Nagamalli Flower, revisited

[Sudhakar Redddy]

Supposed to be rare, this flower of Cannon Ball tree (Couroupita guianensis), has a very complicated architecture. Considered very sacred by Hindus.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Couroupita_guianensis

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[Bushhed]

These are lovely. You have captured them nicely.

[hunter58]

Very nice. Interesting looking flower.

[chicagojohn]

I can definitely see the Hindu connection in both images.
And the Tantra (shastra) specifically, in the forms and shapes of the second image, yet for both.

[willard3]

Very nice, I like the color and geometry.

[Sudhakar Redddy]

Thanks Bushhed, hunter, willard & John.

John, the flower resembles Shiva Linga under the hood of a serpant.That white curved structure with finger - like projections, resembles the hood. The Shiva Linga is under it; I will post another picture showing that detail when I can take another shot of the flower. To the extent I know, it has got nothing to do with Tantra.

From Wiki:
Hindus revere it as a sacred tree because the petals of the flower resemble the hood of the Naga, a sacred snake, protecting a Shiva Lingam, the stigma.