The lotus flower grows in mud and water but is detached from its dirtiness of it which gives the inspiration to lead a holy life.
It is a symbol of the fact that even living in the midst of evils, a person can maintain his originality and superiority in society.
In the Lalit Vistaar text of buddhism, lotus has been considered as Ashtmangal. This is the reason why the lotus flower has special importance in worship etc.
