Durva

Rajendra P Kerkar


Durva is the ever green grass that is once abundantly available through out Goa. This cynodon dactylon is known as Bermuda grass. During the worship of Ganesh on the occasions of Ganesh Chaturthi and other festivities, it is a tradition in Goa to make offering of twenty one leaflets of Durva grass on the head of Lord Ganesh.


As per the Hindu mythological story, a demon Analasura created havoc by launching the rule of terror, slaining the people by emitting fire from his eyes. All the efforts by various gods went into vain. On the request of devotees Lord Ganesh faught the battle with the demon but it became difficult to defeat him. Finally, Lord swallowed Analasura, however, he could not avoid the heat created by the demon. Some of the sages came together and made offering of 21 leaflets of Durva grass on the head which is said to have given peace of mind to the Lord. Since then the tradition is observed during the ritualistic worship of Ganesh.


This grass possess anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, anti-fungal properties. It also has the medicinal values. In traditional medicinal practice, it is used to get relief from vomiting, diarrhoea, dysentery, bleeding of piles and irritation of bladder.