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Beauty in Bloom: A walk through the Madurai Flower Market
Mounds of jasmine flowers are seen everywhere.
One of the most aesthetically beautiful parts of our meditation retreat to South India is our visit to the local flower market in Madurai. It is one of the biggest markets in all of India and provides exports of many different species of flora. Though it is an effort of the local Madurai community, the market itself has won international recognition for the quality and abundance of plants it provides.
Perhaps the most popular of all of the flowers in the market is the Jasmine flower, known as the Madurai malli. Jasmine is well-known for its unique and delightful scent. The oil that is extracted from the flower is said to help with depression and anxiety, and is also claimed to be an antiseptic and an aphrodisiac. The Jasmine flower is delicate and small, and is sometimes adorns ceremonial headpieces for occasions such as weddings.
The Madurai malli is sought after by various big names in the fashion industry for its fragrance. For example, Dior designers make sure to visit the market each year to gain inspiration for their designs and signature perfumes.
Besides the Jasmine flower, the rose is also extremely popular in the market. The market is said to store and sell as many as 10 tons of flowers every day — an unimaginable amount of color and beauty. It is worth it to see and smell for yourself, and it is one of the stops on our 2014 South India Spiritual Adventure this March.
Flower vendors from near and far come here to buy flowers in bulk which they then take back to weave into garlands that are used for a variety of purposes.
Read more about the Madurai flower market in South India.
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Happy Pancha Ganapati 2013!
Happy Pancha Ganapati everyone! We continue with our five-day celebration of Pancha Ganapati. Today, is the final day of the celebration, and Gurudeva shares from his book “Loving Ganesha” DECEMBER 25, ORANGE The family sadhana for the final day of Pancha Ganapati is to bring forth lo...
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Day 4 Pancha Ganapati Festival 2013
We continue with our five-day celebration of Pancha Ganapati. Today, day 4 of the celebration, Gurudeva shares from his book “Loving Ganesha” DECEMBER 24, GREEN The sadhana of day four is to draw forth the vibration of joy and harmony that comes from music, art, drama and the dance. F...
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Day 3 Pancha Ganapati Festival 2013
We continue with our five-day celebration of Pancha Ganapati. Today, day 3 of the celebration, Gurudeva shares from his book “Loving Ganesha” DECEMBER 23, RED The family sadhana (spiritual practice) for the third day is to create a vibration of love and harmony among business associat...
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Day 2 Pancha Ganapati Festival 2013
We continue with our five-day celebration of Pancha Ganapati festival. The spiritual practice on this second day of the Pancha Ganapati festival is to focus on neighbors, relatives and close friends, and create a vibration of love and harmony among them. If you have offended any of them, and you ...
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Day 1 Pancha Ganapati Festival 2013
Pancha Ganapati is a modern Hindu family festival of the Five-Faced (pancha means “five”) Ganesha. The festival was created by my guru many years ago and extends over a 5-day period. Each day has a particular focus and a spiritual practice for all members of the family to perform. Her...
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2013 Highlights: Runner-up Flight of the Year
So, yesterday in my reflections of 2013 I listed all the places that I have traveled to this year and picked the best plane flight. Plane flights are normally not that exciting but I have to say flying over the North Pole, Siberia and Mongolia was unique and very special to me. There was one…
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