Brahma Kamal (Saussurea obvallata) –

Fact and Fiction of this Celestial Plant

Srishti Dokras
Bachelor of Architecture( Institute for Design Education & Architecture Studies)
Visiting Architect, Australia, Dubai & USA
Consultant Design & Architecture- Gorewada Zoo-Largest Zoo Project in Asia

Dr. UDAY DOKRAS,

B.Sc., B.A. (Managerial Economics), LL.B., Nagpur Uni. India
Certificat' en Droit, Queens University, Canada,
MBA (CALSTATE,USA)
PhD Stockholm University, SWEDEN
Consultant –HR and Admin. The Gorewada Zoo

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 Krishna Sitting on a Brhama Kamal( Fantasy Art)

Introduction: Humankind in the state of flux. We would never know what this realm has to
offer. It has many secrets that are not to be touched and which are made by a power that cannot
be described nor challenged but felt. Mysteries give birth to curiosity, leading to discover. But
we are so little of to reveal what the judges of nature have in store, one of them being the
‘Brahma Kamal.’

The citation of the name ‘Brahma Kamal’ is found in the Puranas. According to Hindu
mythology, Brahma was born from a huge white lotus called the ‘Brahma Kamal’. The birth of

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Hindu god – Ganesha is also associated with it. Even, in our epics like Ramayana and
Mahabharata, we find references to Brahma Kamal as a holy flower.

Brahma kamal is a medicinal herb. Brahma Kamal is a type of cactus, it does not need too much
water. One can water it once in two to three days unless the place of its location is a dry place.
Over watering kills it. The flowers have large pure white star-like flowers with lovely fragrance
to help them pollinate and can be located easily as they blossom by moon or star light.The
flower starts blooming after sunset from 7 p m onwards and takes about two hours to full
bloom,about 8 inches in diameter and remain open through out night.

.
Saussurea obvallata is a species of flowering plant in the Asteraceae. It is native to
the Himalayas, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand, India, Mongolian, northern Burma and
southwest China. In the Himalayas, it is found at an altitude of around 4500 m. It is the state
flower of Uttarakhand. Saussurea obvallata is a perennial growing to 0.3 m (1 ft). The flowers
are hermaphrodite (have both male and female organs) and are pollinated by insects. Flowers
bloom in mid-monsoon (July–August) amongst the rocks and grasses of the hillside at an
altitudinal range of 3000–4800 m. Flower heads are purple, hidden from view in layers of
yellowish-green papery bracts, which provide protection from the cold mountain environment.
The flowers can be seen till mid-October, after which the plant perishes, becoming visible again
in April. Local names of this flower are Brahma Kamal, Kon , Kapfu and vansembruu.

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Brahma Kamal – the spiritually revered, scientifically ignored medicinal plant bestowed with
rich botanical wealth. The plant holds immense sacred value in the region. Being regarded as a
spiritual flower, it is offered to Lord Vishnu at Badrinath shrine and Lord Shiva at Kedarnath
shrine. In Septem-ber/October, during the festival of Nanda Ashtami, Brahma Kamal is offered
in temples and also distributed as 'prasada'. According to folklore in Hindu mytho-logy, Brahma
Kamal was created by Lord Brahma to help Lord Shiva place the head of an elephant on the
body of Lord Ganesha. The flower dropped 'Amruta' – the elixir of life from its petals on the
body. It is also believed that on the revival of Lakshmana using Sanjeevani, the Gods showered
Brahma Kamal from heaven in celebration. Hence, Brahma Kamal fell to earth and took root in
the Valley of Flowers. Besides religious value, the plant is extensively harvested by local people
for preparation of tradi-tional ayurvedic medicines. The flowers, rhizomes and leaves are used
for treat-ment of bone ache, intestinal ailments, cough/cold and urinary tract problems. The
rhizomes in particular are used as antiseptic and for healing cuts and bruises 4–6 . In the Tibetan
system of medicine, the plant is used in the treat-ment of paralysis of limbs and cerebral
ischaema 7 . However, no pharmacological and pharmaceutical studies have been made till date
creating a lacunae in scien-tific verification of the medicinal use of the species. Despite its
traditional medicinal use, the plant has a neglected status in the scientific community. Till date
there has been neither an effort to conserve the germplasms of Brahma Kamal nor a focused
research approach to document and evaluate true clinical potential of the species. Consequently,
illicit and unsci-entific harvesting, constraints in conven-Figure 1. Brahma Kamal plant in

flowering.1

Confusion regarding Mythology: In Hindu drawings Brahma is seen sitting on a pink flower

that resembles a lotus (Sanskrit: कमल), which is India's national flower. Hence people claim that

the pink flower of Nelumbo nucifera is the Brahma Kamal. However others claim the flower on
which he is sitting, and which resembles a lotus is sprouted from the belly button of Lord
Vishnu. The flower which Brahma is holding in one of his four hands, a white flower
resembling Saussurea obvallata is the Brahma Kamal. There are people who claim that the
flower of Epiphyllum oxypetalum, the orchid cactus, which blooms at night, is the Brahma
Kamal. Some North Indians claim that the flower of Saussurea obvallata is the Brahma Kamal.

