Gods and goddesses are divine beings. They live in the astral world, which is full of the air element. Because of this, they have a strong sense of smell. They love pleasant fragrances, and they are naturally drawn to them.
During rituals, we invite these divine beings to come down from their heavenly homes. To welcome them, we offer things they like, especially flowers, incense, and perfumes. These sweet smells attract them. That is why good scents are an important part of all pujas and rituals.
Just like humans, gods and goddesses also have their personal likes and dislikes. Some may like the smell of yellow marigold, while others prefer white jasmine. So, it is important to offer the right flowers, leaves, and scents that each god likes.
Our holy texts even mention how many flowers or leaves to offer. For example:
- Lord Vishnu is always offered tulsi leaves.
- Lord Shiva must be given bel leaves.
- Lord Ganesha is pleased with durva grass.
In general, five flowers or leaves are offered. This number stands for the five basic elements of nature—earth, water, fire, air, and space (the panchabhootas). But in some tantric pujas, the number may be different.
There is also a spiritual reason behind using flowers, leaves, and scents. These natural things attract positive and divine energy. They make the puja area pure and full of good vibrations.
Mango leaves are very special in this way. They pull divine energy from the air. That’s why people hang a string of mango leaves (called a toran) over the puja space. We also place nine or eleven mango leaves around a coconut that is kept on top of a kalash (holy pot).
But flowers and leaves don’t stay fresh forever. When they wither, they lose their power to attract divine energy and should not be used. Some natural items like the lotus flower, tulsi leaves, bel leaves, amla fruit, and lemon stay fresh longer. These have special life energies called prana and dhananjaya vayu which keep them fresh for two to three days or more.
Tulsi and bel leaves can be used again in pujas, but they should be washed properly before reuse.
Offerings Preferred by Hindu Gods and Goddesses
| Deity | Preferred Flower(s) | Preferred Leaf(s) | Special Offering |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lord Ganesha | Red hibiscus, marigold | Durva grass | Red sandalwood, red cloth |
| Lord Vishnu | Tulsi flowers, yellow flowers | Tulsi leaves | Panchamrit (milk mix), butter |
| Lord Shiva | Datura, white flowers | Bel (Bilva) leaves | Bhasma (sacred ash), water, bael fruit |
| Goddess Lakshmi | Lotus, red roses | Any fresh leaf | Rice, turmeric, coins, sweets |
| Goddess Saraswati | White lotus, jasmine | White arka leaf (if used) | Books, white cloth, fruits |
| Lord Hanuman | Red hibiscus, marigold | Durva or betel leaves | Sindoor, laddoo, oil lamps |
| Surya (Sun God) | Red lotus, sunflower | Arka leaves | Water, red cloth, jaggery |
| Lord Krishna | Tulsi, kadamba flowers | Tulsi leaves | Butter, makhan, flute |
| Goddess Durga | Hibiscus, red flowers | Mango or bel leaves | Red cloth, kumkum, sweets |
| Lord Rama | Lotus, blue flowers | Tulsi or mango leaves | Sweets, ghee lamp |
ASTRO GIVA 