Importance of Durva during Ganesh Puja

In Sanatan Dharma, Durva is considered very sacred during the worship of the Gods. Durva is mostly offered to all deities during the Puja, except Goddess Durga. Just like Bel Patra is considered important for the Shiv Pujan, Durva holds great significance during Ganesh Pujan, and his worship is considered incomplete without including the Durva.

Durva Originated from Lord Vishnu During the Ocean Churning

When to get the nectar, Gods and Demigods made a churn on the Mandarachal Mountain to churn Shirsagar, lord Vishnu consumed Mandarachal by holding it with his hand on his thighs. Due to the rapid rotation of the Mandarachal Mountain, lord Vishnu fell in the sea and became green by being tossed by the waves. This is when he emerged in the form of Durva.

Why is Durva dear to Lord Ganesha?

Durva is dear to Lord Ganesha because:

Durva is dear to the elephant.

• There is simplicity and humbleness in Durva. This is why even the biggest of trees like bamboo stands tall in arrogance during a storm and breaks down soon enough, but Durva bends, and when the storm passes, it gets back to its original form. Lord Ganesha also appreciates humbleness and simplicity.
• According to a legend, there was a demon named Analasura in ancient times. His wrath created havoc in heaven and hell as he was known to swallow sages and men alive. Wrecked by this behavior of the demon, all the gods and sages went to lord Shiva to Kailash Mountain seeking help and requested him to kill Analasura.
• However, Lord Shiva informed the Gods that only Ganesha can kill Analasura. Then all the sages and deities prayed to Lord Ganesha. This is when lord Ganesha swallowed this horrific demon. As soon as this egoistic and evil demon reached Ganesha’s abdomen, it started burning.

When no remedy could cure the burning sensation in Ganesha’s stomach, Sage Kashyap made 21 bales of Durva and asked lord Ganesha to eat it. This pacified the burning sensation in his stomach. It is believed that the ritual of offering Durva to Lord Ganesha started from that day.

Lord Ganesha’s Worship is Incomplete Without Durva
There is a ritual of offering Durva in Ganesh Pujan. The reason behind offering two Durva, also known as Durvadal, is:

• All humans take rebirths to experience happiness and sorrow. Likewise, Durva is born through its various branches. This duality of happiness and sorrow is dedicated to Lord Ganesha with two Durvas.
• Another fact is that no matter how many times you cut the Durva, its roots spread around itself. Therefore, devotees offer Durva to lord Ganesha, so their families also continue to grow like Durva’s roots, and they attain happiness and prosperity in life.

नानक नन्हें बनि रहो, जैसी नन्ही दूब। सबै घास जरि जायगी, दूब खूब-की-खूब ।।

It is stated in Shri Ganapati Atharvashirsha:

‘यो दुर्वांकुरैर्यजति स वैश्रवणोपमो भवति ।’

For the destruction of all obstacles and fulfillment of wishes, Lord Ganesha must be worshipped with 21 Durvadal and Modak, etc. If possible, one must take the Durva with three or five Fungi. For this, tie 21 Durva with Moli and immerse it in water. Then offer it to the forehead of Lord Ganesha in such a way that its mild fragrance engulfs Lord Ganesh.

In some temples of Maharashtra, like the Sidhivinayak temple and Ashtavinayak, a garland made of Durva is offered to Lord Ganesha.

If it is not possible to get the Durva garland, you may tie 21 Durva with Moli and put a red hibiscus flower in it. Wear it on the head of Lord Ganesh. Ganesha is appeased with only two Durvadal as well. He is worshipped using Durva for the fulfillment of various wishes.