Darbha, aka: Dārbha; 9 Definition(s)

Introduction

Darbha means something in Hinduism, Sanskrit, Jainism, Prakrit, Marathi. If you want to know the exact meaning, history, etymology or English translation of this term then check out the descriptions on this page. Add your comment or reference to a book if you want to contribute to this summary article.

In Hinduism

Katha (narrative stories)

Darbha (दर्भ) grass is the most sacred of the various kinds of grasses (kuśa, dūrva, etc.) held in special veneration. The origin of darbha grass is explained in numerous legends. It is said to have been formed from the hairs of Viṣṇu which came off while, in his tortoise incarnation, he was acting as a pivot for Mount Mandara at the Churning of the Ocean. Another story relates that while the gods were drinking the amṛta after the Churning a few drops fell on the grass and thus made it sacred. It enters into nearly all important ceremonies among the Hindus. It is used in the famous “sacred thread” (upanayana) ceremony, at weddings, in offering up prayers or invoking deities, at funerals, at a śrāddha, at sacrifices, and at numerous other ceremonies connected with initiation, magic, pregnancy, menses, and different forms of ordeals.

context information

Katha (कथा, kathā) refers to narrative Sanskrit literature often inspired from epic legendry (itihasa) and poetry (mahākāvya). Some Kathas reflect socio-political instructions for the King while others remind the reader of important historical event and exploits of the Gods, Heroes and Sages.

Purana and Itihasa (epic history)

1) Darbha (दर्भ) is a type of grass commonly used in ritualistic worship, according to the Śivapurāṇa 2.1.11, while explaining the mode of worshipping Śiva:—“[...] nine vessels of different sizes should be kept by the sensible devotee. Darbha grass shall be spread and cool water sprinkled over these vessels with Darbha grass. Reciting the oṃkāra, the intelligent devotee shall sprinkle the various materials of worship. [...]”.

2) Darbha (दर्भ) is used in the worship of Śiva, according to the Śivapurāṇa 2.1.14:—“[...] a person desirous of liberation (mukti) shall worship him with Darbhas. O best of sages, the number everywhere is a hundred thousand times”.

Darbha (दर्भ).—A son of Āṅgirasa.^*

• * Vāyu-purāṇa 65. 104.

context information

The Purana (पुराण, purāṇas) refers to Sanskrit literature preserving ancient India’s vast cultural history, including historical legends, religious ceremonies, various arts and sciences. The eighteen mahapuranas total over 400,000 shlokas (metrical couplets) and date to at least several centuries BCE.

General definition (in Hinduism)

Darbha (दर्भ) is the name of a grass in the Rigveda and later. In the Atharvaveda it is used for the calming of anger (manyu-śamana) and as an amulet for protection against the scattering of one’s hair or the striking of one’s breast. It is also said to be ‘rich in roots’ (bhūri-mūla), to possess a thousand leaves (sahasra-parṇa) and a hundred stalks (śata-kāṇḍa).

In Jainism

General definition (in Jainism)

Darbha (दर्भ) or Darbhavidyā refers to a type of Vidyā (occult science) as defined in the Jaina Pāribhāṣika Śabdakośa.—Darbha refers to that Vidyā, in which the kuśa (grass) is first treated by chanting Mantras; then the patient is treated with it, which makes him free from the ailment.

context information

Jainism is an Indian religion of Dharma whose doctrine revolves around harmlessness (ahimsa) towards every living being. The two major branches (Digambara and Svetambara) of Jainism stimulate self-control (or, shramana, ‘self-reliance’) and spiritual development through a path of peace for the soul to progess to the ultimate goal.

Languages of India and abroad

Marathi-English dictionary

darbha (दर्भ).—m (S) A grass esteemed sacred and used in sacrifices &c., Poa cynosuroides. 2 fig. A burnt or withered crop. Ex. śēta karapūna darbha jhālēṃ. darbha ghēūna ubhā asaṇēṃ To be waiting for opportunity to do one some injury.

darbha (दर्भ).—m A grass esteemed sacred and used in sacrifices, &c. darbha ghēūna ubhā asaṇēṃ To be waiting for opportunity to do some injury.

Sanskrit-English dictionary

Darbha (दर्भ).—[dṛbh-ghañ ac vā] A kind of sacred grass (Kuśa grass) used at sacrificial ceremonies &c.; शरासः कुशरासो दर्भासः सैर्या उत (śarāsaḥ kuśarāso darbhāsaḥ sairyā uta) Rv.1.191.3. दभैर्रर्धावलीढैः (dabhairrardhāvalīḍhaiḥ) Ś.1.7; R.11. 31; Ms.2.43;3.28;4.36.

Derivable forms: darbhaḥ (दर्भः).

--- OR ---

Dārbha (दार्भ).—a. (-bhī f.) Made of darbha grass; दार्भं मुञ्चत्युटजपटलं वीतनिद्रो मयूरः (dārbhaṃ muñcatyuṭajapaṭalaṃ vītanidro mayūraḥ) Ś.4 (v. l.)

Darbha (दर्भ).—m.

(-rbhaḥ) 1. Kusa or sacrificial grass, (Poa cynosuroides.) 2. A kind of reed, (Saccharum spontaneum.) 3. Another species, (S. cylindricum.) E. dṛbhi to collect, to arrange, affix ghañ; or dṝ to tear, Unadi affix bha.

Relevant definitions

Search found 66 related definition(s) that might help you understand this better. Below you will find the 15 most relevant articles:

Relevant text