Lotus flower since centuries has been a symbol of beauty, peace, purity, and non-attachment. The flower is widely depicted in Hinduism and Buddhism. Hence, this exotic flower is the national flower of India and Vietnam.
The botanical name of Lotus is Nelumbo nucifera belonging to family Nelumbonaceae. Nelumbo nucifera bloom in pink and the white and is native to tropical Asia and Queensland, Australia. Common names are Indian Lotus, Sacred Lotus, Bean of India, Padma, Kamal, Tavare, and so on.
I am intrigued, amazed and delighted at the wealth of flora in Western Ghats and I just cannot have enough of gaping or photographing them. Every nook and corner seems to be decked with a bouquet of brilliantly colored flowers nodding their approval of their habitat. The landscape at Sagar, Shimoga district is dotted with lakes covered with the most delightful variety of lilies.
Near Varadamoola was a lake with some lilies in bloom. I was astonished when I took a picture of what I thought was a white 1 to 1½ ” wide lily only to discover that the petals of the lily were very delicate and they had feathery edges. The local lady who was washing her clothes there smiled at my enthusiasm and said it is called as “Neeru thaavare” / Water Lotus.
