Sacred lotus in religious art

The lotus (Sanskrit: पद्म, romanized: Padmā), Nelumbo nucifera, is an aquatic plant that plays a central role in the art of Indian religions such as Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism.

[4][5] In Buddhist symbolism, the lotus represents purity of the body, speech and mind, as if floating above the murky waters of material attachment and physical desire.

[6] Lotus thrones are the normal pedestal for most important figures in Buddhist art, and often that of other Indian religions.

In Tibet, Padmasambhava, the Lotus-Born, is considered the Second Buddha, having brought Buddhism to that country by conquering or converting local deities; he is normally depicted sitting on a lotus flower and holding a vajra and a skullcup.

[12] In the classical written and oral literature of many Asian cultures the lotus is present in figurative form, representing elegance, beauty, perfection, purity and grace, being often used in poems and songs as an allegory for ideal feminine attributes.

It was considered a supreme plant by Egyptians for its fragrant transformative scent while living its alternating existence below and above the water surface.

In Hindu philosophy, the lotus is regarded to be the first born of creation and a magic womb for the universe and gods.

It is considered a symbol of freedom from desire and material attachment while invoking purity at a level of mind, speech and action by Buddhist tradition.