Vedic Index of Names and Subjects v2.c4.s2.74

v2.c4.s2.74

Balbaja is the name of the grass called Eleusine indica. It is mentioned in the Atharvaveda,¹ and is said in the Yajurveda Saṃhitās² to be produced from the excrements of cattle. In the Kāṭhaka Saṃhitā² it is stated to be used for the sacrificial litter (Barhis) and for fuel. Baskets or other products made from this grass are referred to in a Dānastuti (‘Praise of Gifts’) in the Rigveda.³