A guide to which flowers to offer to Hindu deities

SOUL JOURNEY

- with MAHESH BANG

Q: Dear Mahesh, a few years ago I read one of your articles about which flowers we should offer to the deities. I misplaced your column. Can you suggest what is spiritually, astrologically and as per ancient vastu science appropriate and enlighten me on this topic please?

A: Flowers are an intrinsic part of Hindu worship and rituals.

The fragrance of the flower pleases the deity. They create a pleasant and aesthetic value to the pooja ritual. They are a symbol of happiness, prosperity and completion of the purpose of life.

It's good to follow the rituals correctly by offering the right flower to the deity. It is also important to have a deep devotion and love for the deity. Have a child-like innocence and kindness in your heart and love for your chosen deity, whom you worship regularly.

Any prayer done with sincerity is heard by the almighty.

Important points to remember when offering flowers:

One must use all five fingers to offer. Usually, they are offered at the feet of the deity. If you are doing regular sadhana then it's best to have the flower plants at home so that you can offer fresh flowers to the deity.

Always offer fresh flowers to the deity. Pluck the flowers after taking a bath but before the evening. Once the flowers dry up then make sure to discard them as per vastu. Do not offer plastic flowers.

When you visit any temple in India you will normally find a flower shop outside the temple. They know best which flower needs to be offered to the main deity of the temple.