The lotus is the symbol of truth, auspiciousness and beauty (Satyam- that which is truth, Shivam-that which is innocent , Sundaram -Beauty). It symbolises divinity, fertility, wealth, knowledge and Enlightenment. The Lord is also that nature and therefore, His various aspects are compared to a lotus (i.e. Lotus-eyes, lotus feet, lotus hands, the lotus of the heart etc.).
The lotus blooms with the rising sun and close at night. Similarly, our minds open up and expand with the light of knowledge. The lotus grows even in slushy- muddy areas. It remains beautiful and untainted despite its surroundings, reminding us that we too can and should strive to remain pure and beautiful within, under all circumstances.
The lotus leaf never gets wet even though it is always in water. It symbolizes the man of wisdom (gyaani) who remains ever joyous, unaffected by the world of sorrow and change.
This is revealed in a shloka from the Bhagwad-Geeta:
This is revealed in a shloka from the Bhagwad-Geeta:
'Brahmanyaadhaaya karmaani
Sangam tyaktvaa karoti yaha
Sangam tyaktvaa karoti yaha
Lipyate na sa paapena
Padma patram ivaambhasaa '
Meaning:He who does actions, offering them to Brahman (the Supreme), abandoning attachment, is not tainted by sin, just as a lotus leaf remains unaffected by the water on it.
Our bodies have certain energy centers described in the Yoga Shaastras as chakras. Each one is associated with lotus that has a certain number of petals. For example, a lotus with a thousand petals represents the Sahasra chakra at the top of the head, which opens when the yogi attains Enlightnment or Realisation. Also, the lotus posture (padmaasana) is recommended when one sits for meditation.
It is associated with the Goddess of wealth Maha Lakshmi,
who brings prosperity, purity, chastity and generosity.... also symbolizes Brahmaloka, the abode of Lord Brahma. The auspicious sign of the swastika is said to have evolved from the lotus.
who brings prosperity, purity, chastity and generosity.... also symbolizes Brahmaloka, the abode of Lord Brahma. The auspicious sign of the swastika is said to have evolved from the lotus.In Buddhism the Lotus flower is considered to be a sacred. Being one of the eight fortunate signs of Buddhism. The lotus flower with 8 petals is used in Buddhist mandalas, sygnifying cosmic harmony, a thousand-petals- Lotus denotes spiritual illumination. A famous Buddhist mantra, “Om mane padme,” relates to the jewel in the lotus, which is enlightenment.
According to Egyptian mythology, the Lotus is related to the sun, as it flowers at the day hours, and closes by night. It is credited that the flower has given birth to the sun.
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