**108 Ashtotram Flowers** refer to the sacred offering of 108 different flowers or symbolic floral names during the chanting of an *Ashtottara Shatanamavali*—a devotional practice involving the recitation of 108 names of a deity (e.g., Lord Vishnu, Shiva, Lakshmi, Durga, etc.). Each name is typically offered with a flower or floral substitute as a mark of reverence and surrender.
### Meaning and Significance:
- **"Ashtotram"** (Ashtottara Shatanamavali) means a collection of 108 names.
- These names describe various divine attributes, deeds, or manifestations of a deity.
- **Flowers** symbolize devotion, purity, and the offering of the self to the Divine.
- Offering a flower with each name represents surrendering the ego and invoking divine blessings.
### Use in Worship:
- Devotees chant the 108 names during **pujas**, **festivals**, or **daily worship**, often placing a flower on the deity's image or idol with each name.
- If 108 physical flowers are not available, symbolic flowers or petals may be used.
- In temples, **garlands**, **fresh flowers**, or even crafted flower substitutes (like turmeric flowers, rice grains, or paper flowers) may be offered.
### Symbolism of Common Flowers Used:
| Flower Name | Spiritual Symbolism | Commonly Offered To |
|-------------|----------------------|----------------------|
| Lotus | Purity, enlightenment | Lakshmi, Vishnu |
| Jasmine | Surrender, peace | Shiva, Durga |
| Hibiscus | Power, energy | Kali, Ganesha |
| Champa | Devotion, divine grace| Vishnu, Krishna |
| Marigold | Auspiciousness, protection | All deities |
| Rose | Love, compassion | Devi, Krishna |
### Alternatives:
In situations where actual flowers are not feasible:
- **Dry flowers**, **paper petals**, or **mental visualization** are used.
- Some traditions prepare symbolic "108 flowers" using turmeric and kumkum or even draw them in a rangoli pattern.
Would you like a list of 108 specific flower names used in any particular tradition or for a specific deity?
WEIGHT : 60.5GRAMS
QUANTITY : 110 FLOWERS
