of devotion and purity. Wreaths made from jasmine, marigold, and rose flowers are believed to have a unique fragrance and energy that can enhance the spiritual experience of the devotees.

Conclusion

Navratri is a festival that celebrates the victory of good over evil and the triumph of the Goddess Durga over the demon Mahishasura. Flowers play a crucial role in Navratri celebrations, and they are used to symbolize the various aspects of the festival, such as joy, purity, beauty, and devotion. The use of flowers during Navratri has spiritual significance and cultural and social significance. The fragrance and energy