Significance of Darbha-blade
The Darbha-blade, as referenced in Purana and Dharmashastra, represents various forms of sacred grass utilized in Vedic rituals. This grass serves multiple purposes, such as preparing seating for ceremonies, marking sacred boundaries, and being involved in purification rites. Darbha-blades are significant for their roles in rituals, often symbolizing purity and auspiciousness. They have specific applications, including being used in sacrificial offerings and as implements during important ceremonial acts, reflecting their essential place in ritualistic practices.
Synonyms: Sacred grass, Kusha grass, Kusha.
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Hindu concept of 'Darbha-blade'
The Darbha-blade in Hinduism represents sacred grass used in rituals for offerings, purification, and marking boundaries, symbolizing purity and auspiciousness while serving functional roles in various ceremonial practices and sacrifices.
From: Bharadvaja-srauta-sutra
(1) Long, thin blades of grass used in rituals, specifically thrown on water as part of the sacrificial offerings.[1] (2) Sacred grass used in rituals, specifically mentioned for strew within the hole of the sacrificial post.[2] (3) Sacred blades used in various rituals, each having specific properties and significance, particularly in the context of purification.[3] (4) A specific type of blade used in rituals, notable in the context of tying a piece of gold with a soluble knot.[4] (5) A specific type of blade held in hand by the priest, used in conjunction with the sacrificial grass.[5]
From: Apastamba Grihya-sutra
(1) A blade made of Darbha grass used to touch a cow during a ritual, conveying a greeting to the Fathers.[6] (2) A specific type of grass used in rituals, to which a piece of gold is tied.[7] (3) Grass blades used in the ceremony, particularly while parting the hair of the pregnant wife.[8] (4) Three Darbha blades are placed in the boy's hair during the initiation for symbolism and significance.[9] (5) A ceremonial blade used in rituals, specifically mentioned for wiping between the bride's eye-brows.[10]
From: Gobhila-grihya-sutra
(1) Two of these are taken from the Barhis to make purifiers of a specific length for the process.[11] (2) A grass blade used by the sacrificer to draw lines during the ritual, specifically to mark sacred boundaries.[12] (3) Twenty-one blades placed south of the fire, which are used in the hair cutting ritual.[13] (4) Blades used to part the woman's hair during the ritual at specific intervals, each accompanied by a sacred word.[14]
From: Hiranyakesi-grihya-sutra
(1) Sacred grass blades held during purification rituals, symbolizing cleanliness and sanctity.[15] (2) A sacred grass used in rituals, believed to have spiritual significance and protective qualities during ceremonies.[16] (3) Grass blades used in various ritualistic elements of the initiation, signifying purity and auspiciousness.[17]
From: Asvalayana-grihya-sutra
(1) Sacred grass used in the Shraddha ceremony, often folded and given to the Brahmanas as part of the rites.[18] (2) Grass used by young women in the ritual to salve their eyes, representing a tool of purification.[19]
From: Khadira-grihya-sutra
(1) Sacred blades used in the ritual, placed towards the south during the ceremony.[20] (2) Blades of a specific grass used in rituals that are treated with offerings and thrown into the fire.[21]
From: Sankhayana-grihya-sutra
(1) Sacred grass used in Vedic rituals, noted for being straight in this context.[22]
From: Bharadvaja-srauta-sutra
(1) They are spread around the altar, described as green and golden ornaments in the seat of the sacrificer.[23] (2) The darbha-blade is an item used to tie loosely a piece of gold, and put it into the Juhu, indicating its use in the ritual.[24]