Ketaki

Pandanus. A flower worn by Shiva on his head. But it is ignored now. As per Devibhagavata Panchamaskanda, once in Satyayuga, Vishnu meditated in Shwetadweepa for divine happiness. Brahma also began meditating in another place for getting rid of desires. After a while, they began walking around for rest. They met and began arguing about each other’s prowess. Shiva then appeared between them in the form of a linga, and said that he who found either Shiva’s head or foot would be deemed better. Vishnu went downwards and Brahma upwards. Vishnu gave up after a long while and came back to the centre. Brahma continued upwards and then saw a pandanus falling downwards. He took it and claimed to have found Shiva’s head. Vishnu didn’t believe him and asked the flower to confirm it. The flower lied for Brahma. Shiva heard it and cursed the flower. From then on, the flower lost its status.