In the grand tapestry of God's creation, even the most humble elements hold significant power. One such example is the durva grass, a common sight in pujas and rituals, particularly associated with Lord Ganesha. This unassuming grass carries a puranic story that links it to the revered God, showcasing its extraordinary importance.
The Tale of Analasura: In a time long ago, there existed a formidable asura named Analasura, blessed with a unique boon from Lord Brahma. This boon allowed him to exhale fiery breath at will, making him a destructive force. With a wicked intent, Analasura wreaked havoc across realms, claiming everything as his own and using his fiery breath to eliminate any opposition. Even celestial beings were powerless against him. Desperate for a solution, the devas sought guidance from their Guru, Brihaspati.
Lord Ganesha's Intervention: Upon the devas' plea, Lord Ganesha vowed to end Analasura's reign of terror. Approaching the asura, Ganesha faced the onslaught of fiery breath and flames, which proved futile against the divine Lord. In a mighty display of power, Ganesha enlarged himself and swallowed Analasura whole. However, the fire within Analasura's belly caused discomfort to Ganesha.
The Cooling Measures: Witnessing Ganesha's unease, celestial beings came together to alleviate his discomfort. Indra placed the moon on Ganesha's head for a cooling effect, while Brahma's daughters fanned him. Lord Shiva added a snake around Ganesha's belly for extra cooling, and Vishnu contributed soothing lotus flowers. Despite these efforts, the fire persisted.
The Miraculous Durva Grass: In this moment of need, a group of sages led by Rishi Kashyapa visited Ganesha, offering a bundle of 21 blades of durva grass, collected for a yagna. Devotedly and humbly presented, the durva grass miraculously extinguished the fire in Ganesha's belly. In gratitude, Ganesha declared that anyone worshiping him with devotion and offering durva grass would receive his blessings.
The Moral: This story imparts a valuable lesson: Nothing is useless. Even seemingly insignificant elements, like a blade of grass, can work wonders when used with devotion and humility. The durva grass, once a simple part of nature, gained elevated status and sacred significance through its pivotal role in Ganesha's divine intervention.
Author: Anuradha Sundara Raman