The lotus is a sacred and auspicious symbol in India, representing purity, divinity, and spiritual awakening. This blog explores its religious significance in Vedic texts, its association with deities like Lakshmi, Saraswati, and Vishnu, and its presence in Indian art, architecture, textiles, jewelry, and yoga. It wraps up with tips on how to include this beautiful and profound symbol in your home decor, and what makes the lotus a world-famous motif in religion, art, and spirituality.
The lotus is an iconic flower, originating in Southern Asia, which has claimed a place as a prominent symbol in ancient history, remaining as such today. It is through a combination of religious and symbolic connotations, nutritional and medicinal applications, and sheer aesthetics and laudability in its natural life cycle that have facilitated the lotus’s significance. While there are many species of lotus flowers across Asia, the Hindus’ Sacred Lotus is scientifically known as the Nelumbo nucifera.
Lotus Flower Candle Holder on Betel Leaf (Paan Patta)
The relevance to health and wellness worked well with the divine reference in ancient Vedic scripture, where the lotus gained connections to the gods, to build the foundations of an icon. Even as far back as the holy shruti texts of the Rigveda, the lotus finds its home in Hinduism’s spiritual origins.
One translation of the Rigveda expresses the first mention of the lotus in the form of a metaphor. The verse seems to describe a good wish for an unproblematic delivery of a child. One interpretation is that the metaphor of the wind ruffling the lotuses evokes auspiciousness in regard to the delivery.
The lotus also appears in connection to the birth of Agni in the Rigveda hymn XVI. There Agni is recognized as one of the two most worshipped gods of the scripture alongside Indra, the God of Thunder. This initial reference to birth and divinity can be seen as a starting point for the symbolism of the lotus in later literature and practice.
Although its presence in the sacred text elevates it to a status of divinity, its connection with the gods does not end with Agni and the Rigveda; rather it appears again and again throughout Hindu scripture.
Lakshmi is the consort of Vishnu, one of the most renowned gods in the Hindu pantheon, and she appears in each of Vishnu’s reincarnations as his wife, should he have one. She is seen by the followers of Vishnu as the “mother of the world”, and maintains a close connection with the lotus, having her abode within the flowers themselves (Mahabharata LXVI).
The Hindus Encyclopedia of Hinduism details the story of her birth: from the great churning of the sea (Samudra Manthan), Lakshmi was brought forth inhabiting the lotus and was “…covered in ornaments and bearing every auspicious sign…” She held lotus flowers in each hand and was called the Goddess Padma, meaning Lotus.
Goddess Dhana Lakshmi Seated on Lotus in Pond
Lakshmi holds many names and many titles, just as the sacred flower does; she is the goddess of wealth, auspiciousness, fortune, and luck. The auspiciousness of the lotus may be due in part to the connection between the flower and the great goddess of luck.
Indeed, followers of Vaisnavism, one of the main sects of Hinduism, hold Lakshmi in high regard, believing she is the very power of Vishnu to govern and protect the universe (Encyclopedia of Asian History 1988). As the goddess of the Lotus, this symbol becomes specifically significant to the Vaisnavas, although its significance is by no means confined to them.
Its presence in the Vedas and its connection to popular deities, including its potential identity as a deity (i.e. Soma), make it sacred and spiritual; these aspects, and more, have elevated the wildflower of Asia to an icon of the Hindu faith. And yet, beyond its religious connotations, the sacred symbol of the lotus has spread, with the Hindu tradition, into the very culture of India.
Shweta-padmasana (she who sits on the white lotus) is one of the many names of the goddess Saraswati, the Hindu goddess of wisdom and creativity. In art and hymns of the goddess, she is seen as a beautiful lady, dressed in white and seated on a large lotus flower. The nature of the lotus is such, that it emerges spotlessly from the muddy waters of a pond or lake. Such virtue is similar to that of pure wisdom, which once blossomed, emerges from its surroundings, unblemished.
The Bhagavad Gita uses the lotus as a symbol of detachment, a virtue that is sought after by a Yogi. Verse 5.10 states: "One who performs his duty without attachment, surrendering the results unto the Supreme Lord, is unaffected by sinful action, as the lotus leaf is untouched by water." This is an example of the ideal way of living that Krishna is teaching to Arjuna engaging in worldly duties while remaining unaffected by material desires. Lotus thus becomes a simple allegory to the life of a practitioner of Karma-Yoga, who performs actions, while remaining separated from the desire or fruit of their deeds.
