'Kusha' (Desmostachya Bipinnata)

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J Biodiversity, 8(1): 44-50 (2017) DOI: 10.1080/09766901.2017.1336008

Over-religious Activity, A Threat to Biodiversity (3): Conserve ‘Kusha’ (Desmostachya bipinnata) before its Extinction

Sachidananda Padhy

Vedic Science Research Centre, Bhaba Nagar-1, Berhampur 760 004, Odisha, India E-mail: [email protected]

KEYWORDS Over-religious Activity, Kusha, Desmostachya Bipinnata, Vedic Literature, Aayurveda, Medicinal Utility, Religious Importance, Endangered Plant.

ABSTRACT Most of the Hindu religious functions can not be performed without the use of Kusha (Desmostachya bipinnata). The plant has a lot of metaphysical property to overcome anger and grief as claimed by Atharva Veda. In religious rites it is used for protection and purification of a system. It has many medicinal property as explored by Aayurveda. In spite of restriction for its collection from nature, there is no attempt for cultivation and conservation of the plant. The over use of this grass in religious practice along with day by day narrowing of its spreading area may drag the plant towards endangered status leading to extinct.

INTRODUCTION Aasami it is called Kusha; Telugu - Durbabalu, Dava, Darbha, Aswalayana; Hindi - Daava, Dab, In Hindu religious practice, plants are wor- Davoli; Malayalam - Darbha, Darbhapullu; Tamil shiped directly or different plant parts like flow- - Dharbai, Tarupai; Canada - Kusha, Dharbe; er, leaf, bud, wood, branches are offered for the Marathi - Darbha, Daav and in Urdu - Bikh deb. purpose. This habit plays a significant role for In most of the Indian languages the Sanskrit the conservation of plants in temple yards (Mo- name Darbha has a reflection. hanty et al 1997). Plant conservation and wor- The English name of the plant is Halfa grass, ship is also important from astrological point of Big cord grass and salt reed-grass. It is spread view (Dash and Padhy 2015). Amongst all plants, up in north east, west tropical and northern Af- the role of Kusha is extra-ordinary in religious rica (in Algeria, Chad, Egypt, Eritrea, Ethiopia, activity. But unfortunately, this plant is under Libya, Mauritania, Somalia, Sudan and Tunisia) restriction for cultivation or conservation. Time and countries in the Middle East and temperate is not for off for extinction of this plant, which is and tropical Asia (in Afghanistan, China, India, under over use. This communication is aimed to Iran, Iraq, Israel, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, Sau- explore the importance of Kusha and create an di Arabia and Thailand). eco-consciousness for this plant. The plant grows well in rainy season and helps for conservation of the soil. In India it is ECOLOGY OF ‘KUSHA’ available throughout the country. The importance of Kusha and research on it as realised by Kusha is a monocotyledon angiosperm, Or- the Indian people since the Vedic age, is not der - Poales, Family - Poaceae, Genus - Desmo- found anywhere else. stachya, Species - Bipinnata; enjoys a name Desmostachya bipinnata (L) Stapf. It is a pe- KUSHA IN VEDIC LITERATURE rennial grass with a stolon stem of significant height. The stem remains under coverage of the Very interesting facts about the Kusha are leaves. It is of two types - small and big with leaf reflected in Atharva Veda(AV). In the sixth Kan- blade either plain or rough. da (Chapter): The Mannusaman Sukta (43) has In Sanskrit Kusha has names: Darbha, Pabi- appeared. Mannu (Mann-u) has a meaning an- tra, Yajnyaika, Kutth, Barhi, Suchiagra, Khurap- ger, wrath and as well grief, sorrow. Samana atra and Yajnyabhusana. In Odia, Bengali and means: coordinator of peace. This Sukta can be OVER-RELIGIOUS ACTIVITY, A THREAT TO BIODIVERSITY 45 elaborated as follows (Acharya and Sharma • “Oh Drabha ! Sin never touches the person 1999). who holds you. You enlighten, purify and • “The Kusha is standing before me. It is pow- give him long life. You