Durva

Durva

दूर्वा, dūrvā

Ganesha's favorite herb. The scientific name is Cynodon dactylon. In different regions of India, the plant may have other names in the local language, for example, harvali (in Telugu) or arugam pullu (in Tamil). Durva is also known as Bermuda grass (English name) or devil's grass.

Durva was used in Vedic rituals, mentioned in the Rigveda and the Atharvaveda. According to the Puranas, the grass appeared during the churning of the Milky Ocean, according to one version — from the hair of Vishnu's hands and thighs, according to another — from Vasuki's tail.

THE SYMBOLISM OF DURVA

Durva is a symbol of purity. It is believed that the plant removes destructive energy from everything it comes into contact with. During the homa (fire ritual), durva can be placed around the sacred fire to clear the space. For the same purpose, with the help of a bunch of herbs, one can splash the place where the puja is performed or the recitation of spiritual texts. In addition, it is customary to wear a wreath of durva before (or during) important rituals or wear a ring made of dried grass on the ring finger of your right hand.

In addition, the plant symbolizes prosperity and fertility, since new blades of grass will soon appear in place of the plucked ones.

The durva herb correlates with the Triad of Gods. It is believed that Brahma resides in its roots, Vishnu in the middle, and Shiva at the tops of the shoots.

The plant is used as an offering to Ishvara, Adishakti, and, to a greater extent, to the god Ganesha. Usually, shoots with 3 or 5 blades of grass without flowers are chosen for veneration. Some devotees believe that the middle leaf pleases Ganapati, and the other two are Goddess Parvati and Lord Shiva.

DURVA IN THE WORSHIP OF GOD GANESHA

There is a legend that explains why the plant is widely used to worship Ganesha. Once upon a time, the powerful demon Analasura terrified three worlds. His eyes were emitting fireballs capable of destroying everything around him. The gods prayed to Lord Shiva to protect them. Ishvara said that only Ganesha could destroy the asura. Ganapati engaged in battle with Analasura and eventually swallowed the demon.

After that, Ganesha's body became incandescent with heat. The gods have made many attempts to save Ganapati from this agony. Varuna caused an icy rain, Indra placed Chandra (the Moon) on Ganesha's head, so Ganapati became known as Balachandra, Vishnu gave Ganesha a lotus flower, which is why Ganapati got another name — Padmapani. But it was only when each of the 88,000 rishis worshiped Ganesha with 21 durva’s leaves that the heat was cooled.

It is believed that this is why there is a tradition to offer this plant especially on the Ganesha Chaturthi festival. A bunch of 21 durva blades of grass is offered to the deity, saying:

ॐ गजाननाय नमः | दूर्वा पत्रं समर्पयामि
oṃ gajānanāya namaḥ | dūrvā patraṃ samarpayāmi

According to another tradition, the deity in Ganesha Chaturthi is worshiped with the help of 21 leaves of different plants. With each such offering, one of the 21 names of Lord Ganapati is pronounced.

DURVA IN AYURVEDA

Durva is used for the preparation of Ayurvedic remedies. One of its main properties is the ability to restore the normal functioning of the immune system and help the body fight various diseases.