The flower bears great significance in the spiritual life of India. It is particularly sacred to the Hindus. Almost all Gods and Goddesses of Hindu pantheon are depicted sitting on lotuses or holding the flower.

Lord Vishnu is represented with a lotus emergning from his navel (hence the name Padmanabha meaning lotus naveled) on which Lord Brahma sits. Lord Brahma is depicted siting on the flower. Goddess Lakshmi is also known to be closely associated with flower. Her many names including Padmapriya (one who likes lotus), Padmakshi (one whose eyes are as beautiful as lotus), Padmahastam (one who holds a lotus) are connected with flower.