As Ganesh Chaturthi approaches, everyone is waiting to welcome Lord Ganesha in their homes with grand celebrations, modaks and traditional rituals. Elaborate offerings are presented before Bappa, but one green element holds a supreme position in the worship of Lord Ganesha and i.e. Druva Grass or Dhruva Grass, also known as Bermuda grass. 

Why Do Devotees Offer 21 Durva To Lord Ganesha? 

No Ganesh Pooja is complete without a bundle of 21 blades of dhruva grass. There are many reasons behind this, majorly the story of Analasura, and the vedic significance of the number 21. 

The Legend of Analasura: The Mythological Story Behind 21 Dhruvas

According to Hindu scriptures, a demon named Analasura, who wrecked both heavens and the Earth. He possessed the power to emit fire through his eyes, destroying everything that came in his path. All the celestial Gods seeked protection from Lord Ganesha. 

To protect them, Ganesha swallowed the demon, however the heat from the demon created agony in Ganesha’s stomach. The God’s tried to cool down Ganesha’s stomach with sandalwood paste, water or even lotus blossoms. But nothing worked. 

At the end, a group of sages gathered 21 blades of Dhruva grass, and offered them to Ganesha. It provided immediate coolness in his stomach. Overjoyed with relief, Lord Ganesha declared that anyone who offered him 21 blades of dhruva will be blessed with divine blessing. 

Significance Of The Number 21

According to Vedic Philosophy, offering 21 blades of dhruv grass to Lord Ganesha represents surrendering your entire physical and spiritual being to the almighty. The  number 21 breaks down into 21 components of the human body. 

Component Category

Count

Elements Represented

Gyanendriyas (Sense Organs)

5

Eyes, ears, nose, tongue, skin

Karmendriyas (Action Organs)

5

Hands, feet, speech, elimination, reproduction

Pranas (Vital Life Energies)

5

Prana, Apana, Vyana, Udana, Samana

Mahabhutas (Basic Elements)

5

Earth, Water, Fire, Air, Space

Atman/Citta (Conscious Soul)

1

The inner mind and self

Offering 21 dhruva grass blades means surrendering your entire being to Lord Ganesha. With this he purifies you as a human being. 

How To Offer Dhruva Grass Properly?

To offer 21 Dhurva grass blades to this Ganpati, you need to carry out these rituals:

  • Select fresh, green Durva grass with three leaves (representing the Trinity: Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva).

  • Make a bundle using 21 individual stalks tied neatly with a holy thread.

  • Wash the grass gently in clean water or Ganga Jal.

  • Offer the bundle at Lord Ganesha's feet while chanting "Om Gan Ganapataye Namah" or reciting his 21 sacred names.

    • Conclusion 

    Dhuruva Grass holds a great importance in Ganesh Poojan. So, this Ganesh Chaturthi, offers Durva grass with sincere devotion to welcome peace, prosperity, and the removal of all obstacles from your life.  

    (Image Credits: Pinterest)
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