The Significance of a Lotus

Write about your first name: its meaning, significance, etymology, etc.

In the Indian culture naming a child has always been a very thoughtful process. Based on the stars at birth a basic sound / letter is provided to the parents based on which names are selected. Wherever possible seers and sages are contacted to select a name for the child. This is done so as to enable the total development on the child in all aspects. The past life karmas, inclinations of the soul, present life duties etc are taken into account when a name is being derived. As the child grows hearing the name it repeatedly reminds the person of his duties in the present life.

My name, Saroj, signifies a lotus. A lotus blooms in a lake full of muddy waters yet is pure by nature, although it strives in the dirt yet it is above it and although it’s firmly ground in the slushy earth it is untarnished by it. This property of the lotus symbolises the way of life a person should lead.

Although surrounded by negativity a person should be pious, the world will try and bring you down, yet you remain true to yourself ever pure.

Many Hindu gods and goddesses are depicted to be sitting on a lotus or holding a lotus for example, Bramha, lord of creation, thus symbolizing that by being pure in thought and deed we can arouse the creativity within us. Goddess Laxmi, symbolizing that when we do our duties with pure consciousness we reap benefits of health and wealth. Goddess Saraswati, sits on a white lotus suggestive of knowledge and wisdom.

Lotus flowers are also offered to gods during Puja, symbolizing surrender of ourselves at the lotus feet of the deity.

Further, in spirituality the lotus signifies the spinal energy centres or chakras which unfold as the devotee/seeker moves from basal instincts of eating ,sleeping and procreation to higher centres of divine bliss and God realization finally reaching the thousand petalled lotus at the top of the spine.

Thus, lotus is a very important flower in culture of Bharat and inspires everyone to be in the world yet not of the world.

Image sourced from google