Pushpa

(“flower”) The tenth of the sixteen traditional upacharas (“offerings”) given to
a deity as part of worship. In this offering (based on the model of treating the
deity as an honored guest) the deity is
given flowers, valued both for their color
and their fragrance. The actual act of
offering can be performed in various
ways and often depends on the worshiper’s inclinations. In some cases the
flowers will simply be presented before
the deity’s image, with the understanding that the deity has taken them,
whereas in other cases flowers will
be placed on the deity’s image, or a
garland hung around its neck. In
either instance, the underlying motive
is to show love and respect for the
deity and to minister to its needs as
one would to a living person. This particular act of respect and love can also
be accorded to other human beings;
garlanding a person with flowers is a
sign of high esteem or congratulations.