Lessons from the Parijat: Finding Light in Darkness

Spending a few odd days grieving and mourning the demise of my uncle, watching his three beautiful daughters bawling their eyes out, gashed my heart. Evening and early morning became my solace, when I would go for a stroll in the compound amidst the leafy lanes of their Gurgaon apartment, especially along the Parijat trees, also called Harsingar or Shiuli, dotting the streets.

The beauty of this night-blooming tree was previously unknown to me—a dull-looking shrub bearing such magical, enchanting foliage. As the sun sets, small white blooms with orange stems unfurl, filling the air with a subtle yet powerful fragrance. This aroma enriches the senses and feels all-encompassing.

As dawn breaks, before the warm sun rays kiss the earth, the Parijat flowers wither and gracefully fall to the ground, swirling like Sufi dervishes in a mesmerizing dance. In no time, the ground beneath becomes a carpet of white and orange blossoms, with residents collecting the fallen flowers to offer in worship. These flowers are considered sacred, as the ground doesn’t sully them.

According to Hindu mythology, Parijat is one of the five wish-fulfilling trees created during the churning of the ocean of milk and taken by the Devas to Indralok, the abode of Indra. Another legend tells of Princess Parijatika, who, deserted in love by the Sun God, burns herself to ashes. From her ashes grew the Parijat tree, which, in response to the humiliation, blooms only at night, avoiding the Sun.

Lord Krishna is also said to have uprooted the Parijat tree for Satyabhama from Indralok while helping the Devas fight the demon Narakasura. He asked her to share the blooms with Rukmini. Satyabhama selfishly planted the tree in her courtyard but was astonished when the blooms, though rooted on her side, adorned Rukmini’s courtyard on the other side.

Watching this "tree of sorrow," as it is called, for a few days in a row resonated with me. Dark times, too, have something special—some light shines through, just like the aroma of the night jasmine. The small flower, though inconspicuous, makes its surroundings fragrant and beautiful. It doesn’t demand attention but leaves an undeniable impact.

This teaches a powerful lesson: even a quiet presence can make a profound difference in someone’s life. It speaks of courage and resilience, showing that darkness isn’t always gloomy and can be adapted to. One can thrive even in adverse and inclement conditions.

No matter how short life may be, it is enough to make an impact. Just a few hours of bloom are enough for the Shiuli or Harsingar to make the earth beneath resplendent and the air redolent with fragrance.

The symbolism of the Parijat flowers deeply resonates with me as I return home, and this lesson will likely stay with me for a long time. The short life of these blooms teaches a profound truth: we may not be born happy or may go through rough patches, but we all have the ability to create happiness—to brighten our lives and those of others.