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The Lotus of Brahma: The name of this magical flower can be translated to mean, 'The Lotus of
Brahma'. Lord Brahma, the creator of the Universe, is always depicted as sitting on a huge lotus
and holding one in his hand. Another name for Lord Brahma is Kanja or the one born out of the
water. So, schools of thought say that Brahma was born from the navel of Lord Vishnu while
others say that he was born from a huge white lotus that we call the Brahma Kamal. In Hindu
mythology Brahma kamal is believed to have divine powers, being regarded as spiritual flower it
is offered to Lord Vishnu at Badrinath shrine and Lord Shiva at Kedarnath shrine.
There are some beliefs which connects this holy flower to Hindu mythology-

• Brahma Kamal was created by Lord Brahma to help Lord Shiva place the head of an
elephant on the body of Lord Ganesha.
• It is also believed that on the revival of Lakshmana using Sanjeevani, the Gods showered
Brahma Kamal from heaven in celebration.
• Brahma kamal is related with the story of how Brahma emerged from Vishnu’s naval in a
lotus flower.
• In Hindu drawings Brahma is seen sitting on a pink flower that is resembling lotus
(Sanskrit:Kamal), which is Indian National flower. Hence people claim that the pink
flower of Nelumbo nucifera to be Brahma Kamal.

Ganesh Birth: The story of the birth of Ganesha is a popular one. On Parvati's request Brahma
created Brahma Kamal, with whose help Shiva placed the head of an elephant on to the body of
Ganesha. When Shiva attached the head of an elephant on Ganesha' s body, he was bathed with
water that was sprinkled from a Brahma Kamal. That is why this lotus is given the status of a
life-restoring flower of the gods. To evaluate it in terms of modern science, this flower has many
medicinal properties.
The Golden Lotus: When the Pandavas were in exile in the forests, Draupadi accompanied
them. She was constantly tormented by painful memories of her insult in the Kaurava court. The
hardships of a forest life also took its toll on her. One evening she saw a beautiful lotus float
away in the stream. After she saw this 'golden' lotus bloom, she felt a strange happiness that was
almost spiritual. But the lotus withered as quickly as it had bloomed. Draupadi sent her most
devoted husband Bhima to look for it and on his quest for the flower he met Hanuman (Bhima's

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 elder brother). As a lotus is usually pink, 'golden' may mean a shimmering 'white'. This story too
is a reference to this mysterious flower. Wish Fulfilling: It is long held belief that anybody who
sees this rare flower blooming will have all his or her wishes fulfilled. It is not easy to watch it
bloom because it blooms in the late evening and stays only for a couple of hours.

Ramayana: Similarly in Ramayana when the Sanjivani herb was administered to Lakshmana, he
miraculously revived. In celebration, God showered flowers from heaven, which fell to the earth
and took root in the Valley of Flowers. So it is called Brahma Kamal. Brahma Kamal native to
Uttarakhand, India, northern Burma and southwest China is also known as Saussurea Obvallata,
it has 31 varieties learned by Botanist. Its white stamen is believed to represent Lord Krishna,
while the brown stalks represent 100 Kauravas from the Mahabharata.

Medicinal use of Brahma kamal: The people of India have probably the oldest, richest and most
diverse cultural traditions in the use of medicinal plants. At higher altitudes of the Western
Himalayan ranges (extending from ca. 500 m to snow-clad peaks), a variety of important and
endemic medicinal plants are found, making it a biodiversity-rich region. Records indicate that
these medicinal herbs have been in use for treating dis-eases since ancient times. The advent of
herbal renaissance in recent times has led to heavy extraction of these medicinal plants from the
wild. This, aided by loss of habitat by deforestation and excessive grazing pressure in high-
altitude pastures in the entire Himalayan region threatens the survival of some important
medicinal plants, one of them being our Kamal. Brahma Kamal is considered a medicinal herb
in Tibetan medicine, where it is named ཤཟའ བདྭད མཤ དཤྭ (Sah-du Goh-ghoo). It is used to treat
urogenital disorders, liver infections, sexually transmitted diseases, bone pains, and cold and
cough. It has a bitter taste and the entire plant is used. Flower heads are purple, hidden from view
in layers of yellowish-green papery bracts, which provide protection from the cold mountain
envi-ronment. The flowers can be seen till mid-October, after which the plant perishes, becoming
visible again in April. In Uttarakhand, Brahma Kamal is found in the regions of Kedarnath, the
Valley of Flowers, Hemkund Sahib and Tungnath. Brahma kamal is very useful plant in
prospective of traditional ayurvedic medicines some of its medicinal uses little known to
common world but largely used by the natives residing in Himalayas-

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 • The flowers, rhizomes and leaves are used for treatment of bone ache,
intestinal ailments, cough/cold and urinary tract problems.
• The rhizomes in particular are used as antiseptic and for healing cuts
and bruises.
• In the Tibetan system of medicine, the plant is used in the treatment of
paralysis of limbs and cerebral ischaema.
• The stem is also used medicinally to cure dropsy and cardiac affections.
There is lack of research in true clinical potential of plant despite Many doctors find that this
plant has strong antiviral properties.