One of the names for Lord Vishnu is Padmanabhaswamy- “Lord with the lotus emerging from his navel”. This aspect of Vishnu is mentioned in the Puranas, where at the beginning of creation, he is reclining on the Adisehsa, with Lord Brahma originating from the lotus flower. Worshipped in several temples in Southern India, Padmanabha Vishnu is the vision of Narayana as the source of creation.
In fact, it is common for Hindu gods and goddesses to be depicted sitting on a lotus throne, as a gesture of divinity, purity, and power. Even beyond its connection to the creator god, the lotus is one of Vishnu’s four attributes, standing as a symbol of creation. Furthermore, the sacred plant and deity, Soma, is believed, by some, to be the Sacred Lotus (MacDonald 150-152).
6" Vaishnava Symbols (Pair) | Conch and Chakra | Brass Statue | Handmade | Made In India
In Indian art and architecture, there are 8 symbols of auspiciousness. Among other key symbols like the conch shell (sankha) and the wheel (chakra), the lotus (padma) is incorporated into Indian art, bearing powerful symbolism in regard to divinity, purity, and auspiciousness.
Throughout numerous temples and shrines erected to worship various gods such as Siva and Surya are stone carvings, motifs, and statues accents by the image of the lotus. Beyond the presence of lotus imagery, there is a further, subtle connection between Hindu architecture and the lotus in the very structure of Hindu temples.
Rising up in tiered domes, or buds, the temples are said to resemble Mount Meru, a sacred cosmic center in Indian religions (Gupta 30). The mountain itself holds an extensive symbolic reference to the cosmic lotus, standing as the point of origins of creation and divinity.
✔️Lotus Mahal, Hampi: Located in the royal town of the Vijayanagar empire, the Lotus Palace of Hampi showcases a blend of Indian and Islamic styles of architecture, both of which share a soft spot towards the blossoming lotus vines, that is seen all over the site. As a symbol of beauty, purity, and royalty, the lotus is a prominent motif in this palace and other surrounding monuments.
✔️Brihadeeswarar Temple, Tamil Nadu: This historic temple is just one example out of the many massive temple towns of Tamil Nadu, where the lotus is a visible motif in decoration. In Hindu tradition, the lotus is a beautifying motif as well as a symbol of divinity and wisdom, making it one of the most popular symbols in temple walls, pillars, and ceilings.
✔️Konark Sun Temple, Odisha: The temple’s architecture includes depictions of lotus flowers, symbolizing the cosmic cycle of the sun and creation.
There is no artistic or philosophical aspect of Indian culture, which is not adorned by the presence of the lotus flower.
✔️Lotus motifs are common in Banarasi sarees, Chikankari embroidery, and Madhubani, Pichwai, and Thangka paintings, as symbols of royalty, beauty, and divinity.
✔️Traditional jewelry designs, such as lotus-shaped pendants and earrings, are crafted in gold and precious stones to invoke prosperity and divine blessings.
Padmasana in Yoga and Bharatanatyam:
✔️In yoga, the lotus pose (Padmasana) is a meditative posture symbolizing stability, spiritual awakening, and balance.
✔️In Bharatanatyam, one of India’s classical dance forms, dancers use the Padma Hasta (lotus hand gesture) to represent beauty, devotion, and divine grace.
The lotus’s symbolism extends beyond India, present in several ancient civilizations all over the world.
✔️The Egyptian blue lotus (Nymphaea caerulea) was sacred to ancient Egyptians, who revered it as a symbol of rebirth and afterlife. One of the most common places where the flower is seen is the paintings that decorate Egyptian tombs since the people believed that the powerful motif would help the dead in their journey to the afterlife and resurrection.
✔️Egyptian mythology describes the lotus blooming at sunrise and closing at sunset, paralleling the cycle of life and death.
✔️In Chinese Buddhism, the lotus is associated with purity and enlightenment. The concept of the "lotus-born" being refers to individuals who attain spiritual awakening.
✔️Japanese Zen art and temples feature lotus imagery extensively, reinforcing the idea of rising above worldly suffering to attain Nirvana.
✔️In Pure Land Buddhism, Buddha Amitabha is often depicted seated on a lotus throne, signifying divine wisdom and ultimate liberation.
As an ancient and universal symbol, lotus has been used in creating beautiful decor that is simply heavenly. From the lotus-throned Hindu gods and goddesses to the simple brass lotus decor, here are a few ideas on how to add lotus to your home decor for Vastu or ornamentation purposes-
Ganesha seated on a lotus flower symbolizes his powers over divine wisdom, which blooms in the devotee with the blessings of the first-revered Hindu god. Placing such statues of Ganesha in your home fills the ambiance with an asthetic and divine quality.
