This, the "Nil Mahanel," botanical name "Nympheae Stelleta," has
been the national flower of Sri Lanka from 1986. This flower
mentioned in many Sinhala, Pali and Sanskrit literary works, occupies a
pre-eminent position in Buddhist literature. Legend also, has it that the
'Nil Mahanel Flower' is among the many ceremonial designs found on the
footprint of Prince Siddhartha, giving it a special significance among the
many devotees of Lord Buddha. This flower in the hands of the exotic ladies
immortalized in Sigiriya Frescoes, enhance their ethereal beauty, and poets
have always likened women's eyes to the unopened Nil Mahanel flower. The Nil
Mahanel plant grows in shallow, warm waters, and is found in all parts of
the country. It is specially plentiful in the northern dry zone and as a
result, this flower is a favorite among the Buddhist devotees as an offering
at the many temples and "dagobas" in and around the ruined cities in that
area. The flower which is purplish blue in color has a heavy concentration
of petals in the center. The Nil Mahanel flower is also considered a symbol
of truth, purity and discipline.
This, the "Nil Mahanel," botanical name "Nympheae Stelleta," has
been the national flower of Sri Lanka from 1986. This flower
mentioned in many Sinhala, Pali and Sanskrit literary works, occupies a
pre-eminent position in Buddhist literature. Legend also, has it that the
'Nil Mahanel Flower' is among the many ceremonial designs found on the
footprint of Prince Siddhartha, giving it a special significance among the
many devotees of Lord Buddha. This flower in the hands of the exotic ladies
immortalized in Sigiriya Frescoes, enhance their ethereal beauty, and poets
have always likened women's eyes to the unopened Nil Mahanel flower. The Nil
Mahanel plant grows in shallow, warm waters, and is found in all parts of
the country. It is specially plentiful in the northern dry zone and as a
result, this flower is a favorite among the Buddhist devotees as an offering
at the many temples and "dagobas" in and around the ruined cities in that
area. The flower which is purplish blue in color has a heavy concentration
of petals in the center. The Nil Mahanel flower is also considered a symbol
of truth, purity and discipline. 
