Flowers to offer to each deity

TEMPLES in India usually have a flower shop outside and sellers normally know what’s best for offering to the main deity.

What are the best flowers offered to Hindu gods and goddess:

Lord Ganesha – any red coloured flower. The hibiscus is recommended. Lotus, rose, jasmine and yellow or saffron marigold flowers can also be offered. Durva grass blades are also permissible. You could offer 1, 3 , 5 or 7 blades, but it is best to present 21. Lord Shiva – any white flower. Lotus, kaner, bel leaves , dhatura, and aak (crown) flowers are the other favourites of Lord Shiva. Bilvapatra is most important in Shiva pooja. Avoid bilvapatra containing chakra and bajra. Chakra is the white residue that insects leave behind. Bajra is the thick portion of the plant, near the stalk, which must be broken off. Halfeaten bilvapatra is not acceptable as an offering to Shiva.

Goddess Durga – red coloured flowers are most liked and her favourite is hibiscus.

Goddess Parvati – she is fond of all flowers generally those offered to Lord Shiva.

Lord Vishnu – he is fond of lotus and tulsi leaves are dear to him. His other preferences includes the ashoka, parijata or night-flowering jasmines. Ma Lakshmi – she likes the lotus flower the most. Yellow marigolds, roses (not hybrid), arijatas or night-flowering jasmines are acceptable flowers. A single shriphal (bel fruit) can also be offered.

Lord Rama – jasmines (chameli) is the favourite of this god. Parijatas or night-flowering jasmines are favourable alternatives.

Lord Hanuman – chameli and a tulsi garlands are favourable. The tulsi leaves can be eaten afterwards.

Lord Krishna – tulsi leaves are very dear to him. Generally, a variety of local flowers can be offered.

Goddess Saraswati – any white flower will suffice. Palash flowers are the common offerings.

Goddess Mahakali – red hibiscus is the choice.

Lord Saturn – must be worshipped with blue coloured flowers and is best to make offerings on Saturdays.

Sun God (surya devata) – lotus.

Flowers offered:

Lord Shiva – champa and ketaki (fragrant screw pine) because they were cursed by Lord Shiva. Tulsi leaves are also not acceptable.

Lord Ganesha- ketaki flowers and tulsi (holy basil).

Lord Vishnu – aksada should not be used in poojas.

Lord Rama oleander).

The Sun god (surya devta) – bilva or bel leaves.

Goddess

that

should – Parvati arali –

not (nerium arka

be (milkweeds) and amla (Indian gooseberry).

Rules for offering flowers:

Never pluck flowers during evening and always express gratitude to the plant while plucking its flowers.

Never offer flowers picked from the floor.

Only fresh flowers must be offered. Never offer flowers that are not in full bloom or ones with withered petals.

Flower buds should not be offered, but the buds of champa and the lotus flower are the exceptions.

Never steal or beg for flowers meant for offerings.

Flowers that have been washed with water cannot be offered. However, flowers can be sprinkled lightly with water.

Never offer diseased, damaged or insect-infested flowers.

Don’t pluck tulsi from the plant on the eve of Sankranti (the day when sun transit over one zodiac sign to another), dwadashi (the next day after ekadashi), amavasya (no moon), purnima (full moon), Sunday and during evening hours.

Lotus flowers remain fresh for about five days and can be used in that time.

If you are unable to get fresh bilva patra leaves, you may wash and re-use leaves offered previously.

According to vastu rules, plants should not be watered on Sundays or during an eclipse.