Sri Parthasarathi Pushpa pallakku at Thiruvallikkeni : May 2016

பூக்கள் அழகானவை; அழகானவை; நறுமணம் தர வல்லன !

In some cultures, Roses are the most popular choice; perhaps we see more jasmine here.  The Oleaceae are a family of flowering plants in the order Lamiales, comprising 26 genera. The number of species in the Oleaceae is variously estimated in a wide range around 700. The Oleaceae consist of shrubs, trees, and a few lianas. The flowers are often numerous and highly odoriferous.

After 10 days of  Brahmothsavam, it is rest called ‘Vidayarri’ for Sri Parthasarathi Perumal and after 10  days of rest, comes the florally bedecked ‘Pushpa Pallakku – the palanquin with flowers’.  The floral palanquin  looks beautiful and pervades goodness all around – treat to the eyes, ears and senses  of Bakthas. At Triplicane [Thiruvalikkeni divyadesam] on the night of 11^th May 2016 , Sri Parthasarathi   had purappadu in Pushpa pallakku and photos taken on that occasion  can be worshipped below :-

The part of the plant that releases fragrance depends upon the species. For many flowering plants, the production of odour is not confined to one area.  Flowering plants produce volatile chemicals in flowers which evaporate into the air and produce their fragrances; believed to  attract pollinating insects,  may not be so,  since we don't know whether insects "smell" the same way humans do.  This scent is typically a complex mixture of low molecular weight compounds emitted by flowers into the atmosphere and its structure, colour and odour are critical factors in attracting pollinators.   Jasmine is a genus of shrubs and vines in the olive family (Oleaceae).  Closer to Jasmine is  Mullai (Jasminum auriculatum Vahle.)

பூக்கள் அழகானவை; நறுமணம் தர வல்லன:: மல்லிகை,  முல்லை, செண்பகம், தாமரை,மகிழம், ரோஜா,  அல்லி  மற்றும் விருச்சி, செங்காந்தள்;  ஆம்பல்; அனிச்சம் ; குறிஞ்சி ;வாகை; வகுளம் ; கோங்கம்;   என எவ்வளவோ நறுமலர்கள் உள்ளன.   பூக்களை அழகாக தொடுத்து இறைவனுக்கு சாற்றி வழிபடுவது நெடுங்காலமாக உள்ளது.

மல்லிகைகமழ் தென்றலீருமாலோ வண்குறிஞ்சியிசை  தவருமாலோ

செல்கதிர் மாலையும் மயக்குமாலோ செக்கர்நன்மேகங்கள் சிதைக்குமாலோ

Swami Nammalwar says …. ‘the most pleasant fragrance of jasmine –wafting breeze,  ears receiving the pleasing kurinji music; Sun setting with beautiful red colours in the horizon – all attracting -  but more attracting was the pleasing sight of the fragrant palanquin made of flowers – for they were set for the most beautiful ‘Sri Parthasarathi perumal’.

Adiyen Srinivasa dhasan.