“The gods would not refuse even the trivial erukku for worship,” declared the Purananuru 2000 years ago.Erukku is the Tamil name for Calotropis gigantea, growing now as it must have back then— as “a common wasteland weed” across South Asia. Also known as swallowwort, giant milkweed and (by its flatterers) crown flower, this poisonous plant is sacred to Lord Shiva.
Wherever there are Shiva’s pictures, symbols (the Lingam) or statues, we will see a garland of Calotropis around them. Threaded into strands, the calotropis flowers look like lavender pearls.
OM NAMAH SHIVAYA
