Durva grass (Cynodon dactylon), known as “Doob” in Hindi and “Garike” in Telugu, holds immense spiritual significance in Hindu rituals, particularly in the worship of Lord Ganesha. Among all the offerings, Durva is considered the most beloved to Ganesha, and its ritualistic offering is prescribed in various Puranas, Smritis, and Agamas.
This article explores the spiritual, symbolic, and scriptural depth of Durva Abhishekam with references from ancient texts and slokas.
🕉️ What Is Durva Abhishekam?
Durva Abhishekam involves the ritualistic offering or bathing (abhishekam) of Lord Ganesha with blades of Durva grass, typically in counts of 21 or 108, accompanied by mantras and devotion.
Sanskrit Term: Durvayai Samarpayami – “I offer the sacred Durva grass.”
📜 Scriptural References to Durva in Ganesha Worship
1. Skanda Purana – Ganesha Khanda
This Purana explicitly mentions that offering 21 Durva blades to Ganesha removes sins and obstacles, ensuring health, wealth, and victory.
Sloka (Skanda Purana – Ganesha Khanda):
“Durvayai chaika-vimshatyaa poojito yah suradhipah,
Sarvaan kaamaanavaapnoti sarvatra vijayee bhavet”
Meaning:
“He who worships the Lord of Devas with 21 blades of Durva shall obtain all desires and be victorious everywhere.”
2. Padma Purana
It acknowledges the importance of offerings and mentions that Durva has cooling, purifying effects, symbolizing mental clarity and sattvic devotion.
3. Mudgala Purana
Dedicated to Ganesha, it highlights Durva's spiritual symbolism.
Interpretation:
Durva represents humility, resilience, and the power of regrowth. Offering it signifies surrendering the ego and purifying the mind.
4. Ganapati Atharvashirsha (Ganapati Upanishad)
Although not naming Durva specifically, the Upanishad speaks of devotion and offerings leading to liberation and divine grace.
Sloka:
“Tvam mūlādharasthitosi nityam
Tvam śaktitrayātmakah”Meaning:
“You dwell in the Muladhara Chakra; you are the essence of the three energies (iccha, kriya, jñāna).”
This aligns with the symbolism that Durva calms the Muladhara Chakra, helping ground and stabilize energy.
🌼 Why 21 Blades of Durva?
The number 21 is deeply symbolic:
| Symbolism | Explanation |
|---|---|
| 5 Karmendriyas | Organs of action (hands, legs, etc.) |
| 5 Jnanendriyas | Organs of knowledge (eyes, ears, etc.) |
| 5 Pranas | Vital life forces |
| 5 Elements | Earth, Water, Fire, Air, Space |
| 1 Mind (Manas) | Final surrender of ego |
Together = 21, representing total surrender of body-mind-spirit.
🪔 Symbolic Meaning of Durva in Rituals
| Symbol | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Green Color | Life, freshness, sattva |
| Sharp Tips | Focus, intellect, clarity |
| Multiplying Nature | Fertility, prosperity |
| Resilience | Bounces back even when cut – signifies devotion & persistence |
🌟 Benefits (Phalaśruti) of Durva Abhishekam
| Spiritual Benefits | Worldly Benefits |
|---|---|
| Removes doshas and karmic blocks | Success in exams, work, and court cases |
| Purifies mind and stabilizes prana | Cures fevers, skin issues, and nervous problems |
| Invokes blessings of all 5 elements | Growth in business and wealth |
| Controls ego and improves humility | Grants good children and removes infertility |
Vishnu-Dharmottara Purana mentions:
“Yo durvaya ganesham tu archayet shraddhaya-anvitah,
Tasya vighna na jayante, sukhaih saha vaset sadaa.”
Translation:
“He who worships Ganesha with Durva and devotion shall be free from obstacles and live a life full of happiness.”
📿 Mantras to Chant During Durva Abhishekam
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Basic Offering Mantra:
“Durvayai Namah” -
Ganapati Mool Mantra:
“Om Gam Ganapataye Namah” -
Atharvashirsha Mantra (during 21 Durva offerings):
“Tvam mūlādharasthitosi nityam…” (each with one blade)
🙏 Ritual Procedure (Vidhana)
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Purify the Durva: Wash 21 fresh Durva blades.
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Prepare the Idol: Clean Ganesha idol or image.
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Offer Water & Panchamrit: Perform regular Abhishekam if desired.
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Offer Durva with Mantras:
Say “Durvayai Namah” and place one blade at a time. -
Offer Modakas and Flowers.
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Conclude with Aarti and Atharvashirsha chanting.
📸 Infographic Summary
[Refer to the infographic image on “Symbolism of Durva Offering to Ganesha.”]
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