Fig 1: Saussurea obvallata, or Brahma Kamal, blooming in the higher reaches of the Himalayas (Photo credit: iStock/Winterline Production)
Our sojourn into the Valley of Flowers ought to begin with the “King of Himalayan Flowers,” Saussurea obvallata or the Brahma kamal. The name “Brahma kamal” literally translates into “Lord Brahma’s lotus”. A sacred flower in the cultural and spiritual ethos of Hinduism and Buddhism, Brahma kamal is used as an offering in Himalayan temples, including Nanda devi, Badrinath and Kedarnath. The ancient Indian epics of Ramayana and Mahabharata also talk about this beautiful flower blooming high up in the mountains. The Brahma Kamal is native to alpine meadows of the Himalayas and can be found at altitudes of 3,700-4,600 m above sea level.
Fig 2: Brahmakamal blooms at altitudes of 3,700-4,600 m above sea level in the Himalayas (Photo credit: iStock/Rattham)
The first thing that you would notice about this pretty flower are the white, papery boat-shaped petals. These “petals”, in fact, are bracts designed to protect the true flower from the chill in the high altitudes. The term “obvallata” in its name literally means “surrounded by a wall”. Take a look at the partially open flower in the picture below. The purple flowerhead nestled inside is the true flower, which is well-protected from the elements by the papery bracts.
Fig 3: Partially open Brahma Kamal revealing the purple flowerhead (Photo credit: iStock/Sushil Bisht)
Brahma kamal blooms in the middle of the monsoon season, typically in July and August. You would be lucky to spot a flower in full bloom, though. It blooms only one night in a year, and that too, after sunset. If you happen to be in the right place at the right time to see a Brahma kamal in full bloom, count your stars!
Fig 4: Brahma kamal (Photo credit: iStock/Anil Dave)
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