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How To Keep Durva On Ganapati In Hinduism?

Durva Grass in Ganapati Puja: Significance, Methods, and Prayers

In Hinduism, Durva grass (Cynodon dactylon) holds significant religious importance, especially in the worship of Lord Ganesha. It is traditionally used in Ganapati puja (prayers) and is believed to possess purifying and auspicious properties. This grass is considered dear to Lord Ganesha and is often offered to him during festivals such as Ganesh Chaturthi. Here's a detailed explanation of how to keep Durva grass on Ganapati, its significance, and various methods and practices associated with it:

Significance of Durva Grass in Ganapati Worship

  1. Symbolic Importance:

    • Durva grass is believed to have a powerful purifying effect on both physical and spiritual realms. It is considered sacred and is often used in the worship of deities, especially Lord Ganesha, to invoke blessings for prosperity, removal of obstacles, and success in endeavors.
    • It is also associated with the removal of negative energies and is known to cleanse the environment.
  2. Pleasing Lord Ganesha:

    • Lord Ganesha is fond of Durva grass, and offering it is believed to please him immensely. Durva is said to represent the virtues of purity, growth, and vitality, which are qualities that Ganesha embodies.
  3. Auspiciousness and Blessings:

    • Offering Durva grass to Ganesha is believed to bring about a sense of purity, good fortune, and spiritual elevation. It is also said to enhance the flow of positive energy and to remove financial difficulties, offering a pathway for abundance.

How to Keep Durva Grass on Ganapati

  1. Choosing the Durva Grass:

    • Durva grass should be fresh and clean. It is best to use the grass that has been specifically grown for religious purposes. Avoid using wilted or dried grass.
    • Traditionally, three to five blades of Durva grass are considered the ideal number for offering, but more blades can be used depending on the ritual or prayer.
  2. Method of Offering:

    • Placement: Durva grass should be gently placed on the idol or image of Lord Ganesha. It is usually offered by hand and laid on the head, body, or trunk of Ganesha. Some also place it near the feet of the deity.
    • Direction of Offering: It is believed that the grass should be offered with the tips pointing upwards, as it symbolizes growth and auspiciousness.
    • Order of Offering: The blades should be offered in odd numbers (3, 5, 7, etc.) to signify harmony and balance.
  3. Practical Tips:

    • Freshness: Ensure that the Durva grass is fresh, as old or dried grass might not have the same spiritual efficacy.
    • Cleanliness: Clean the area where the puja is being performed. Purity of surroundings enhances the effectiveness of the worship.
    • In the Right Hand: Traditionally, offerings are made with the right hand, as it is considered more auspicious.
    • Avoid Cutting the Grass with a Knife: If possible, it is better to pluck the grass manually, as cutting it with a blade or knife may symbolize violence and is considered inauspicious.

Daily Routine for Keeping Durva on Ganapati

  1. Morning Puja:

    • Offer Durva grass to Lord Ganesha in the morning during your daily prayers. The best time to do so is during the Brahma Muhurta (early hours of dawn) when the spiritual energy is at its peak.
  2. Cleaning the Idol:

    • Before offering the grass, clean the Ganesha idol or picture with a clean cloth. You can wipe it with a mixture of water and milk to purify the idol.
  3. Offerings:

    • After offering Durva grass, offer flowers, light incense sticks, and light a lamp (diya) in front of the idol. Chant mantras like “Om Gan Ganapataye Namah” or “Ganapati Bappa Morya” to invoke the blessings of Ganesha.
  4. Closing Rituals:

    • After completing the puja, do not leave the offerings like Durva grass on the idol for too long. After the ritual, you can either burn the grass or offer it in a river or pond. Some people keep the leftover Durva grass in their house or garden for its purifying effects.

Mantras and Prayers for Ganapati

  1. Ganapati Mantras:

    • Ganapati Bappa Mantra:
      ॐ गण गणपतये नमः |
      Om Gan Ganapataye Namah |
      
    • Ganapati Gayatri Mantra:
      ॐ एकदन्ताय विद्महे वक्रतुंडाय धीमहि तन्नो दंती प्रचोदयात् |
      Om Ekadantaya Vidmahe Vakratundaya Dheemahi Tanno Danti Prachodayat |
      
  2. Chanting Routine:

    • The Gayatri Mantra and Ganapati mantra can be chanted 108 times during the offering of Durva grass. Using a mala (prayer beads) will help in counting.
  3. Shree Ganesha Stotra:

    • Recite verses from the Shree Ganesha Stotra, which is a prayer dedicated to Ganesha's divine qualities and attributes. It brings peace, prosperity, and spiritual strength.
      शान्ताकारं भुजगशयनं पद्मनाभं सुरेशम्।
      विश्वकारं गगनसदृशं मेघवर्णं शुभाङ्गम्।।
      Om Shantakaram Bhujagashayanam Padmanabham Suresham
      Vishvakaram Gaganasadrisham Meghavarnam Shubhangam. 
      

Lesser-Known Facts About Durva Grass and Ganapati Worship

  1. Durva and Lord Shiva:

    • Durva grass is also associated with Lord Shiva and is used in the worship of Shiva during Maha Shivaratri. In fact, the Shiva Purana mentions that Durva is one of the most sacred plants for Shiva and is capable of removing sins when offered during puja.
  2. Durva and Goddess Lakshmi:

    • Durva grass is believed to be a favorite of Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth. It is often included in rituals to attract prosperity and remove financial obstacles.
  3. Purifying Property of Durva:

    • It is believed that Durva grass has a purifying effect on the environment. Keeping Durva grass in the house is said to create an atmosphere conducive to positive energy, wealth, and health.
  4. Offering Durva Grass to Kubera:

    • Kubera, the god of wealth, also accepts Durva grass as an offering. It is said that offering Durva grass to Kubera on a Friday brings financial blessings.
  5. Durva for Hanuman:

    • In the worship of Hanuman, Durva grass is considered auspicious. It is said to bring strength, protection, and courage.

Discipline and Devotion in the Ritual

  1. Regularity:

    • Be consistent in offering Durva grass and performing your daily rituals. The regular offering of Durva grass, along with sincere devotion, is believed to attract Ganesha’s blessings.
  2. Mindful Offerings:

    • Offer the Durva grass with a pure heart and focused mind. The intention behind the offering is as important as the offering itself.
  3. Gratitude:

    • Always end your puja by expressing gratitude to Lord Ganesha and asking for his blessings for wisdom, prosperity, and the removal of obstacles in your life.

By following these practices and incorporating Durva grass into your Ganapati puja, you not only honor the tradition but also invite divine blessings for success, health, and spiritual growth.