The Enchanting Brahma Kamal: A Deep Dive into Saussurea Obvallata
Introduction
Brahma Kamal, scientifically known as Saussurea obvallata, is a captivating flowering plant belonging to the Asteraceae family. This rare and beautiful plant is predominantly found in the Himalayan region and holds significant spiritual and cultural importance in India. In this article, we will explore the various aspects of the Brahma Kamal plant, including its description, mythological significance, Vastu relevance, care tips, and uses.
Brahma Kamal Plant: Quick Facts
| Plant Name | Brahma Kamal Plant |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Saussurea obvallata |
| Found In | Himalayas (India, Nepal, Bhutan, Pakistan, and southwest China) |
| Flower | Purple flower heads hidden in layers of yellowish-green bracts |
| Benefits | Used in traditional medicine and some dishes such as soups and juices |
| Significance | An auspicious flower used to worship Lord Shiva in Hindu tradition. It is the official state flower of Uttarakhand. |
Brahma Kamal Plant Description
The Brahma Kamal flowers bloom during the mid-monsoon season at altitudes ranging from 3,700 to 4,600 meters. The flower heads are purple and concealed in layers of yellowish-green papery bracts, which protect the plant from the cold environment. The flowers, also known as Brahma Kamalam, have a star-like shape and a pleasant fragrance. They are hermaphrodites, containing both male and female reproductive organs, and are pollinated by insects.
The plant, also referred to as the orchid cactus, mainly belongs to the night-flowering species of cactus. The flowers blossom only during the night and remain open until sunrise, making it rare to witness the flower in full bloom. A single flower lasts only for one night, and the average time for the buds to flower is around two to three weeks. The blooming season for the flowers is from spring to early summer.
The Saussurea obvallata is also known by various names such as the king of Himalayan flowers, the night-blooming queen, the night-blooming cereus, Saussurea, Dulhambul, Hangal, Burgundautoges, Kadufful, Dudhaful, Geeks Vision, and Jungle Cactus. The Brahma Kamal flower appears white like a lotus with pink tips and grows up to a height of four to five feet. The plant produces white, pink, and red-colored flowers, with some varieties having flowers in purple shades.
Brahma Kamal Mythological Significance
In Hindu culture, the Brahma Kamal plant is considered sacred and is widely used for worshipping Lord Shiva, especially in the holy temples of Kedarnath, Badrinath, and Tunganath. The flower is named after Lord Brahma and is believed to be the same flower the deity holds in his hand. The flower signifies the divine birth of Lord Brahma, who is the creator of the universe and appeared from the lotus emerging from Lord Vishnu’s navel.
Some people believe that offering this flower to Lord Shiva fulfills all wishes, and others believe that wishing when the flower is blooming also fulfills desires. The flower’s pleasant fragrance has a soothing effect on the mind, helping one achieve inner peace and tranquility.
According to popular belief, Lord Brahma created the Brahma Kamal plant. One story mentions that Lord Brahma meditated on a lotus flower and fell asleep. When he woke up, he saw that he had been transformed into a lotus, which was then named the Brahma Kamal. Another belief is that Lord Brahma used the Kamal flower to create the universe. Some also believe that Brahma created the flower to help Lord Shiva place an elephant’s head on Lord Ganesha’s body, with the flower dropping the elixir of life from its petals, thus bringing Ganesha back to life. Additionally, it is believed that Lord Vishnu used the Brahma Kamal flower to save his wife Lakshmi after a demon killed her.
Brahma Kamal Vastu Significance
The Brahma Kamal plant is believed to purify the environment and help keep it greener. According to Vastu Shastra, the Brahma Kamal plant attracts happiness, good luck, and prosperity and maintains psychological balance in a person’s life. The flower is also believed to protect the owner from evil forces. As per Vastu rules, one should not buy, sell, or use Brahma Kamal as a gift.
Brahma Kamal Cultural Significance
The plant grows in the Himalayan region and holds great significance for the locals. The Brahma Kamal flower represents resilience and adaptability as it thrives in the difficult mountainous terrains. Some local communities celebrate the bloom of Brahma Kamal by dancing and singing.
In 1982, the Indian government issued a postal stamp featuring the image of the Brahma Kamal flower, labeled Saussurea obvallata in English and Brahma Kamal in the Devanagari script. In 2007, when the state of Uttarakhand was formed (changing its name from Uttaranchal, created in 2000), the Brahma Kamal flower was declared the state flower. The auspicious flowers are offered in the hill temples, including the shrine of Badrinath, Kedarnath, and Tunganath.
Where to Keep the Brahma Kamal Plant as per Vastu?
The Brahma Kamal plant is a sacred plant that should be kept in the center of a house or the Brahmasthan, according to Vastu Shastra. It is believed that Lord Brahma and Vishnu reside inside the flower. This placement will help eliminate negative energies from the house and invite positive energies.
