13 Lotus Flower Facts: Symbolizes Purity, Enlightenment & Rebirth

Sridevi Tolety
Oct 28, 2022 By Sridevi Tolety
Originally Published on Mar 15, 2022
Edited by Luca Demetriou
Fact-checked by Shreya Yadav
Lotus flower facts: According to the fossil records, it is believed that lotus flowers have survived the ice age between 1.8 million and 10,000 years ago.

The lotus flower represents the purity of heart and mind.

Lotus is an aquatic perennial (Nelumbo nucifera) that grows in ponds, marshes, and lagoons. Lotus leaves are water-resistant and rise above the water.

Lotus plants are of two species, Nelumbo Nucifera and Nelumba Lutea. Nucifera is the sacred lotus with white or pink flowers, and Lutea is the American Lotus with yellow flowers.

Importance Of The Lotus Flower

In Sanskrit, the lotus plant is called the Padma, a sacred lotus or Indian lotus. Lotus flowers depict purity as they bloom above the muddy water, and lotus flowers are magnificent with their perfectly shaped petals. The following are some facts about the lotus plant that you may not be aware of. Read on to learn more.

Lotus is the National flower of India and Vietnam. Pink Lotus is the national symbol of India.

Lotus seeds are viable, and they can germinate even after ages.

The lotus plant's parts are edible and can also be used medicinally. Lotus roots can be eaten and have a lot of health benefits like lowering blood pressure, controlling cholesterol, relieve depression, to name a few.

Caring For The Lotus Flower

Lotuses are day blooming plants, and they submerge into the water at night and reblooms the next day. Caring for the lotus plant is quite easy, and here are some care tips for growing Lotus.

Lotus plants need direct sunlight to thrive and bloom.

Lotus can be grown from seeds and tubers.

Lotus leaf has a waxy layer; the wax makes the leaf hydrophobic. If water drops on the leaf, they roll down, carrying the dirt along.

Color & Size

The Lotus flower is found in six colors, white, pink, yellow, blue, and purple. Unlike other flowers, each lotus flower color depicts a different spiritual meaning. Sounds interesting? Well, discover below!

The smallest variety of lotus is known as dwarf lotus. They are 3 feet (91.4 cm) tall with leaves 2 to 3 inches (5.08 - 7.62 cm) in diameter. 

The lotus flower is usually 49 inches tall (1.24 m), and it can spread almost 10 feet (305 cm) in the water. Lotus roots can grow up to 4 feet (122 cm).

Every lotus color has a distinct meaning and symbolism. White lotus signifies the purity of heart, faith, knowledge, and grace, whereas pink Lotus represents enlightenment

Red lotus depicts generosity, yellow symbolizes belief, and blue lotuses symbolize wisdom. Now, which is your favorite color?

Spiritual Meaning Of The Lotus Flower

In many traditions, the lotus flower represents purity and enlightenment. Did you know the lotus flower rises from the murky water three days before it blooms? Here are some interesting facts about the sacred flower.

Pink and purple lotus is associated with Buddhism as they represent enlightenment and self-awakening.

Lotus temple is the only Bahá'í temple in Asia. The Bahá'í is the new religion that teaches the importance of all religions and the unity of people.

The lotus flower portrays the cycle of life. In Hinduism, Goddess Sarasvati and Lakshmi are related to the lotus flower. Therefore, lotus is the symbol of knowledge and wealth.

Lotus flowers have various cultural and spiritual significance. Lotus is sacred in Hinduism and Buddhism. In Asian countries, lotus flowers are the symbol of purity. In Ancient Egypt lotus represents the sun, and also the life of the lotus is related to the life cycle of human beings.

FAQs

Q: What is so special about the lotus flower?

A: Lotus flower represents the purity of mind and heart, enlightenment, and rebirth. They are so divine it is often seen besides divine figures.

Q: How long does a lotus flower live?

A: Lotus flower normally blooms for 3 to 5 days. On the third day, petals start to fall, leaving behind a seedpod.

Q: What is the lotus flower used for?

A: Parts of the lotus plants like flowers, seeds, leaves, stems, roots are used in making medicines especially for digestive tract disorders, facial powder, aromatic tea, capsules, and other extracts.

Q: Does the lotus bloom twice?

A: Lotus plants are day blooming plants. Flower blooms in the morning, submerge into the water at night, and blooms the next morning. According to Egyptian mythology, Lotus represents since they bloom by day and close by night.

Q: Can Lotus grow without mud?

A: Yes, Lotus can be grown without soil by hydroponics.

Q: What Color is a lotus flower?

A: Lotus flowers are found in white, yellow, pink, blue, red, and purple.

Q: Is a lotus flower a water lily?

A: No, Though they belong to the same Nymphaeaceae family.

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Written by Sridevi Tolety

Bachelor of Science specializing in Botany, Master of Science specializing in Clinical Research and Regulatory Affairs

Sridevi Tolety picture

Sridevi ToletyBachelor of Science specializing in Botany, Master of Science specializing in Clinical Research and Regulatory Affairs

With a Master's degree in clinical research from Manipal University and a PG Diploma in journalism from Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, Sridevi has cultivated her passion for writing across various domains. She has authored a wide range of articles, blogs, travelogues, creative content, and short stories that have been published in leading magazines, newspapers, and websites. Sridevi is fluent in four languages and enjoys spending her spare time with loved ones. Her hobbies include reading, traveling, cooking, painting, and listening to music.

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Fact-checked by Shreya Yadav

Bachelor of Arts specializing in Psychology

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Shreya YadavBachelor of Arts specializing in Psychology

Shreya has developed a diverse set of skills through her experience in client servicing, email marketing, content and e-commerce management, digital marketing, and creative content writing. Her educational background includes a Bachelor's degree in Psychology from Indira Gandhi National Open University, Delhi. Shreya's passion for ongoing learning and development is a testament to her commitment to excellence.

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