Sacred Lotus

flowers · spirituality · water plants · history

Two main flowers. The sacred lotus usually refers to either the Indian lotus (Nelumbo nucifera) in Asian religions or the blue lotus (Nymphaea caerulea) in ancient Egyptian beliefs. Each one has its own special religious importance.

The lotus throne. In Buddhist and Hindu art, the lotus is so revered that gods and spiritual leaders sit on a "lotus throne." This represents purity and enlightenment rising up from the water.

Padma means lotus. In Indian religions, the lotus flower is called Padma, and it appears in many sacred stories and symbols as a sign of rebirth and spiritual awakening.

Egyptian blue lotus. Ancient Egyptians honored the blue lotus (Nymphaea caerulea) in their religion, along with a white lotus species (Nymphaea lotus) that also held sacred meaning.

Blooms in water. All sacred lotus flowers grow in water and rise above it to bloom, which is why many religions use the lotus as a symbol of spirituality rising above the everyday world.