lotus flowers offered in the Mahabodhi Temple. Lotus has symbolic meaning as it grows in mud and dirt remaining fresh and clean over the surface.

In Buddhist symbolism the lotus is symbolic of purity of the body, speech, and mind as while rooted in the mud, its flowers blossom on long stalks as if floating above the muddy waters of attachment and desire. It is also symbolic of detachment as drops of water easily slide off its petals. According to legend, Gautama Buddha was born with the ability to walk and everywhere he stepped, lotus flowers bloomed.