The Auspicious Grass

During my recent visit to Haridwar , my ancestors came in my dream. So I decided to perform tarpan ceremony for them. The pandit asked me to get Kusha grass for it. He told me some of the most hidden and secret method of performing tarpan as well as importance of Kusha.
Kusha also known as Durva is a kind of grass which is very important for all the religious ceremonies. Hindu priests always keep the kusha grass in their houses which they use them for purification ceremonies . During pooja, kusha is used for sitting mat(asan). It is believe that this grass originates from the hairs of Lord Vishnu during the churning of ocean (samundra Manthan). As per another legend, once the pot of nector was placed upon Kusha grass which was guarded by Garuda(the divine eagle). At the same the snakes attacked to pot of nector but the eagle snatched the pot. But few drops of nector fell on Kusha grass. The snakes had only one option to lick the drops fallen on kusha grass. But the blades of grass were too sharp that their tongue were divided into 2 parts. Since then it is believe that the snakes possess twin tongues. Kusha is also used to ward off ill effects of many natural calamities. During eclipses Kusha grass is put on all the food articles to prevent them intoxicated. If a person is suffering from the bad effects of Rahu, then Durva grass is used as a remedy. Last rites and rituals of dead body is performed with the help of Kusha grass to provide solace to departing soul. It is believe that goddess Sita manage to protect herself from Ravana with the help of single blade of kusha grass which was energized with the powerful mantras. Medically it is proved that this grass has a lot of medicinal properties. Also praying Lord Ganesha with Durva is considered as highly auspicious(Note- one should not offer it to goddess Durga). TO know the legend behind it click http://hindustories.blogspot.com/2008/03/21-durvas.html