Vedic Astrology Perspective On The Lotus Symbolism Associated With Pushya Nakshtra

The lotus flower is a widely recognized symbol in Eastern esoterica and spirituality, frequently incorporated into chakras and mandalas. In the chakra system, the base chakra or muladhara features a lotus with four petals, while the uppermost crown chakra is represented by a 1000-petaled lotus. The muladhara or base chakra symbolizes the Earth element, and the crown chakra signifies the highest spiritual dimension, embodying the allegory of maintaining purity (virtues) and spiritual growth within the material realm or Malkuth (tree of life).

Despite growing in muddy waters, the lotus has the remarkable ability to draw nourishment and transmute it into growth. In the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna imparts profound wisdom on the concepts of inaction and sanyasa (renunciation), emphasizing the importance of performing one's duties with a detached yet dedicated mindset—to be in the world but not of it. Lord Krishna asserts that inaction or renunciation of duties is not the path to spiritual growth. Instead, he advocates active engagement in righteous actions, underscoring that spiritual evolution comes through the proper execution of responsibilities.

Sometimes, disillusionment can lead people into despair or inertia. In some cases, individuals develop a distaste for the mundane world. However, these worldly experiences form the foundation for learning valuable spiritual lessons, akin to the lotus drawing nutrients from the mud for its growth. The muladhara or root chakra enables us to draw energy from the Earth, forming the base for spiritual growth as the tree of life is inverted. It nurtures all other chakras and facilitates the opening of the upper chakras.

Many deities are depicted either holding a lotus or sitting on them, symbolizing the absence of ego. While the weight of knowledge can anchor ordinary individuals, divine beings, being self-realized, remain afloat in samsara. The lotus is the seat of goddess Lakshmi and is offered at the feet of Lord Vishnu.

In Vedic astrology, the lotus symbol is associated with Pushya Nakshatra, considered the most auspicious one. The deity linked to this lunar mansion is Lord Brihaspati or Jupiter, the greatest benefic who guides people from darkness to light. Traditionally associated with spiritual wisdom and transcendence, Jupiter's influence is seen in this asterism. The lotus symbolism is also seen in Uttara Bhadrapada and Anuradha Nakshatra, all three being Saturn-ruled nakshatras. While difficulties are involved in these nakshatras, but they offer a lot of blessings to persevere and rise through practising restrictions, austerities and do yagna. 

Yagna is a sacred ceremony of offerings and sacrifices performed to appease and invoke the divine forces. Lord Krishna emphasizes the concept of "Yajna" as a selfless and dedicated performance of one's duties for the satisfaction of Vishnu. This idea underlines the importance of offering the fruits of one's actions to the divine, thereby transcending attachment and worldly bondage growing like the lotus radiating beauty, love, tenderness and purity!