On the auspicious day of Maha Shivratri, worshipping Lord Shiva with the Ketaki or Ketki flower or ketki ka phool is common practice. This variety of Kewra flower only blooms during this time of the year and is native to coastal Odisha. Legends tell of how Lord Shiva originally cursed the flower, refusing its use in any pujas. However, after hearing the pleas of its devotees, He allowed it to be used only on Maha Shivratri, allowing its followers to believe that offering it on this day would lead to their wishes being fulfilled.
Mythology:
Shiva once manifested as a column of light and appeared next to Vishnu and Brahma while they argued over who was more important. The column had no beginning or finish as it rose and fell in all directions. The two Gods determined that the winner would first discover the top or bottom of the column. Vishnu in the form of a boar and Brahma in the form of a swan then set forth. For ages on end, Vishnu searched for the base of the column but was unsuccessful. He eventually gave up. Brahma attempted to reach the top while ascending but was similarly unsuccessful. He caught a ketaki flower drifting down and returned to where he had started, where Vishnu was waiting for him. Then there was some dishonesty on the part of ketaki flower. Brahma waved the flower he claimed to have discovered at the summit in Vishnu’s direction, proclaiming his success. Vishnu questioned his assertion. He queried the ketaki about the veracity of Brahma’s claims and the flower declared it to be true. Shiva was enraged by the blatant falsehood, and he cursed the flower (according to another account, Brahma was the one who cursed the bloom because the flower refused to support his allegation). The ketaki, which was once regarded as the best flower, lost its significance and was never offered in worship again, except Mahashivratri, when it made a timid appearance.
Dream of a ketaki flower
Depending on how you have experienced the ketaki ka phool in your dream, seeing one in a dream can be both fortunate and unlucky. Seeing the Ketki flower in your dreams means many things, including success, happiness, love, growth, and progress. Find out what it means if you see the Ketki flower in a dream.
Seeing ketaki in a dream
If you see a fresh ketki flower in its normal state in your dream, which is in excellent condition, then this dream is highly beneficial for you, and you may receive fortunate news soon. This dream has to do with your financial success. Your capacity for mental thought will grow. This dream indicates an improvement in your positive outlook. This dream is beneficial to you in real life. You will undoubtedly benefit from this dream in the future.
Seeing the ketki flower withering in the dream
If you dream of seeing a ketli ka phool wither, this is an unlucky dream for you. It suggests that a crisis will soon arise and that you may need to act rashly to harm.
Seeing the ketki flower burning in the dream
If you dream that a ketaki flower is burning, this dream represents your negative side. You may experience a significant loss, there may be conflict within your family, and this dream may disrupt your sleep. This dream suggests a roadblock at work. You must proceed cautiously. Otherwise, you risk making your financial and mental problems worse. In your dream, if you saw the ketaki plant in a healthy state, it represents your positive traits. You will soon experience happiness. You can receive love and support from your family as a unit. An excellent dream for your future is this one. identifies your ideal time. is evidence of your development.
In the dream, you offer the ketki phool to Lord Shiva.
If you give Lord Shiva ketaki flower in your dream, this is a very good sign for you since it means that your wish will come true, especially if you have been unsuccessful in your profession for a while. If you dreamt of giving ketali ka phool to Lord Shiva, this is an optimistic dream for you, portending an increase in your workload and fulfilling your wishes. You ought to think more optimistically. For you to be successful.
See a lot of ketki flowers in a dream
It is going to take place. If you have invested money someplace, you will make a profit, and your work is a symbol of growth and success; you will have a pleasant dream if you see a lot of ketki flowers in it. Along with receiving cash gain, you will also receive public support. You should have a wonderful dream like this one.
Seeing the forest of ketaki plants in the dream
If you dream about a Ketaki plant forest, this is a perfect dream for you. This dream will undoubtedly resolve your issue. You may have family support, and your unfinished task may be finished. There will be an improvement in your work. Maintain your responsibility-based position. For you to advance in your career.
Benefits of Ketaki, also known as Kewda:
- In tropical climes, Kewda typically promotes a sense of well-being by restoring health, vigour, and well-being.
- According to Ayurveda, the essential oil’s medicinal characteristics can be used as a liniment for rheumatic symptoms and to treat headaches and earaches.
- Additionally, kewda extracts are used as a preservative in rice-based goods and for spasms, colds, flu, epileptic attacks, wounds, boils, scabies, leucoderma, ulcers, colic, hepatitis, smallpox, leprosy, and syphilis.
- Kewda possesses anti-cancer, antiviral, anti-allergic, antiplatelet, anti-inflammatory, and antiviral effects.
- Kewda treats psychological disorders and symptoms of diabetes, fever, joint discomfort, earache, and impending abortion. One of the most often used medicinal plants is kewda.
In terms of nutrition, it is of utmost importance. Proteins, amino acids, vitamins, and minerals are present in kewda fruit. Water and carbohydrates are included in the fruit’s outer layer. Protein, calcium, phosphorus, iron, thiamin, vitamin C, and beta-carotene are all present in the fruit paste. Additionally, fruit is a good source of vitamins B and C. The flavour of kewda is utilized in several confectionary products and to make floured drinks. Kewda attar, kewda water, and kewda oil are made chiefly from kewda flowers. Almost all of the tree’s components are useful. Will these characteristics enable us to grow kewda along our coastline to safeguard our shores and take pleasure in the alluring smell.
