Many things are used in the Tarpan and Shraddha rituals performed for ancestors during Pitru Paksha, but Kush grass has its own special place. It looks like an ordinary grass, but it is considered very sacred in religious traditions. The origin of Kush grass is linked to the Varaha incarnation of Lord Vishnu. For this reason, it has been used for a long time in worship and ancestral rituals.
While performing Tarpan, there is a tradition of wearing a ring made of Kush on the ring finger of the right hand, which is called Pavitri. According to religious belief, the offering made by wearing it is considered sacred and it is a symbol of maintaining purity in the method of worship.
What is the importance of Kush grass?
There is an interesting religious belief associated with Kush grass. It is said that every part of it is related to the Trinity. According to belief, Lord Brahma is believed to reside in the root of Kush, Lord Vishnu in the middle and Lord Shiva at the top. For this reason, it is not seen like an ordinary grass, rather it is given special respect in worship and rituals related to ancestors.
What is the relation with Lord Vishnu?
The story of Kush grass is also said to be related to an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. According to belief, when Lord Vishnu took the form of Varaha, Kush originated from the hair of his body. Because of this story, this grass was considered not ordinary but sacred. Gradually its use in religious rituals, worship and ancestral rituals became a part of a special tradition.
Kush is also related to nectar
Another mythological story related to Kush grass is quite interesting. It is believed that when Garuda Dev came from heaven with the urn of nectar, on the way he kept that urn on Kush grass for some time. It is said that even Kush became pure by the touch of nectar. This is the reason why it started getting special importance in religious rituals and it started being used in everything from ancestral rituals to worship.
Why do we wear sacred thread during tarpan?
When the ritual of Tarpan begins, a small ring made of Kush is also specially prepared. It is called Pavitri and in religious tradition it is said to be worn on the ring finger of the right hand. It is believed that by wearing it, the purity of Shraddha ritual is maintained and the person is able to concentrate on one place during the puja. This is the reason why Kush has been used for a long time in Tarpan, Shraddha and Pind Daan. The religious beliefs associated with this seemingly ordinary grass have given it a special place in the ritual of Pitru Karma.