Brahma Kamal is a rare and exotic flower that is native to the Himalayan region, found at altitudes of over 4500 meters. It is a highly revered flower in Hindu mythology and Brahma Kamal is also known as the “King of Himalayan Flowers”. In this blog, we will explore the various aspects of this magnificent flower, from its physical appearance to its cultural significance.
Physical Characteristics
The Brahma Kamal (Saussurea obvallata) belongs to the Asteraceae family and is a perennial herb. The flower grows up to a height of 8 to 12 inches and blooms during the monsoon season, which is between July and September. The Brahma Kamal flower has a large, white, and translucent petal, which surrounds a yellow center. The petals resemble a bell, and the flower emits a sweet fragrance, which attracts nocturnal insects such as moths.
Cultural Significance
The Brahma Kamal flower holds great significance in Hindu mythology and is associated with Lord Brahma, the creator of the universe. According to Hindu mythology, Lord Brahma was born from a lotus flower that grew from the navel of Lord Vishnu. The Brahma Kamal flower is believed to be a symbol of Lord Brahma’s creative energy, and it is offered to him during pujas and other religious ceremonies.
The flower is also associated with the legend of King Pururava and the celestial nymph Urvashi. It is said that King Pururava was visited by Urvashi, who came down to earth to perform a dance in his court. As she danced, she held a Brahma Kamal flower in her hand, which emitted a sweet fragrance. The flower captivated King Pururava, and he became obsessed with it, leading to a series of events that eventually led to their separation.
Cultural significance
In addition to its cultural significance, the Brahma Kamal flower is also used for its medicinal properties. In traditional Indian medicine, the flower is used to treat a variety of ailments such as fever, cough, and respiratory problems.
Conservation
Despite its cultural significance, the Brahma Kamal flower is facing a significant threat due to climate change and human activities such as tourism and infrastructure development. The flower is listed as a vulnerable species in the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s Red List, and conservation efforts are underway to protect this rare and exotic flower.
Conclusion
The Brahma Kamal flower is a rare and exotic species that holds great cultural significance in Hindu mythology. Its physical beauty and sweet fragrance have captivated people for centuries, and it is an important symbol of Lord Brahma’s creative energy. However, the flower is facing a significant threat due to climate change and human activities, and conservation efforts are necessary to protect this magnificent flower for future generations.
