Hare Krishna Prabhus and matajis
Please accept my humble obeisances.
I have a question regarding flowers from a cemetery if it can be offered to the Lord. Here in Manila, we usually pick frangipani flowers that grow in parks and along the roads except from a cemetery. However, Manila is often hit by typhoons and the strong winds would break branches and blow away flowers from these trees. Often times we really have problems with flowers. Sometimes we buy flowers from the flower markets and this could strain our budget a lot. There are lots of frangipani trees in cemeteries here in Manila. However we are still hesitant to pick flowers from these places. I'm trying here to get your opinions. Thanking you in advance. All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
Replies
Hare Krishna,
Instead of flowers you just offer a leaf, or even some water. Lord is satisfied even without flowers. You write mahamantra 108 times on small pieces of paper fold them and make paper mala or paper flowers with that chants on the paper. Do you think Lord will object it saying.. hey, you didn't offer me real flowers I don't agree to your bhakti?
In Bhagavad-gita (9.26) Krishna says, "If one offers Me with love and devotion a leaf, a flower, fruit, or water, I will accept it."
leaf also can be folded in the form of a flower. anyhow, sometimes i don't have flowers at home. I just offer tulsi leaf and some water or fruit or some milk. Not all times everyone has flowers.
Yes, it is good to grow flowers of our own if we love decorating the deities.
frangipani flowers which you are saying are usually not offered to Lord Sri Krishna .. These flowers are favorite of Lord Shiva.
In Hinduism, frangipani flowers have two important roles. The first is as a symbol of Lord Shiva. Flowers are placed on the tip of the palm of the hand when worshiping. Then, the flower is usually tucked in the hair or ears. The second is, as a means for prayer. Flowers are used to filling offerings for God or the holy spirit of the ancestors.
Secondly, the flowers/ anything, growing on cemetry or anything fallen on the roads one which has touched the ground we generally don't even want to eat it or give it to our loved ones or kids also. Why to give to our beloved krishna???
this flower is called shankh pushpi - because its in the shape of shankh. favorite of Lord narayana and Krishna as it is in blue color also.
It is also called Aparajita/ vishnu kantha.
it can be grown easily and it is a perinnial plant and flowers all thru out the year, easy to grow also in a pot.
watch this vid.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FI6AGWhd5Q0
hare krishna.
Hare Krishna!
Offering flowers to the Lord is a beautiful and important aspect of devotional service. According to Vedic scriptures and the teachings of Srila Prabhupada, it is generally recommended to offer flowers that are pure and untainted. Here are three references from Vedic literatures that provide guidance on this matter:
Bhagavad Gita (9.26): Lord Krishna states, "If one offers Me with love and devotion a leaf, a flower, fruit, or water, I will accept it." This verse emphasizes the importance of offering items with love and devotion.
Sri Caitanya-caritamrita (Antya-lila 3.59): Srila Prabhupada explains that while offering flowers, one should ensure they are not contaminated by any inauspiciousness or negativity. The flowers should be pure and clean, symbolizing our pure love and devotion for the Lord.
Sri Isopanishad (Mantra 1): This mantra teaches us to see everything in this world as the Lord's property and utilize it for His service. However, it is important to use things that are pure and suitable for offering to the Lord.
Considering these references, it is understandable that you may have concerns about using flowers from cemeteries. Although the frangipani trees in cemeteries may have beautiful flowers, it is advisable to avoid picking flowers from such places. Cemeteries are associated with death and are considered impure in Vedic culture. It is better to choose flowers from parks, roadsides, or other places that are not connected to cemeteries.
In situations where strong winds or natural calamities cause flowers to fall from trees, you can still collect them and offer them to the Lord. However, it is essential to carefully examine the fallen flowers for any impurities or signs of contamination. If the flowers are clean and untainted, they can be offered with love and devotion.
To address the budget constraints you mentioned, you can explore alternative options for obtaining flowers. For example, you may consider growing your own flowers at home or seeking donations from devotees who have flower gardens. Additionally, you can offer prayers to the Lord and seek His blessings for a steady and affordable supply of flowers for your devotional service.
Remember, the Lord accepts our offerings based on the love and devotion with which they are offered. It is the purity of our intentions and the sincerity of our devotion that truly matter. By following the guidelines provided by the scriptures and Srila Prabhupada, you can ensure that your flower offerings are pleasing to the Lord.
Hare Krishna Gadadhar Prabhu. Thank you for your nice reply to my enquiry. All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
Hare Krsna Prabhuji,
PAMHO.
We do not take flowers from cemetary for worship, you know that.
Best would be to haev our own arden, growing our flowers and picking at will.
Haribol,
Your servant,
Radha Rasamayi DD
Thank you for your very enlightening comment.