Pundarika

Pundarika is a Sanskrit word that translates to lotus. The lotus flower holds significant cultural and religious symbolism in many Indian traditions, particularly Hinduism and Buddhism. In Hinduism, the lotus is often associated with purity, beauty, fertility, wealth, knowledge, and spiritual enlightenment. It is frequently depicted as the seat of deities like Brahma, the creator god, and Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity. The white lotus, in particular, is seen as a symbol of purity and divine beauty.

In Buddhism, the lotus represents the journey from attachment and defilement (the muddy water from which it grows) to purity and enlightenment (the immaculate bloom above the water). Different colors of the lotus can have specific meanings within Buddhist iconography. For instance, a white lotus signifies purity and spiritual perfection, while a pink lotus is often considered the supreme lotus, reserved for the highest deities. The concept of the lotus is also found in various Buddhist scriptures and practices, emphasizing detachment and the potential for spiritual awakening inherent in all beings. The image of the lotus is widely used in art, architecture, and religious rituals across South and Southeast Asia.