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Mangalore: ‘Ratri Rani’ in Full Bloom – Spreading Ecstasy, Luck

  •   Tue, Jun 15 2010 08:10:05 AM

Pics: Sphoorty Ullal
Daijiworld Media Network – Mangalore (SP)

Mangalore,June 15: Sphoorty Ullal, trying to catch scent of fresh news early morning, was attracted instead, by an altogether different scent.  On reaching the source of the scent, it was realized that it was in fact, a mellifluous fragrance emanating from Brahma Kamala (botanical name: Saussurea Obvallata), known in local parlance as ‘Ratri Rani’, as it blooms only at night and withers in the morning.



The flower, known as the King of Himalayan Flowers, is a rarity. As it blooms during the night, people fail to notice it. Many think it is lucky to see this flower in full bloom. These photographs were taken from the house of Nagesh of Pandit House, near Tokkottu here.

The bud of ‘Brahma Kamala’ develops in a month, but the flower itself lives less than half a day, blooming in the night and withering before the dawn, perhaps, reminding the people that life is short, and it is important how one lives during his life time. Still, the ecstasy one gets out of seeing the flower and taking in its fragrance, lasts much longer.
  

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  • rosy rodrigues, Trinity Mangalore

    Tue, Jun 15 2010

    This flower is also called "Bethleham Lily". We had it in our garden in Mangalore. The flowers grow from the corners of leaves. Parijatha is a small white flower like jasmine with organge stem which has a nice disticnt smell.

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  • Robin, Kundapura

    Tue, Jun 15 2010

    Parijatha.... Sura Parijatha.... so called because it was brought from Heaven. My mother showed one to me thats why I know. North Karnataka has a popular folk art by name "Krishna Parijatha". The theme of that is same as what we discussed earlier. In our Kundapur one hotel is also named "Parijatha". Thats all I know about Parijatha.. Thank you.

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  • Lydia Lobo, Kadri

    Tue, Jun 15 2010

    Yes Robin... you are right - its Sougandhika ! So... my Parijaatha has no connection with Mahabharata .. Sad ! So, what/where is the relevance of Parijaatha ?

    You are right again with the fragrance of them, I would rather prefer jasmine. As for your observation, ladies now don't wear all flowers but they don't let go jasmine either especially at occasions such as marriages. Otherwise our Jasmine growers will have to starve.

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  • Robin, Kundapura

    Tue, Jun 15 2010

    Bheema went to search what so called "Saughandhika" pushpa. I doubt it is not Parijatha. Lydia is now searching Parijatha. I don't think that Parijatha has that much fragrance.. Michaels link is right. But... Sorry.. Ladys now lost faith in wearing flowers. They just like to see them in garden. May be they are fearing about attack of "Dumbi". It is habitual to dumbi's to jump from flower to flower.. What to do ?

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  • Lydia Lobo, Kadri

    Tue, Jun 15 2010

    Mr. Michael, your link did ignite some memories. I have seen the flowers somewhere, made little garlands & wore them but never knew their name. Of-course remember their fragrance. How Strange ! I will continue to search the plant this time for its medicinal qualities.

    I thank Daiji, Sphoorty, Robin and you Mr. Michael for this knowledge.

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  • Lydia Lobo, Kadri

    Tue, Jun 15 2010

    Mr. Michael, thank for the URL. I shall borwse further.

    Robin,

    Naidile is a type of water Lily., smaller than the lotus. They bloom at night and compliment moonlight. I was told by my Bangladeshi colleagues that Shefali is a very common flower in their country. The pictures I collected from Bangladeshi website do resemble jasmine but the petals are a little broad and do not end with a pointy edge like jasmine. I remember reading that Bheema went looking for Paarijata that emitted so sweet fragrance that Drowpady couldn't resist. Krishna's version can also be true because the flower seems to be so fragrant.

    I read in a Kannada magazine that Shefalika is Parijaata. I will continue my quest until I can get a sapling and experience the fragrance.

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  • Robin, Kundapura

    Tue, Jun 15 2010

    Parijaatha is a small flower like jasmine. Smaller than that with rosy bottom petals. It is believed that (epic belief) flower got its red or rosy bottom since that flower was dipped or throwed to hot water due to savati matsara among Krishna's wives... Ladys are always like that.. Today also.... Right ? Parijatha plant grows higher like a small tree. It is not a small plant.
    Ratri Raani is also perhaps called as Naidile. (Not sure)

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  • Michael, Mangalore

    Tue, Jun 15 2010

    Ms Lobo you can fins details of PArijata on Wikipedia the entry is here
    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nyctanthes_arbor-tristis

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  • Lydia Lobo, Kadri

    Mon, Jun 14 2010

    Sopoorthy,

    Thank you for allowing us readers know about this phenomenal bloom. One must be truly dedicated to catch up with such happenings.

    Appears that you are interested in botany. Can you please let us readers know what Parajiaata looks like ? I want to cross-check with my collection. The flower that ends with 'Shefalika' in botany, I understand, is Parijaatha in mythology. I have a collection of pictures of this flower which I will mail to Daiji to pass on to you. Just out of curiosity - I am not involved in any study/research about this.

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