Bloom and Doom of Brahma kamal-

Another story is that the blooming of Brahma kamal is a rare occasion it is observed that it only
blooms once in 14 years and blooming remains only few hours. If video recording of blooming is
performed one can experience a very pleasant and shoothing music in complete silence.As its
blooming is rare ,people invite their friends and relatives to cherish watch this wonderful and
special event.

Misconception about Brahmakamal-

There are many misconceptions about this flower it is often misconceived with another plant
named Epiphyllum oxypetalum(Orchid Cactus ) which in fact is found in the Americas
particularly in Mexico.

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The Brief Reign Of The 'Queen Of The Night' Orchid Cactus, ABBY WENDLE • 2015

The scientific community recognizes a man named A. P. de Candolle for first discovering the plant in
1828. In the nearly two centuries since, its beauty has been mythologized by epic poets and its essence
bottled.

While most plants flower for weeks, orchid cacti only blossom for a few short hours a year, and always
at night. Botanists name it Epiphyllum oxypetalum, but the plant’s elaborate, nocturnal mating dance has
earned it the nickname of “Queen of the Night” or “Lady of the Night.”The orchid cactus flowers in
hopes of reproducing. Its’ strong, sweet smell meant to draw pollinators, like birds and bugs, close.When
it opens up, one can smell it. Like, this whole area will smell like this flower. This particular Lady of the
Night lives a solitary life, rooted in a small pot under the shadow of an umbrella tree. But tonight is its
one chance to do what it was meant to do: spread its seeds.

Some cultures claim orchid cactus stem extract works as a cough suppressant, while others cook the
petals into a soup that’s assumed to be an aphrodisiac. In Southeast Asia, it’s revered as a sacred
home to the Hindu god Brahma and it’s believed if you pray while it’s blooming, you’re prayers will be
answered. In the U.S., the plant is popular among gardeners (scroll halfway down the page) who invite
friends over for bloom night, pour wine, and watch.

“The stem that the flower is on literally hooks up. Hooks like a shepherd's hook,” she says. “And right
now, the flower is so heavy that it’s just laying on the floor.” In its native habitat, stretching from the sub
tropics of Mexico to the rainforests of South America, the orchid cactus would never touch the ground.
Instead, it clings to the branch of a tree forty to sixty feet up where it can grow 20-feet tall, wrapping its’
roots around the tree’s trunk and feeding on sunlight, rain, and air.

Next, the flower’s central blossom balloons and its wide, opal petals start to unravel. By full bloom,
they’ll stretch to the size of a dinner plate, revealing a beaming white, almost iridescent, center. At this
point, the blossom is literally throwing off heat; its warmth a siren's’ call to the forest’s hummingbirds,
bats, and moths.

If the orchid is lucky, one of these nighttime flying creatures will be covered in pollen from another
orchid cactus. As the creature dips into the base of the petals for a sip of nectar, the pollen will brush off
on the flower’s frilly stigma and trickle down a long tube, called the pistol, into the flower’s center,
fertilizing the tapioca-like embryos inside. Then, the plant can bear forth a big red fruit, filled with
orchid cactus seeds.

Brahma kamal an Endangered Plant:

According to the Conservation Assessment Management Plan (CAMP) plant is categorised as

endangered.plant is ignored by scientific authorities as well as by state government of uttrakhand
where it has been declared as state flower. As the whole plant of Brahma Kamal is used for
medicine, it becomes more prone to extinction, calling for immediate conservation strategies for

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this top-ranking priority species. Conservation measures should begin with the establishment of
nurseries in areas adjoining natural habitats wherein conventional methods of propagation can be
tried. This has to be done in conjunction with sensitization of local people to control
overexploitation of the species. Simultaneous efforts in the R&D sector to establish
pharmaceutical poten tial of the species can hence be utilized to make the local people aware of
its value.

REFERENCES

Brahma Kamal – the spiritually revered, scientifically ignored medicinal plant, Prabhakar
Semwal, https://www.researchgate.net/publication/259308185_Brahma_Kamal_-
_the_spiritually_revered_scientifically_ignored_medicinal_plant2013

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 Saussurea obvallata
Scientific classification

Kingdom: Plantae
(unranked): Angiosperms
(unranked): Eudicots
(unranked): Asterids
Order: Asterales
Family: Asteraceae
Tribe: Cynareae
Genus: Saussurea
Species: S. obvallata
Binomial name
Saussurea obvallata

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