enhance the powers erful to spoil my personal anger and as well of his sense organs. Be the cause of his as of others. It is capable to cool down the strength and power, and give him energy to wrath of naturally furious and unnecessary perform work like a brave. For the better- ill-tempered persons”. ment of the old age we tie you on our body”. • It is said that, “Kusha grows on the earth, • “Oh Brave Man ! (you are) Holding the Drab- deep in soil near seashore (climate) is capa- ha, do not be menally sorry. With your own ble to pacify the anger”. strength influence others, like the sun illu- • “Oh the power of Devataa Krudha ! we cool minates the surrounding”. down the vibration of veins on the chin and • “Oh pleasant Drabha ! You shine over the appearance of different signs of anger on sacrifice platform (Yajnya Mandapa) in a the face (with the application of Kusha). beautiful form. Purify us with elimination of You please do not speak out continuously the sin. Please prepare us, to be wellbeing being forced by wrath and be favourable of every one. With whom we have affec- towards my mind”. It can be inferred that, tion, make us affectionate for them.” Kusha keeps the mind cool and subdues Apart the above all good qualities of Drab- the anger. th ha, from environmental science point of view, it In the 19 Kanda the Darbhamani Sukta (28, is said that: 29, 30) and Darbha Sukta (32, 33) elaborates • “The raining cloud, thunders with electric more about the Kusha. The use of adjective Mani sparkling. Golden rain drops percolate from (gem) with the former Sukta specifies the quali- the sky and generate the Kusha”. (The plant ty and importance of Drabha. The gist of the grows profusely in rainy season). above all Suktas is as follows: • “Oh Ousadha ! Being decorated with un- · “Oh Man ! we tie the Darbhamani (Kusha) limited branches and leaves, your head is with your body for your long life and bril- up towards the sky and you are stable over liance. This is a destroyer of enemy, and the earth, as well spread up tearing the soil. will cause distress in the heart of spiteful opponent”. (Anger is also projected here With your generation the surface of the earth as enemy and opponent). becomes strong, which stabilize the sky and • “Oh Darbhamani ! You please smash the heaven. You conserve the soil with your feeling of ego and hostile attitude in the root system”. heart of our enemy”. The elaborations of the Vedic literature re- • Oh Darbhamani ! You have armour to keep veals a metaphysical character of Drabha, that away the decay condition of old age and can enhance the mental power to overcome the death. By that power give us protection”. anger, grief and influence a person to be friendly • Oh Drabha ! we appoint you as the guard- with everyone. The plant has hidden medicinal ian of the body being enriched with the property to overcome the aging process. In power of a warrior. You save our body field”. course of time, Aayurveda has established • “Oh Man ! The most powerful and top most Kusha as a medicinal plant discussed below. medicinal plant Drabha united with unlimit- ed branches and thousands of leaves, we KUSHA: MEDICINAL IMPORTANCE tie to your body for long life”. • “Oh Drabha ! By your grace, let our enemy Aayurveda has explored the right part of the like unpleasant stricture and voice (for oth- plant, that is the root system, which is enriched ers) get lost, let we have growth of our with medicinal quality. However, the leaves of friendship overthrowing of foe, let we have Kusha has some healing power; in total is pre- long living children and let you get exposed sented below: like an important medicine and save us from 1. Macerated leaf extract of Kusha applied on all sides”. a fresh cut wound stops bleeding and heals • “Oh Drabha ! your winning capability(over quickly. diseases) and our capacity to struggle, be 2. Leaf extract squeezed into nose stops united to restraint the enemy”. bleeding. 46 SACHIDANANDA PADHY

