Which flowers should be offered to which god?

some pairings are classic — bilva for Śiva, tulasī for Viṣṇu, dūrvā and red flowers for Gaṇeśa, lotus for Lakṣmī, hibiscus for Devī.

Tradition links certain flowers and leaves with certain deities. Commonly: Śiva — bilva (bel) leaves, dhatūrā, āk (madār) and white flowers; Viṣṇu and Kṛṣṇa — tulasī above all, and yellow flowers; Gaṇeśa — dūrvā grass, red hibiscus and marigold garlands; Lakṣmī — lotus and red or pink roses; Durgā and Kālī — red hibiscus (japā); Hanumān — marigold and red flowers; Sarasvatī — white flowers; Sūrya — red flowers like oleander.

These pairings grew from scripture, temple practice and local flora, so they vary by region. In the South, jasmine and chrysanthemum are offered widely; in Bengal, specific flowers are used for each pūjā.

Use fresh, clean flowers, ideally not smelled before offering, and pluck them gently. If you have no special flower, any fresh, fragrant one offered with love is accepted — Kṛṣṇa says in the Gītā (9.26) that he receives even a leaf or a flower offered with devotion.

Source: Bhagavad Gītā 9.26; temple tradition

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