7 Puja Flowers You Can Offer To God For Blessings

Puja time is that duration of the day when all worldly thoughts must go out of the window so that you can channel in the Lord or Goddess you are praying to for his or her blessings. But a major factor for a puja is that all the samagri you need for it must be in place and appropriate. One such ingredient which we cannot do without is puja flowers. The right puja flowers are crucial. Here is a low down on which flowers you can offer to the deity you pray to and which ones should not be used.

Besides your commonly used marigold and rose petals, there are many other vibrant and fragrant flowers which have a religious significance.

Palash

These flowers which are also known as tesu or flame of the forest, are generally associated with the Goddess Saraswati. The goddess is believed to be very fond of white coloured flowers, and a puja for seeking her blessings without palash flowers is considered incomplete.

Jasmine

A very common and fav of many bhakts, this small fragrant flower is what is believed to please Lord Hanuman. This flower which has medicinal value as well must be offered with some vermillion.

Lotus

The lotus flower is a favourite of Goddess Laxmi as per beliefs. It is used the most for Laxmi Pujan or during the time of Diwali. To please the goddess of prosperity and wealth, keep a lotus seed garland in the temple of your home.

Red Hibiscus

This flower is largely associated with Goddess Kali who is the epitome of fierceness which is depicted by the flower as well. The shape of the red hibiscus is the symbol of the Godess' tongue and the red hue is a reflection of the fierceness in her.

Parijata or Indian Magnolia

This lovely fragrant and calming flower is a night flowering coral jasmine which has since long considered a divine flower. It is said to please Lord Vishnu. The story behind this is that this flower had emerged when the oceans were churning and therefore Lord Indra brought it with him to heaven.

Safed Aak Or Crown Flower

This is a lovely purple white-hued flower which is popularly used for worshipping Lord Shiva. It is also known as akanda and is infact a poisonous flower.

Nerium Oleander

If you have been wondering as to which flower must be offered to Goddess Durga, then it is the Nerium Oleander which comes in reddish hues. Goddess Durga is believed to be a lover of flowers with a redish hue which is where this flower steps in.

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Flowers That You Should Never Offer To The Gods

• Never use aksada for Vishnu Puja.
• Lord Shiva does not take to ketaki or kewada very well.
• While offering prayers to Goddess Parvati, never offer amla or arka.
• When praying to Sun God, never offer bael leaves.
• Lord Ram must never be offered arali or nerium oleander.

How To Pick Flowers: Rules

• You must never pick up flowers from the ground and offer to the Gods and Goddesses.
• Do not offer buds but whole flowers but champa buds and lotus are an exception.
• Never pluck flowers after dusk as respect to the plant.
• Avoid offering wilted flowers.

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• You can sprinkle water on the flowers but never wash them.
• Never offer worm infested flowers to the deity.
• If you have to offer bilva leaves but cannot find fresh ones, you can use the already offered ones by washing them once.
• You can pluck lotus and use it later as they have the capability of staying fresh for up to 5 days.

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