The most important use of Darbha Grass in Hinduism is to
make pavithram. Other than this Darbha is also used in several other important
rituals in Hindu Religion. It is also known as The plant is known as Darbai in Tamil, Dabh in Hindi and Kusha in Sanskrit. It is known as cotton wool grass in English.
At the time of temple consecration (kumbabishekam) the
kalasa is connected to the idol and the tower with a rope made of darbha grass
(Nadisandama).
Asana or seat for doing Vedic karmas is prepared using
Darbha Grass.
It serves as a connecting link between husband and wife
during a ritual when they do sankalpa (take a resolve to do the karma). The
wife touches her husband with darbha grass.
Darbha is believed to protect food prepared during an
eclipse.
Darbha is a must in all homas (in places like Paristheeriya,
paatra sadhana, ayaamita, aajya samskara, etc.)
Along with the mango leaves and coconut, a koorcham made of
darbha is also placed in the kalasa where avahana is performed for devas.
A belt made of darbha grass is tied around the waist of the
brahmachari during upanayana, and around the waist of the bride in a marriage.
For brahmavarana (the selection of a vidwans or scholar) in
homas, darbhai is used.
A small clutch of darbhai is handed over to the acharya to
whom power of attorney is given by the karta with a request that the acharya
may perform the proposed japa or homa on his behalf.
Note - The article originally written and contributed by
Sarma Sastrigal. It is found in the book titled ‘The Great Hindu
Tradition’ written by Sarma Sastrigal.