The Ketaki Flower, alternatively known as “Kewda” in local languages and referred to as a screw pine in English, is a distinctive botanical species. Characterized by its densely branched structure, this plant grows as a bushy shrub that can reach heights of up to six meters. Despite its unique appearance, the Ketaki is relatively uncommon, with its natural habitat primarily confined to the coastal regions of India and the Andaman Islands.

The Origin of Ketaki Flower

The ketaki’s white blossom used to be a gods’ favorite. He would have put it on his head. To find out who was better, Shiva informed Brahma and Vishnu they had to reach the brink of his massive body. Brahma arrived by picking a ketaki flower from Shiva’s head while Vishnu battled to stand on his feet. Shiva discovered Brahma’s narrative was a fraud while asking the ketaki flower if it matched reality. He cursed the flower so it may never be used for prayer but could be ornamentation.

In a dice game Shiva and his wife Parvati lost all they owned. Then, running to the ketakī forest to live as a hermit, Parvati discovered him at last. She styled her hair with a delicate ketaki flower and passed for a mountain-dwelling bhīl group female. Shiva broke his promise and cursed the flower and the people who had brought it to his temple since he was unable of controlling himself.

How may Ketaki Flower improve your health?

Despite Lord Shiva’s past condemnation, the Ketaki flower tree remains revered for its potent medicinal and healing properties.
Generally speaking, it enhances well-being, energy, and health hence, it is particularly helpful in tropical environments. Ayurveda says that its essential oils can aid rheumatism’s pain be relieved as well as headaches and earaches.
New research supports ketaki’s ability to combat cancer, infections, allergies, inflammation, blood clots. Among the many ailments this plant can heal include mental disease, fever, joint discomfort, earaches, diabetes, and symptoms indicating a forthcoming abortion. Among the most often used therapeutic herbs are those ones above.

How One Should Use the Ketaki Flowers

The Ketaki Flower Plant offers numerous medicinal and therapeutic applications across different health domains. In hair care, its roots are traditionally combined with coconut oil to create a treatment for hair loss and to enhance hair’s natural luster.

For ear-related ailments, warm Ketaki oil is applied to alleviate pain. The plant’s versatility extends to treating specific medical conditions: a cold decoction from the Pandanus odorotissinus is recommended for patients suffering from fever or measles, typically administered in 30-40 milliliter doses.

Additionally, a prepared root extract of approximately 25-30 ml is consumed to potentially improve sexual vitality, strengthen uterine muscles, and address reproductive health concerns, including potential risks of miscarriage.

Function of Ketaki Flower in Festivals

Many celebrations have honored Ketaki Flower to bless the event. Of which Maha Shivratri falls among.

During Maha Shivratri in Odisha, Ketaki flowers become a prized and expensive commodity. Despite their scarcity, devout believers eagerly seek out these thorny blossoms, believing they possess a special spiritual significance. According to local mythology, the Ketaki flower has a unique connection to Lord Shiva and can only deliver its divine blessings on this auspicious day, making it a treasured item for worshippers during the festival. Know about other expensive flowers.

In Andhra and Telangana traditions, the ketaki flower, also known as “Mogali”—has particular significance. Often found in classical Telugu poetry, this fragrant bloom stands for ultimate love and celestial beauty. Sometimes regional folk ballads compare Mogali’s scent to celestial perfumes, and traditional Kuchipudi and Bharatanatyam dance performances would use hand movements mimicking the unique form of the flower to convey its seductive power.