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Padma (Lotus)
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Padma (Lotus): Origin

पद्म (कमल)

Padma, the lotus, is one of the four emblems of Vishnu, usually held in a lower hand. It stands for purity, beauty and the unfolding of creation: in the Puranas a lotus rises from Vishnu's navel and Brahma is born upon it. It also signals the presence of Lakshmi, the lotus goddess.

Borne byविVishnu

Where did it come from?

The texts tell different stories.

Bhagavata and Vishnu Puranas

The navel lotus

At the start of a cycle, a lotus grows from the navel of the sleeping Vishnu and Brahma is born on it to create the world.

Bhagavad Gita 5.10

Untouched by water

The Gita compares the person who acts without attachment to a lotus leaf, unwetted by the water it rests on.

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