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Significance of Water lily

Water lily, specifically referred to as kumuda in Shilpashastra, symbolizes beauty and purity across various contexts. It is known for its nighttime blooms and association with moonlight, reflected in artistic representations. In Vaishnavism, it enhances the fragrance of Vrindavana ponds, while in Ayurveda, it holds medicinal properties linked to the species Nymphaea. This aquatic plant, emblematic of love and grace, also serves as a metaphor for spiritual growth in Buddhist texts, showcasing its profound significance in culture and nature.

Synonyms: Lotus, Aquatic plant, Water lotus

In Dutch: Waterlelie; In Finnish: Vesi lilja; In Spanish: 狈别苍煤蹿补谤; In German: Seerose

The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.

Buddhist concept of 'Water lily'

Buddhism Books

In Buddhism, the water lily symbolizes the emergence of Buddha-qualities amidst life's challenges. It represents beauty and innocence, akin to a crane鈥檚 appearance, while its fragrance, although pleasant, is overshadowed by the virtue's higher essence.

Significance in Theravada (major branch of Buddhism):
Theravada Books

From: Dhammapada (Illustrated)

(1) An aquatic plant with large, fragrant flowers, included in the list of pleasant fragrances but considered lesser than the fragrance of virtue.[1]

From: Jataka tales [English], Volume 1-6

(1) Used in the description of the crane, comparing its appearance to that of a water-lily which symbolizes beauty and innocence.[2]

Theravada is a major branch of Buddhism having the the Pali canon (tipitaka) as their canonical literature, which includes the vinaya-pitaka (monastic rules), the sutta-pitaka (Buddhist sermons) and the abhidhamma-pitaka (philosophy and psychology).

Significance in Mahayana (major branch of Buddhism):
Mahayana Books

From: Vimalakirti Nirdesa Sutra

(1) A type of flower used as a metaphor to compare the growth of Buddha-qualities amid passions and difficulties.[3]

Mahayana is a major branch of Buddhism focusing on the path of a Bodhisattva (spiritual aspirants/ enlightened beings). Extant literature is vast and primarely composed in the Sanskrit language. There are many sutras of which some of the earliest are the various Prajnaparamita sutras.

Hindu concept of 'Water lily'

Hinduism Books

The Water lily in Hinduism symbolizes grace, beauty, and purity, associated with medicinal uses and artistic representations. Recognized in scriptures, it grows in water, reflecting a serene environment and blossoming feelings of love.

Significance in Vaishnavism (Vaishava dharma):
Vaishnavism Books

From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)

(1) One of the types of flowers that contribute to the fragrance of the ponds in Vrindavana.[4]

From: Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu

(1) Blossoming plants found in a grove, prominent in the context of the text.[5]

Vaishnava or vaishnavism (vaishnavism) represents a tradition of Hinduism worshipping Vishnu as the supreme Lord. Similar to the Shaktism and Shaivism traditions, Vaishnavism also developed as an individual movement, famous for its exposition of the dashavatara (鈥榯en avatars of Vishnu鈥�).

Significance in Purana and Itihasa (epic history):
Purana Books

From: Yoga Vasistha [English], Volume 1-4

(1) A symbol of grace and beauty, representing a pleasing and refreshing presence.[6]

The Purana refers to Sanskrit literature preserving ancient India鈥檚 vast cultural history, including historical legends, religious ceremonies, various arts and sciences. The eighteen mahapuranas total over 400,000 shlokas (metrical couplets) and date to at least several centuries BCE.

Significance in Ayurveda (science of life):
Ayurveda Books

From: Bhesajjakkhandhaka (Chapter on Medicine)

(1) A flower included in the Mahasamghika text recognized for its medicinal use, identified with the species Nymphaea.[7]

Ayurveda is a branch of Indian science dealing with medicine, herbalism, taxology, anatomy, surgery, alchemy and related topics. Traditional practice of Ayurveda in ancient India dates back to at least the first millenium BC. Literature is commonly written in Sanskrit using various poetic metres.

Significance in Rasashastra (chemistry and alchemy):
Rasashastra Books

From: Rasa Jala Nidhi, vol 4: Iatrochemistry

(1) A plant mentioned as part of the ingredient list for the medicinal preparation.[8]

Rasashastra is an important branch of Ayurveda, specialising in chemical interactions with herbs, metals and minerals. Some texts combine yogic and tantric practices with various alchemical operations. The ultimate goal of Rasashastra is not only to preserve and prolong life, but also to bestow wealth upon humankind.

The concept of Water lily in local and regional sources

History Books

Water lily is an aquatic plant renowned for its beautiful flowers, often found in serene lakes. It symbolizes beauty and transience, exemplified by its nightly closure and morning bloom, representing the cycle of nature.

Significance in India history and geography:

From: Triveni Journal

(1) A symbol of beauty and transience in nature, exemplified by the lily's closing at night and blooming in the morning.[9]

From: The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda

(1) These are aquatic plants with beautiful flowers, often found in lakes, contributing to a tranquil setting.[10]