These
hairs were washed ashore by the waves and took root and are known as Darbha grass.Others
say that while happily
drinking Amrita (Ambrosia) which they got extracted after infinite struggle from the Sea
of Milk, the Gods let fall a few drops of the nectar on this grass. The sanctity
attached to this grass is apparently due to the contact with celestial nectar. Then again,
others assert that it was produced at the time when Vishnu took the form of Mohini and was
distributing Ambrosia to
the Gods.
The vessel containing the nectar was supported on
Mohini's hip and when she
moved playfully to enchant the Asuras a few drops fell on the earth, which took root and
developed in the form of Darbha grass. Be that as it may, Darbha grass is looked upon as
part of Vishnu Himself. An annual festival instituted in honor of the
sacred Darbha grass is celebrated on the eight day of the Moon in the month of Bhadra
(September) and is called Darbha
Ashtami. The grass is used on all sacred occasions during the performance of propitiatory
rituals in honor of gods and one's ancestors. |
