History of Dharmashastra (Ancient and Mediaeval Religious and Civil Law in India) v5.c73.t1.129

v5.c73.t1.129

The Garuḍa⁹⁴¹ (Pretakhaṇḍa 2.21–22) states that all the three gods dwell in *kuśa* grass viz. Brahmā at its root, Viṣṇu in the middle and Śaṅkara at the end and that brāhmaṇas, mantras, *kuśas*, fire, *tulasī* leaf—these do not become *nirmālya* (stale and so unfit to be used again) even when the same are employed again and again. But an exception is made by Gobhila⁹⁴² that those *darbhas* which are spread on the ground for placing piṇḍas on them or that are used in *tarpaṇa* and those that are held in the hand while a man is answering the calls of nature should be given up (and not used again). The Viṣṇu Dh. S. 79.2 and Vāyu 75.41 provide that if *kuśas* are not available, *kāśa* grass or Dūrvā may be substituted. The Skandapurāṇa VII (Prabhāsakhaṇḍa) part 1.206.17 says that straight *darbhas* are used in giving gifts, at baths, in *japa*, *homa*, dinner and worship of gods, but they are double-folded when used in rites for *pitṛs*. The Skanda VII. 1 205.16 provides that the top of *darbhas* is for divine rites, while darbha with the root and tip is meant for *paitṛka* rites. This is based on the Śat. Br II 4. 2.17 which states that the top of the darbha belongs to gods, the middle to men and the root part to the fathers.