Darbha & Pavitri
These darbha are also donated to and and used by Acharya Shree Palkeshbhai Trivedi at Shree Jalaram Mandir Greenford for temple pujas, shraadh and pitru pujas. You purchase helps us fund these donations.
- During Havan, darbha grass is placed around the kunda along with mantras to help protect from negative energies.
- If needed the pavitri is to be worn on the anamika or ring finger to protect against negative energy, mandatory during pitru puja. Whilst pitru’s intend no harm during the puja, they nevertheless carry a negative energy when they come to accept the offerings, this is simply due to the nature of their being.
- They are excellent for offering to Lord Ganesha on Wednesday, particularly if Ketu in your horoscope is troubling you.
Puranas and Upnishads describe that this grass came into existence after Samudra Manthan, the churning of cosmic ocean. When demigods and demons got ready to churn the cosmic ocean of milk, there was no one to support the base of Madhara parvat. Lord Vishu took the form of Tortoise [Kurma Avatar] and gave the needed support. During the churning, the hairs of the tortoise came out and washed away to the shore. These hairs turned to Darbha (Kusha) grass. When the Amrut was finally achieved, due to improper handling of the nectar, few drops fell on the grass further sanctifying it.
Atharva Veda
पञ्च राज्यानि वीरुधां सोमश्रेष्ठानि ब्रूमः।
दर्भो भङ्गो यवः सह ते नो मुञ्चन्त्व् अंहसः॥
“There are five ruling plants among which Soma reigns. Darbha, bhang, barley, and saha, these deliver us us from all woes.”