Vaijanti mala, which means "the garland of victory," is the name of a string of beads worn to celebrate a victory. A rosary or garland is a mala, and the phrase Vaijanti means victory. In the old sacred narrative of the Mahabharata, this heavenly mala is referred to as "Vanamali," a different name for Lord Vishnu. In Sanskrit, vana means "forest" and mali means "to adorn oneself with a garland." Together, these two words form the term "Vanamali."
 
The Vaijanti mala tree has its roots in the Braj jungle. It is said that the God and Goddess enjoy everlasting love in the Braj jungle. Lord Krishna is said to have given Radha a mala crafted from the seeds of the Vaijanti flower. The avatar of Vishnu, Lord Ram, similarly crafted a Vaijanti flower garland for Mata Sita. In addition, the garland of victory was crafted from lotus flowers, which do not wither, as mentioned in the Mahabharata. Today, however, the canna lily and other flowers are sometimes incorrectly identified as the original Vaijanti flower. The true Vaijanti plant is elusive because it looks like ordinary tall grass; without flowers or seed pods, it is impossible to tell the two apart. The Vaijanti mala, which Lord Vishnu wears, is said to be the key that unlocks the gates of Vaikuntha (home of Lord Vishnu). As a symbol of the feminine Divine Powers, the Vaijanti flower is revered as a living being. In Hindu mythology, the Supreme Goddess Shakti is said to have her home in the seeds of the Vaijanti flower. With her feminine qualities, she rules over the whole human race.