The Lotus in Hindu, Buddhist and Jain tradition
In Hinduism, the lotus is the seat of Brahma the creator god and is held by Lakshmi, goddess of wealth, and Saraswati, goddess of learning. Lord Vishnu is often depicted standing on a lotus or holding one. In Buddhist tradition, Gautama Buddha is said to have walked immediately after birth, and wherever he stepped, lotus flowers bloomed. The lotus represents the eight-fold path to enlightenment — its roots in mud represent suffering, the stem rising through water represents spiritual practice, and the flower in sunlight represents enlightenment. In Jainism, all Tirthankaras (enlightened beings) are depicted seated on lotus thrones.
Why the lotus symbolises purity
The lotus's symbolic power comes from its behaviour: it grows in muddy, murky water and yet produces immaculate, dry flowers that water cannot wet. The lotus's surface has a microscopic structure that causes water droplets to bead and roll off — a property now called the "lotus effect" and studied extensively in materials science. This physical quality made it the perfect metaphor for spiritual purity: existing in the world without being contaminated by it.
Growing lotus in the UK
The Sacred Lotus can be grown in UK gardens and makes a spectacular container water plant. It needs still water, full sun and warmth — it will grow but may not flower reliably in cooler northern UK summers. Plant rhizomes in heavy garden loam (not compost, which floats) in a large container, submerged 30–60cm deep. In warm summers, the extraordinary bowl-shaped pink or white flowers — up to 30cm across — rise high above the round, water-repelling leaves. In cold areas, bring the container indoors before frosts. Hardy lotus varieties such as 'Mrs Perry D. Slocum' flower more reliably in UK conditions than the species.
The lotus in Indian art and daily life
The lotus appears on India's national emblem, in classical Bharatanatyam dance, in Rangoli floor art, and in temple architecture across the country, where lotus medallions are carved into ceilings and columns. The National Lotus Award (Padma Award) — India's highest civilian honour — takes its name from the Sanskrit word for lotus. The lotus also has practical uses: its seeds are roasted and eaten, the leaves are used to wrap food, and every part of the plant has applications in Ayurvedic medicine.