Coral jasmine, popularly known as shiuli in Bengal, is a adored flower growing in the months of September and October, diffusing the air with its hypnotising fragrance. But all the flowers shed at the first touch of dawn. And there is a beautiful    myth surrounding this, a tale of pain and love.

It is believed that once upon a time there lived Princess Parijat, famous for her beauty and kindness, and she fell in love with Surya, the Sun God. She was warned about falling in love with Divine being like Surya would not end well. But she continued to devote to him. Surya was swayed and decided to come to Earth to stay with her.

But coming summer, his power intensified so he had to leave. When Parijat tried to follow him she burned. Surya turned to the Gods. The Gods gave Parijat a boon, reincarnated as a tree. From her ashes rose a tree with the purest white flowers with blazing orange centres, to signify that Surya remained in her heart. Surya still visits her at nights, making the flowers bloom. But they shed at morning because they still can't tolerate the sun's blaze. They shed like tears of pain, giving up the sweetest fragrance, reminder of the lingering love between Parijat and Surya.