Sanatan scriptures say that Pitree Shraddha Karma without Kusha never achieves success. So one of the most common uses of Kusha grass is to create ‘Pavitri’ (ring-like design of Kusha grass) and wear it in the Anamika (ring finger) before performing any Puja, Yagya, Japa, Tarpan, Maarjan, etc. We already discussed Kusha Aasana in one of our previous blog posts. Now, let’s talk about the Significance of Kusha or Darbha grass as described in the scriptures.
Dharbha Mahima (Glories of Darbha/Kusha Grass)
पवित्राः परमादर्भा दर्भ हिना वृथाक्रियाः।
दर्भमूले वसे ब्रह्मा मध्यदेवो जनार्दनः।।
दर्भाग्रे तू उमानाथस्तस्मा दर्भैर्न्र मार्जयेत्।।
This verse is taken from Mahabharata, which says that Brahma resides in the root of the Kusha/Darbha grass while Vishnu resides in the body of Darbha and Umanaath Bhagavan Mahadev resides at the top of the grass.
Koorm Purana says this about the glories of the Darbha grass:
विना दर्भेण यत्स्ननाम् यच्चदानं विनोदकं।
असन्ख्यातं च यज्जाप्यं तत्सर्वं निष्फलं भवेत्।
The above Shloka means that all the Puja, Path, Saadhna, Tapa, Yagya, Daanam that are done without Kusha/Darbha are fruitless just as all the Japa (chanting) without counting is useless.
विना दर्भेण यत्कर्म विना सूत्रेण वापुनः ।
रक्षसां तद्भवेत्सर्वं नामुत्रेह् फल प्रदम।।
This Shloka says that without Kusha and Yagyopavita (Janeu), all Karma is called Rakshasa, and they do not produce any fruits in this Loka.
Pādmottara-khaṇḍa says that without Darbha or Kusha and without Tilak, all Karma (Puja/Saadhna/Yagya/Havan – Karmakand) becomes fruitless in this Shloka:
विना तिलक दर्भाभ्यां कुर्यात्त तत निष्फलं भवेत्।
These many verses clearly indicate how much importance Sanatan Shastra and our Rishis have given to the Darbha grass when pursuing spiritual progress. Therefore, every Hindu must acquire Kusha or Darbha grass and keep it inside the house to be used in all Puja rituals, including Kusha Aasana and Pavitri.
During Chandra Grahan (Lunar Eclipse) and Soorya Grahan (Solar Eclipse) as well, it is highly recommended that we put a piece of Darbha on all the items of the house, including home temples, that we do not want to be negatively affected by during the eclipse just as Tulasi leaves are recommended to be placed in the food items to protect them against the impurities during that phase.
Why Pavitri is Important During Puja Path and Yagya
In every spiritual activity, such as Puja, Yagya, Havan, Anushthaan, Pitree Karma, etc. Pavitri is mandatory for the performer. As Shastras say, without a Pavitri, that Karma becomes unsuccessful.
What are the different types of Pavitris available and when is Kusha or Darbha Pavitri is recommended? Here is the Shloka:
जपे होमे तथा दाने स्वाध्याये पितृ कर्मनिः।
अशून्यं तू करं कुर्यात सुवर्ण राजतै कुशैः।।
Japa, Homa (Havan), Daan (donation activity), Swaadhyaaya (self-study), and in Pitree Karma, Kusha (Darbha) made Pavitri should be worn (in the Ring finger). If Kusha grass Pavitri is unavailable, one should wear a Gold or Silver ring in the Ring finger.
Sanatan scriptures dictate that just as Indra’s weapon against Asuras/Daityaas is Vajra, Vishnu’s weapon is Sudarshan Chakra and Mahadev’s weapon against the evil forces is His Trident, for a Brahman’s protective weapon while doing spiritual karma is the Pavitri.
Number of Kusha in Pavitri Based on Type of Karma/Puja
One question that can come to your mind is, how many Kusha or Darbha should one use in making Pavitri? So, that depends on the type of Puja/Yagya/Anushthaan you are performing. Based on this guideline, you can choose the number:
For Shanti Karma, such as Navagraha Shanti, Griha Pravesha, Vaastu Shanti Yagya, etc., you should make a Pavitri of four kusha grasses and wear it in your Anamika.
For Pushti Karma, such as Puja/Yaya performed for health benefits, you should make a Pavitri of five kusha grasses and wear it in your Anamika.
For Pitree Karma, the recommended number of kusha grasses for Pavitri is three.
For regular daily rituals, daily Yagya/Havan, etc., you should use two Kusha grasses to make your Pavitri.
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