The Beauty of Kewda flowers:
The male and female flowers of kewda flowers are produced on different plants, which adds to their beauty. The scent of the male Ketaki Viphala blooms pleasant and delicious, similar to roses. Swarna Ketaki, the female flower, has no fragrance and turns into a fruit. The plant blooms three times a year during the summer, monsoon, and winter. The monsoon season, which runs from July through September, is when flowers bloom at their best, with 60 percent of their growth occurring during that period. The scent is extracted from the male flowers. Female flowers don’t have scents. Thus they turn into fruits instead. The monsoon is the optimum time for flowering. While the spa dices take a fortnight to mature, the blooms are collected in the early morning hours. The scent of the male flowers is harvested in India and Burma. Kewda is a perfumer’s royal title in India. 90% of the world’s kewda is grown in Odisha, primarily in the Ganjam district along the coast. Although Kewda flowers and fragrance extract are produced throughout India, 90% of it is done in the Ganjam district’s Gopalpur, Jagannathpur, Brahmapur, and Chhatrapur areas. The climate and environment provide absolute subsistence. Leaves from Ketaki Flowers: Kewda roots bind the leaves to create mats, bags, and baskets.
Uses of Ketaki – Kewda Flower:
- Sesame oil is produced by processing the ketaki root and is applied externally to relieve headaches and joint discomfort.
- To treat epileptic convulsions, the stigma of Pandanus odorotissimus flowers is processed into oil and used as nasal drops.
- Coconut oil is used to prepare the ketaki root, and the resulting oil is applied to the scalp to treat alopecia and enhance hair shine.
- The Ketaki oil is applied to the ears and gently warmed to relieve earaches.
- To treat fever and instances of measles, 30 to 40 ml of a cold infusion of Pandanus odorotissimus root is administered.
- To treat impending abortion circumstances, strengthen uterine muscles, and increase physical and sexual energy, the root of the ketaki plant is boiled in milk and administered in 25 to 30 ml doses.
- To improve complexion and remove blackheads, the skin is covered with a paste from the ketaki root.
- To cure diabetes and indigestion, take root powder with hot water at a dose of 2 to 3 g.
Different Names of Ketaki Flower:
Oddly, the Amarakoa does not mention the ketak or ketaka, despite the fact that one editor has identified the word “kesar” stated there as “Pandanus.” Its synonyms appear to be the dhlipupik and sci-pupa described above, although a variety of other names in the vernacular knows it: Prakrit: keaya, keagī Ketaki Flower in Hindi: kedgī, kevḍā, gagana-dhūlam, pīlī ketakī Ketaki Flower in Bengali: ketak, ketakī, keoṛā, keyā, sauṇa Ketaki Flower in Gujarathi – kevaḍī Ketaki Flower in Marathi – pāṃḍhrā kevaḍā, ketakī Ketaki Flower in Tamil: kētakai, tāḷai, tāḻai Ketaki Flower in Malyalayam: pūkkaita, kaita, kaināiṟi, tāḻampū It is also known as the caldera bush, the umbrella tree, and the (fragrant) screwpine in English. Although Pandanus tectorius, fascicularis, and most people seem to agree that it is the Pandanus odoratissimus.
Botanical Description:
It is described as follows in the Pandanus database of Indian plants, which is, of course, named after the Pandanus odoratissimus: All around India, tiny tree or shrubs with numerous aerial roots, long, narrow leaves up to 150 cm tall, fragrant blooms, and enormous fruit with a pineapple-like form can be found.
FAQS
- Why is the Ketaki flower not offered to Shiva?
Legends tell of how Lord Shiva originally cursed the flower, refusing its use in any pujas. However, after hearing the pleas of its devotees, He allowed it to be used only on Maha Shivratri, allowing its followers to believe that offering it on this day would lead to their wishes being fulfilled.
- Do the Champa and Ketaki flowers look alike?
Because the flower, sometimes referred to as Champa or Champaka, is believed to have been cursed by Lord Shiva along with the Ketaki flower, it is not offered to him. It is customary not to provide flower buds for deities, although Champa and lotus buds are two exceptions.
- What flower is associated with God?
The carnation, or Dianthus caryophyllus, is the flower of God. The Greek words “dios” and “anthos” were combined to create the name. “Dios” represents the Greek God Zeus, and “anthos” is a flower. Because of this, the carnation is known as “God’s Flower.”
- Is Keva a girls name?
The new addition to your family will undoubtedly be beautiful, and the name Keva will make that beauty radiate from the inside out. Keva is a female name that has Irish ancestry. This name, which is a phonetic spelling of the Irish name Caoimhe, means “gentle, beautiful, priceless.”
- Why is Tulsi not offered to Lord Shiva?
According to the Shiva Purana, it is strictly prohibited to offer Tulsi to a Shivalinga. Never allow any of the water donated to Shiva to enter a Tulsi plant. Vrinda refused to worship Shiva because Lord Shiva had already murdered her demonic husband, Jalandhar. Because of this, Lord Shiva does not receive the Tulsi leaves.
- Why is Haldi not offered to Lord Shiva?
Lord Shiva is not given haldi or turmeric. Shivling represents the male element, and turmeric is associated with ladies, according to the scriptures. Turmeric cannot be offered in the Shivling for this reason.
- Can we present Lord Shiva with Chameli flowers?
Lord Shiva treasures these little, white blossoms with several petals. The devotee’s wishes can be granted only when one offers flowers to Lord Shiva with complete submission and intense devotion. Other names for Chameli include Bela and Mongra.
