naga means snake. Linga means siva linga. the flower is like shiva lingam with the hood of a snake above it. The petals surrounding the central lingam area 5 in
The flower was named as Naga Lingam.The trees are grown extensively in Shiva temples in India. In Hindi it is called Shiv Kamal and also known as "Kailaspati". It is called the Nagalingam tree in Talugu. The flowers are called Shivalinga flowers in Hindi; Nagalinga Pushpa in Telugu; Nagamalli flowers or Mallikarjuna flowers in Telugu. 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.
It has a large oval shape structure with short stamens at the base of the flower, these short stamens give the appearance of a cluster of “Lingams,” a symbol of Lord Shiva. A large snake head shaped structure covers the Lingams below as if it is protecting the Lingams. Both snake and Lingam are sacred symbols for Hindus; no wonder these flowers are sold at a premier price at Hindu temples as offering to God.Uses:
Fruits are edible and are occasionally eaten, but the smell of the white flesh discourages most people from trying them. On the other hand, the flowers have a wonderful smell and can be used to scent perfumes and cosmetics. The hard shells of the fruit are sometimes used as containers.
