Brahma Kamal – Saussurea Obvallata or Epiphyllum Oxypetalum, in my garden

Brahmakamal plant (Epiphyllum oxypetalum) – An interesting Orchid Cactus

It is known as an orchid cacti because the flower has a orchid like beauty and the plant has features that of a cactus.

A unique plant commonly known as Night blooming Cereus, Queen of the night, mythical white lotus, Lady of the night as its beautiful Lotus like flower blooms late night. In India it is called as Brahma Kamal ( ब्रह्मकमल ) or Nishagandhiand is treated as a sacred plant. The Japanese people called it Gekka Bijjin and the Srilankans as Koduphul.

In India this plant has been reported from different parts like Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai, Ranchi, Uttrakhand etc.  A slightly different type is found in Mexico, Brazil, Venezuela and parts of America.

The myth revolving around it is that only lucky ones can see the process of blooming and those who see it bloom get rich and prosperous and get its blessings. Whatever the belief maybe, having it bloom at my home left me with a positive and cheerful feeling.

I planted it in 2009 and around after 5 years it bloomed. The feeling was joyous both for me and my family. It started blooming on a 1st July, 2014. We waited eagerly for it to bloom fully. The slight heady fragrance was very tantalizing. The anticipation grew as the evening progressed.

The pic taken on 2nd July is as below ::

Brahma Kamal

7th July, 2014 :: By midnight there she proudly presented herself in full bloom, shining like a beautiful lady in moonlight, the aroma and the aura around it gave us a mystical feeling. Having clicked many pictures we performed a small puja as suggested by some people.

 

At around 5.a.m we offered the flower to God Shiva in a temple.

Brahma Kamal

Although it was gone it taught me a great lesson in life that whatever be the duration of your success may be but always give your best shot. Never disappoint the ones who are looking upon you. It also gave me a sense of contentedness.

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