Nirmalya in Hinduism is the overnight remains of the flowers,
leaves and other offering to a deity in Hindu temple. The water used to bathe the deity in the
morning and the act of bathing early in the morning and devotees having darshan of deity during the bathing is known as Nirmalya
Darshan. The word malya refers to flower garlands, chaplets, etc. Though the
remains of anything offered to a deity can be considered nirmalya, generally
flowers used for decoration are described as such.
Nirmalya Darshan is of great importance in many Lord Vishnu and Shiva temples in Kerala. Temples dedicated to Lord Krishna have Nirmalya Darshan around 3:00 AM and is attended by thousands of devotees. It is believed that the energy that emits during Nirmalya from the Murti will protect the devotee and provide positive energy.
The deity is normally left with the decorations overnight,
and early in the morning they are removed to prepare the deity for bathing.
Such a darshana is called nirmalya darshana.
Since Shivlings are bathed daily, it is more customary to
speak of Shiva nirmalya.
Tulsi leaves and bilva leaves are believed to not to suffer
from nirmalya dosha, i.e., they can be used again. If a devotee does not get
new flowers, he can use the already used tulsi and bilva leaves.
Nirmalya darshan at Guruvayur Temple is very famous and
people queue from early morning 2:00 AM to have darshan of Lord Guruvayurappan
during Nirmalya.
Today, Nirmalya is a very important ritual in many temples especially
dedicated to Shiva, Vishnu and Krishna in South India.
Nirmalya in Puri Jagannath Temple
The dried Mahaprasad (food offering) of Lord Jagannath in
Puri Temple is known as Nirmalya. The dried food items after Mahaprasad is
taken home by devotees and keep it in the puja area.
Even the bride and bridegrooms promise by holding this
nirmalya that they will fulfill the relationship by taking care of each other.
At the time of death, Nirmalya and tulsi with water is
poured in the tongue and throat of the person. It is believed that the person
will have a peaceful death and will not suffer in the next life.