Why is Darbha Grass So Auspicious?

Darbha, also known as Durva grass, is a sacred grass used extensively in Hindu rituals, particularly in ceremonies involving homa or yagna. It is a popular offering for Lord Ganesha, and its significance is mentioned in several Vedic texts. This grass is believed to have powerful cleansing and purifying properties.

Durva Grass Removes Negative Energy

Durva or Darbha grass has the remarkable ability to remove negative energy and cleanse a space, replenishing it with divinity. It attracts the Ganesha Principle in higher proportions, i.e., the primordial OM or cosmic oneness energy. The Chaitanya (consciousness) or sattvic frequencies are transferred to the devotee offering the grass. This process enables the deity's idol to discharge energy in higher proportions. First, the basic Nirguna (unmanifested) energy is attracted into the idol, and then these frequencies are transformed into Sarguna (manifested) energy. Devotees benefit from the energy emitted and assimilated into their aura.

This mechanism expels negative energy and lower emotions not only from the devotee but also from the surrounding environment. Durva grass also cleanses all five senses of a being and fills them with divine energy. Offering this grass increases the auspiciousness of the devotee. Darbha grass is also said to have a deep connection with Lord Kubera and positively influences the prosperity consciousness of the devotee, as mentioned in Vedic scriptures.

How to Worship Ganesha with Darbha Grass

Darbha grass is used in various ways during worship and rituals. For Lord Ganesha's worship, either three or five leaf blades of the grass are used. The middle leaflet attracts the primordial Principle of Lord Ganesha, while the other two or four leaflets attract the primordial creative and destructive energies of Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva, respectively. The grass is placed on the deity’s head or at His feet.

On special occasions, festivals, or yagna, 21 leaf blades of Durva grass are offered to Lord Ganesha. The leaflets are tied together in the form of a garland, dipped in water, or sprinkled with water before offering. This enhances the absorption and discharge of divine energy from the deity. However, flower-bearing Durva grass is not suitable for worship or rituals.

Legend of Durva Grass

There are several legends that highlight the unique connection between Durva grass and Lord Ganesha. One such story involves an asura (demon) named Analasura, who wreaked havoc by emitting fire from his eyes, killing innocent people on Earth. The gods, unable to defeat Analasura, prayed to Lord Ganesha for help. Ganesha agreed and fought the demon in a tough battle. The asura hurled fireballs, impairing Lord Ganesha’s vision. After a long struggle, Lord Ganesha swallowed the demon to end the fight.

However, swallowing Analasura caused intense heat and fire to spread in Ganesha's body, making Him restless. Despite efforts by the sages, sandalwood paste and water failed to cool Him down. Finally, Lord Varuna placed 21 leaf blades of Durva grass on Ganesha, which successfully cooled His stomach and pacified the demon’s curse.

Sacredness of Darbha Grass

The scientific name of Durva grass is Agrostis linearis. It is considered sacred in Hinduism and some sects of Buddhism. The Sanskrit word "Durva" is derived from "duhu" and "avam," meaning "bringing the divine closer from afar." This sacred grass symbolizes the connection between the divine and the human realm, bringing spiritual energies within reach.

Durva leaves are often used in the worship of Lord Ganesha, Shiva, and Vishnu. The shoots of Durva grass have immense power to attract and facilitate the tattva (elemental) principles of the deities, offering great benefits to the devotees who use it in their worship.