Goddess Lakshmi as Padma (seated on a lotus) is an auspicious icon for worship or sacred decor. Placing such statues in the home, Puja temple or drawing room attracts the blessings of Lakshmi, whose presence allows abundance and growth to bloom like a fresh lotus.
Kamal-van Pichwai, a traditional style of Pichwai painting of Nathdwara, depicts Srinathji (Krishna) in the center of a forest of lotuses. This is one of the most popular themes of Pichwai art, reimagined in this unique cotton and marble dust decor, that shows Krishna at the heart of blooming lotuses, a symbol of divinity and devotion.
The beauty and deep symbolism of lotus can be added to your devotional routine with such lotus-shaped Puja lamps. Made with brass, the lamp symbolizes that the devotion is as pure as the lotus flower, and is a prayer to the gods, to bloom lotus-like wisdom in the heart of the devotee.
This lotus-inspired brass candle stand takes the beauty of the flower to the next level, where the multi-layered lotus becomes a useful decor object, perfect for festive decor or for spaces that have traditional or mixed aesthetics.
This lotus-shaped designer decor is an accent piece that will easily elevate corners or tabletops, by adding its luxurious presence to the space. The ancient lotus symbol becomes an expression of royalty and eliteness of the home and its residents.
For people seeking to experiment with their interiors or those who want to bring a natural element without having to take care of actual plants, metal decor like this brass lotus bouquet is an excellent choice. The naturalistic color choice and graceful sculpting give the decor a delicate look as if actual lotuses are sprouting in metal.
The beauty of lotus blossoms can be made a part of your dinner table conversations with this brass lotus plate wall decor, a sophisticated choice for dining spaces and drawing rooms. The realistic details of each vein on the leaf give the decor a naturalistic appeal, enhanced by a polish that makes this a luxurious statement.
Share the beauty of the lotus flower with your loved ones through this handcrafted candle holder. Elegant and durable, this makes for a perfect housewarming or festive gift, which is sure to make you stand apart.
If you are looking for Diwali decor or a piece that will enhance the festive vibe of a celebration, go for this brass Urli, adorned with lotus flowers. As if a heavenly pond in the center of your space, this will add an aesthetic touch to the interior and will last for years, as your go-to decor for special occasions.
Experience the transformative beauty of white lotus with this marble candle stand. The natural white tone of the marble perfectly represents the untouched beauty of the white lotus, which is enhanced when you light a candle on top of it, making this an effortlessly heavenly decor piece.
For those who believe in profound statements through simplicity, this table decor says it all. Its vintage feel is complemented by the ancient meaning it whispers- the blossoming of inner wisdom, through a delicate lotus flower, a motif popularized by Buddhism and shared by religious traditions all over the world.
If you are a fan of Indian paintings, this watercolor on paper depicting a beautiful woman surrounded by lotus flowers is a timeless artwork, that will take you to the heart of the fabled lotus forests of ancient Indian poetry.
The lovers will love the eternally blooming lotuses of this acrylic on canvas painting. Artist Arjun Das makes the artwork come to life with vivid colors and brushstrokes, layered on one another to bring a fragrant lotus pond to your walls.
Buddhism’s ancient connection with the lotus as a symbol of enlightenment is reiterated in this enchanting acrylic on canvas by Jugal Sarkar. Smiling gently, Buddha is immersed in meditation, with a lotus emerging from the water in the foreground- a narration of the process through which inner wisdom blossoms, rising above the ocean of existence, determined to move upward and unite with the cosmic consciousness.
The intertwining of lotus imagery and symbolism into such a vast range of concepts as mountains to temples to health to the divine creates a picture of the depth of the symbol’s place in Hinduism. As the powerful symbolism of the lotus transcends the centuries, it ultimately finds its place in the modern day as an icon for businesses, a symbol of peace or tranquility, a reference to Indian religion, and more contemporarily so, as an image of a movement sweeping Indian politics.
For the Hindu population, standing behind a banner bearing the Sacred Lotus of India, a central icon in the ancient tradition, may mean standing behind Hindutva, or Hindu national identity, embodied in the sacred meaning of the lotus. This connection between the divine flower and the national identity of India reveals just how deep the roots of the lotus symbol are.
The lotus held the title of national flower for its sacred symbolism, according to the Government of India. The connection between the Indian subcontinent and the lotus, beyond any single faith, expresses the significance of the flower even beyond its place as a religious icon.
Secrets of the Lotus (Studies in Buddhist Meditation)
Your email address will not be published *
Email a Friend
Manage Wishlist