The Materia Medica of the Hindus, compiled from Sanskrit Medical Works c5.s3.t1.22

c5.s3.t1.22

THESE beautiful aquatic plants had attracted the attention of the ancient Hindus from a very remote period, and obtained a place in their religious ceremonies and mythological fables; hence they are described in great detail by Sanskrit writers. The flowers of *Nelumbium speciosum*, called *Padma* or *Kamala*, are sacred to Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity. The white variety of this plant is called *Pundarîka*, the red, *Kokanada* and the blue, *Indivara*. The entire plant including root, stem and flower is called *Padmini*. The torus or receptacle for the seed is, called *Karnikára*, and the honey formed in the flowers, *Makaranda*. The filaments round the base of the receptacle, pass by the name of *Kinjalka* and the leaf-stalk by that of *Mrinála*. The species of *Nymphæa* described, are as follows:—