Known as Kedage or Taale Hoovu in Kannada, this exotic and expensive flower is bought once a year to adorn the idols during the festival season (August-September). The other names for Kewda are Fragrant Screw Pine, Ketaki , Jambala, and so on. The botanical name is Pandanus odorifer belonging to the family, Pandanaceae (Screw pine family). Learn why Ketaki flowers are not offered to Lord Shiva. Discover the myth behind the curse by Mahadev and the story of how the flower became forbidden in rituals. In Sanskrit, the male Kevda flower is called Ketaki Viphala and the female ones are called Swarna Ketaki . The male Kevada flowers have a very memorable aroma which floats around and is reminiscent of a rose-like, fruity scent. Due to their captivating aroma, these Kevda flowers are used for fragrances and as other scents. Given the sacred narratives, the exclusion of the Ketaki flower from Lord Shiva’s worship is a practice steeped in respect for mythological traditions and divine decrees. Devotees typically offer flowers like bilva (bel) leaves, white flowers , and dhatura to Lord Shiva, each associated with unique qualities that resonate with his divine energy.
