Why flowers?

There is a great meaning behind the flower worship in all our prayers and rituals.

In this article lets quickly explore the significance of offering flowers to Gods. It is believed that by offering natural flowers, our mind and soul which are covered by evil thinkings and bad feelings are cleared by means of soft flowers. It is considered as an act of dedicating oneself with great bakthi. Devotees of Sri Aurobindo also give great importance to flower worship. In the own words of Sri Aurobindo, "Flowers signify the purest part of nature and what we as humans could become in the process of spiritual learning" .

What flowers?

Thulasi, Vilvam, Virukshi etc are some of the divine flowers, which are generally dedicated to the Perumal. Thulasi is considered to be sacred amongst all and it is believed that Sriman Narayanan reside in it. It is believed that by offering this sacred Thulasi to Sriman Narayanan during Fridays and Saturday, we get his divine blessings.

Flowers in Temples:

Even in great Sri Vaishnavite temples, knowing the greatness of flowers, Nandhavanams (flowers park) are maintained and the flowers taken from here are tied as garlands and offered to the Perumal. Added to this during Bramhotsavam, the Perumal is taken out in Pallakku which is constructed and designed with great flower which is referred to as "Pushpa Pallakku". This Vaghanam is considered one among the great Vaghanam during Bramhotsavam.

Great Aacharyan - Sri Ananthan Pillai as ordered by Srimath Ramanujar performed this Nandhava Kainkaryam in Tirumala - Tirupathi. Even, today we can find his Nandhavanam in Tirumala.

So, bhaktas while going to temples, even if you could not dedicate lots of offerings to the God,  just offer him with some flower with full bhakti and you will feel complete in your prayers. Shubam Bhavatu !