Brahma Kamal Plant Care
Location and Sunlight
The Brahma Kamalam plant requires indirect and continuous sunlight exposure. The plant leaves, which can also store water, will be sunburnt due to direct sunlight and will turn pale. Avoid changing the plant’s location frequently. Once the sign of budding is visible, do not change the placement of the plant until it stops flowering, as the bud will not bloom otherwise.
Watering
Brahma Kamal is a succulent plant that can retain water in its leaves in arid conditions, making the leaves soft and fluffy. Watering should be done when the top layer of the soil dries up. Avoid overwatering, as the leaves will become yellowish and brownish, indicating root rot. Ensure watering directly over the soil instead of the plant’s leaves to avoid fungal growth.
Temperature
Warm and normal humid climatic conditions are ideal for the Brahma Kamal plant to thrive. However, they must be protected from direct exposure to sunlight and strong heat or cold winds. The suitable temperature for the Brahma Kamal plant ranges from 25 to 35 degrees Celsius.
Potting Soil and Repotting
The Saussurea obvallata requires a fast-draining medium for growth. The succulent cannot grow in standing water, so the potting soil should mainly have sand and perlite. Choose a container with a minimum of three to four drainage holes to allow excess water to escape. Repotting is required if the plant has outgrown the flowerpot, especially every two years. Remove the plant from the existing pot without damaging its root balls for repotting. Select a big-sized container and place the plant in a fresh potting mix. Avoid watering for a minimum of two days to allow the plant to recover from this change.
Fertilizing
The plant requires good quality fertilizers high in phosphorus to help produce flowers. The fertilizer should be added before and during the plant’s blooming season, in a gap of 25 to 30 days. Stop using the fertilizer once the flowering stops.
How to Grow Brahma Kamal Plant?
You can easily grow the Brahma Kamal plant in your home garden from leaf cuttings. However, if you are growing the plant from seeds, it may take a longer time for the plant to grow, around five years. Hence, the leaf-cutting method is preferred by gardeners.
How to Grow Brahma Kamalam Plant from Cutting?
Home gardeners can follow these simple steps to grow the Brahma Kamalam plant from leaf cuttings:
- Secure a leaf cutting from a healthy Brahma Kamalam plant. Ensure the cutting is a minimum of 10 to 12 cm in length.
- Place the cutting in a dark place away from sunlight. Allow the cutting to form callus, a white-colored protective layer.
- Prepare the potting soil by choosing fast-draining soil. You can prepare the potting mix by using 40% sand, 25% coco peat, 10% perlite, and 25% compost or vermicompost.
Is Brahma Kamal Good for Home?
If you have a home garden and favorable climatic conditions, you can consider growing the auspicious Brahma Kamal plant at home. Make sure to follow the Vastu guidelines when growing the plant, which ensures success, prosperity, and good luck.
What is the Best Direction to Keep the Brahma Kamal Plant?
The auspicious Brahma Kamal plant should be kept in the Brahmasthan or center of the house. You can grow the plant in the north or northeast direction in the home garden. Ensure the area is clean and clutter-free.
Brahma Kamal: Uses
The Brahma Kamal plant, which grows in the Himalayan region, is used in traditional medicine by the locals. The plant’s thick curved root is applied to bruises and cuts. Other related species such as Kasturi Kamal, Snow Lotus, Phen Kamal, and Grass-leaved Saw-wort have been popularly used as traditional medicine for curing several ailments.
The soup prepared from this plant is believed to treat liver inflammations and increase blood volume in the body. Besides, the plant is used for treating several ailments and conditions, including fevers, cough, and cold.
Popular Benefits of Brahma Kamal:
- Lucky plant for auspicious occasions.
- Treatment of skin disorders like eczema and psoriasis.
- Healing of wounds and burns.
- Anti-cancerous properties.
- Anti-inflammatory and tonic properties.
- Used as antipyretic, expectorant, diuretic, and sedative.
- Boosts immunity and fights infections.
Uses of Brahma Kamal Plant in Ayurvedic Medicine
The Brahma Kamal flower is known to have immense health benefits according to Ayurvedic medicine. It helps in treating health problems such as cold, fever, flu, bronchitis, asthma, insomnia, anxiety, and depression.
Brahma Kamal Plant Price
In India, the Brahma Kamal Plant is available for a price of around 200-400 INR per piece. The live plant can be purchased from online stores.
Conclusion
The Brahma Kamal, or Saussurea obvallata, is not just a beautiful and rare flower but also a plant of immense cultural, spiritual, and medicinal significance. Whether you are drawn to its mythological stories, its Vastu benefits, or its medicinal properties, the Brahma Kamal is a plant that brings a touch of the divine into your home. By following the care tips and guidelines provided, you can successfully grow and nurture this auspicious plant, inviting prosperity, good luck, and tranquility into your life.