BRAHMA KAMAL (Saussurea obvallata) – MYSTERY UNREAVEALED

                               BRAHMA KAMAL (Saussurea obvallata) – MYSTERY UNREVEALED

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 SOME PLACES OF THE WORLD WE LIVE IN ARE STILL UNEXPLORED, SOME PATHS LESS TRAVELLED AND SOME TALES UNTOLD…..

HIMALAYAS as known  for their rich inner nature and some rare species, human tendency to explore the unknown has led to many adventurous, brave and inspirational stories. As being native of such a great heritage I couldn’t resist

Myself to unwrap some really miraculous gifts of nature to you. BRAHMA KAMAL is spiritually revered yet scientifically ignored mystic flower. i came across many fascinating facts and beliefs when I decided to know more about this wonderful flower some of them I would love to share with you…

Scientific glance-                                 

•        Belongs to Family Cactaceae and has a botanical name Saussurea obvallata.
• ·       The flowers are hermaphrodite (have both male and female organs)
• ·       Plant flowers generally in rainy season from mid June to mid October
• ·       Distributed in altitude of 4500-4800 m. mainly in western Himalayan range northern Burma and southwest china.
• ·         Flower heads are purple, hidden from view in layers of yellowish green papery bracts, which provide protection from cold mountain environment.

1          Mystic flower-

Now what makes Brahma kamal so special and different from other flowers?

You cant answer this question by just studying few journals from botany book neither you will satisfy by any explanation by an expert. I got my answer only when I saw that flower blooming in night, trust me it was like watching nature come alive.

                         

                 Brahma kamal as described in vedas said to have mystic powers,i went to some places near Tunghnath(uttarakhand) and asked people about it and here are some of beliefs about the plant-

• It is believed in northern region of uttarakhand that Brahma kamal protects its owner from bad and evil powers.
• Brahma kamal flower is a flower of heaven as told by some of natives of the region. 

          Mythology of Brahma kamal-

·         In Hindu mythology Brahma kamal is believed to have divine powers, being regarded as spiritual flower it is offered to Lord Vishnu at Badrinath shrine and Lord Shiva at Kedarnath shrine.

There are some beliefs which connects this holy flower to Hindu mythology-

• ·         Brahma Kamal was created by Lord Brahma to help Lord Shiva place the  head of an elephant on the body of Lord Ganesha.
• ·         It is also believed that on the revival of Lakshmana using Sanjeevani, the Gods showered Brahma Kamal from heaven in celebration.
•        Brahma kamal is related with the story of how Brahma emerged from Vishnu’s naval in a lotus flower.

           Flower of luck and prosperity-

         It is believed that it is a sacred flower and does not bloom in all homes and in the homes where it blooms are considered lucky and is a sign or notation of prosperity.

People who pray to God while the flower is blooming get their wishes fulfilled.

There is a belief that the Brahmakamal should be gifted and should not be sold or bought from the market.

           Medicinal use of Brahma kamal-

               Brahma kamal is very useful plant in prospective of  traditional

ayurvedic medicines some of its medicinal uses little known to common world but largely used by the natives residing in Himalayas-

•     The flowers, rhizomes and leaves are used for treatment of bone ache, intestinal ailments, cough/cold and urinary tract problems.
•   The rhizomes in particular are used as antiseptic and for healing cuts and bruises.
•   In the Tibetan system of medicine, the plant is used in the treatment of paralysis of limbs and cerebral ischaema.
•   The stem is also used medicinally to cure dropsy and cardiac affections.

    There is lack of research in true clinical potential of plant despite I personally found this flower has strong antiviral properties.

               Bloom and Doom of Brahma kamal-

Blooming of Brahma kamal is a rare occasion it is observed that it only blooms once in 14 years and blooming remains only few hours.

    If video recording of blooming is performed one can experience a very      pleasant and shoothing music in complete silence.As its blooming is rare  ,people invite their friends and relatives to cherish watch this wonderful and special event.

          Misconception about Brahmakamal-

There are many misconceptions about this flower it is often misconceived with another plant named Epiphyllum oxypetalum(Orchid Cactus).i strongly urge all readers to watch these two pics and never misinterpret the orchid cactus to the original Brahma kamal.

 

        Brahma kamal :  categorised endangered!

                                          

    According to the Conservation Assessment Management Plan (CAMP) plant is categorised as endangered.plant is ignored by scientific authorities as well as by state government of uttrakhand where it has been declared as state flower.

As the whole plant of Brahma Kamal is used for medicine, it becomes more prone to extinction, calling for immediate conservation strategies for this top-ranking priority species.

        What can be done?

Conservation measures should begin with the establishment of nurseries in areas adjoining natural habitats wherein conventional methods of propagation can be tried. This has to be done in conjunction with sensitization of local people to control overexploitation of the species. Simultaneous efforts in the R&D sector to establish pharmaceutical potential of the species can hence be utilized to make the local people aware of the commercial value of Brahma Kamal.

         What I expect from my readers?

                I believe each small step can make a difference, write, comment, share your views and explore new ways of encourage others to save the plant. and I would really appreciate the efforts to implement new technologies like tissue culture technology for preservation of  such a divine and marvellous flower.