Significance of Sacrificial grass
Sacrificial grass, as detailed in various texts, is integral to Hindu rituals and ceremonies. It includes specific types such as Darbha and Kusha, utilized in Brahma Yajna and shraddha rituals for their purity. This grass enhances the sanctity of religious ceremonies and is also linked to Ayurveda for its medicinal properties. In Dharmashastra and Pancaratra, it plays a critical role during sacrifices, symbolizing purity and serving specific functions, such as being placed around the fire or used for offerings and altars.
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Hindu concept of 'Sacrificial grass'
In Hinduism, Sacrificial grass signifies specific grasses like Darbha and Kusha, essential for various sacrificial rituals, symbolizing purity, sanctity, and serving as offerings to honor deities during these sacred ceremonies.
From: Bharadvaja-srauta-sutra
(1) Grass fetched by the Adhvaryu and Pratiprasthatri for use in the rites.[1] (2) Grass used in sacrificial offerings, strewed round sacred fires as an integral part of the ritualistic process.[2] (3) Material spread out on the altar that is mixed with a darbha-blade during the rituals.[3] (4) Grass used in rituals, which requires careful handling and is symbolically important in the sacrificial process.[4] (5) Grass that is strewn around the Soma-pressing boards as part of the ceremonial performance.[5]
From: Asvalayana-grihya-sutra
(1) Grass used in the sacrificial rituals, often spread out before placing the dead body.[6] (2) Grass that is required for performing rituals, particularly in funeral rites where offerings are made.[7] (3) Grass used in rituals, strewn around the fire three times with its roots without tossing it.[8] (4) Grass used in the ritual of sacrifice, specifically mentioned in relation to the Pakayajnas.[9]
From: Khadira-grihya-sutra
(1) Grass that is used during rituals, which the householder touches or sits upon.[10] (2) Darbha-blades that are strewn around the fire during the sacrificial rituals.[11]
From: Hiranyakesi-grihya-sutra
(1) A grass used in sacrifices, often associated with rituals, touching the sacrificial animal as part of the offerings.[12]
From: Satapatha-brahmana
(1) The grass (barhis) used in sacrifices, symbolizing abundance and the connection to nature during the rituals.[13] (2) Grass used in Vedic rituals, symbolizing purity and sanctity, often spread over the altar during offerings.[14] (3) Grass used to cover the altar to signify purity and preparation for the sacrificial rites.[15] (4) Plants used in the rituals, cut with precision as offerings to different hierarchical figures.[16] (5) Plant material used in rituals, which must be oriented correctly to be deemed sacred for the purposes of offerings to ancestors.[17]
From: Devi Bhagavata Purana
(1) Grass used in the Brahma Yajna, specifically Darbha and Kusha, which are held in specific quantities in one's hands while performing the ritual.[18]
From: Garuda Purana
(1) Specific grass used in rituals to sit on, believed to enhance the sanctity of the religious ceremony.[19]
From: Markandeya Purana
(1) A pure and essential material used in the shraddha rituals.[20]
From: Markandeya Purana (Study)
(1) A specific material recommended for use during the shraddha ceremony, noted for its purity.[21]
From: Charaka Samhita (English translation)
(1) A component used during the preparation process for eradication of toxic properties of the Red Physic nut and Physic nut.[22] (2) Plants used in ancient rituals, possibly linked to the treatment approach for certain conditions.[23]
From: Parama Samhita (English translation)
(1) Grass (kusha) used in various Hindu rituals, particularly sacrificial activities involving fire.[24]