3. Pounded leaf applied on the skin cures itch- Golmirich, that relieves quickly. This appli- ing disease. cation is also favourable for early delivery. 4. Any type of wound washed with the de- 18. Root of Kusha grinded with cow milk, if coction of Kusha root quickly heals it taken in early in the morning, it clears the (Charaka). urination and cures from gonorrhoea. 5. Kusha root pounded in rice washed water, 19. Pounded Kusha root mixed with sugar wa- taken being mixed with powder of cumin ter if taken daily, it cures incurable Asmmri seed (Cuminum cyminun) and sugar cures (Kidney stone) and stoppage of urination. menstrual disorder (Chakradatta). 20. Juice of green Kusha root mixed with limit- 6. Kusha root and bark of Bajramuli root (Sida ed sugar candy power taken thrice daily rhombifolia) grinded together with rice cures excess bile secretion and its nega- washed water, taken internally stops blood tive impacts. stool evacuation (Bangasena). 21. Five products: Adrak, Mirchi (Capsicum 7. Decoction of Kusha root clears urination. annum), Haldi (Curcuma longa), Kalajira 8. Decoction of Kusha root and Gokhara (Nigella sativa) and root of Kusha in equal (Pedalium murex, Tribulus terrestris) mixed part are to be pounded together and cooked with honey and sugar candy taken in cures till the remaining of 1/8 part of water, filtered. rheumatic fever. The filtrate mixed with little cow urine is to 9. Ointment of pounded Kusha root checks be taken daily twice or thrice for seven days. the burning sensation. It cures jaundice, paleness and dropsy. 10. Intake of mixed decoction of Kusha root, Maghi Raasi (Sesamum indicum Raasi pro- KUSHA: TANTRIC APPLICATION duced in the Hindu calendar month Magha) and old Gur (Jaggery) cures scanty and The philosophy of Tantra has a broader obstacle of menstruation. meaning - ‘Spread to save’ (Bernard 1989). The 11. Boiled water of Kusha root with little hon- super natural power, a universal concept, got ey taken in three doses cures fever gener- manifested to perform different functions; an ated out of Tridosa (derangement of the ecological spread over (of powers). Their struc- body). ture was designed scientifically as a Devataa 12. One: One, Ksuha root and Badi amalakam (Phyllanthus fraternus) pounded in rice from mythological point of view, while recogn- washed water, taken for seven days twice ised as a secret positive or negative power in daily morning and evening, cures all sorts every system (Vitasaxis 1977). Such implications of menstrual disorder of females and keeps of Kusha are as follows: them active and fit. • In any Sunday, after a full bath in the early 13. Kusha root grinded in cow milk, taken in morning, the root of Kusha collected from the repeatedly followed by sugarcane juice east side of residential house, kept with self- cures scanty urination disease. enhances the name and fame of a person. 14. Pain at the abdomen and anus region re- • Root of Kusha pounded with cow milk tak- lieves when fomented with boiled water of en; spoils the black magic applied by some- Kusha root. one. 15. Boiled water of Kusha root mixed with little • Root of Benna (Khaskhas: Vetivera zizan- honey and juice of Adrak (Zingiber offici- iodes) and Kusha grinded together, pasted nale) taken in gives relief from all types of on the head cures madness caused due to fever, thirst, burning, distaste, headache, application of black magic. cough, asthma and hiccup. • In a specific Saturday, if it coincides with 16. Decoction of Kusha root mixed with pow- the eighth day of a dark fortnight; Kusha der of Golmirich (Piper nigrum) and little root is to be procured from the nature and honey taken thrice daily for three days, re- kept in house. If this root is tied as a talis- lieves form all sorts of stomach pain. man on the hand of a person who suffers 17. If anyone is suddenly attacked by diarrhoea from intermittent fever and the turn of the with vomiting, he should be administered fever comes on Saturday or Sunday, the quickly by pounded Kusha root with disease is cured away. OVER-RELIGIOUS ACTIVITY, A THREAT TO BIODIVERSITY 47

KUSHA: RELIGIOUS PRACTICE for their purification and protection. For this process Kusha has a special name Pabitra (sacred). Kusha has multiple utility in religious rites. In the epic ‘Yagnya Paarswa’ it is mentioned that, Use of Kusha Batu (Ring) use of Kusha is a must in rites like: Yajnya (Sac- rifice), Pakayajnya Karma (Offering of cooked Before starting of any type of Karma Kanda food - Biswadeva Puja, Padhy 2008), Pitru Kar- (worship procedure) the Kartaa (executant) is ma (Manes worship) and Deva Karma (Wor- expected to wear a ring of Kusha in the ring ship of Devataas). finger. This ring is instantly prepared before the starting of any worship work. There are two Havan (Fire Worship) types of ring: Bartula Granthi (Knot) and Brah- ma Granthi used as per need. The ring is fabri- The metaphysical properties of Kusha iden- cated with five Kushas for worship in construc- tified in Vedic literature has reflected in the reli- tive work (Pustikarma), four for peace worship gious functions in course of time. Kusha pro- work (Shanti Karma), three for Manes worship tects the Yajnya Mandapa (Sacrificial platform) (Pitru Karma) and two for daily worship (Nitya form external disturbance. In a laboratory, gen- Karma). There are specific Mantras to be ut- erally the necessary chemicals and instruments tered during ring fabrication and acceptance. To are assembled on the working table before the describe more about the ring fabrication proce- conduct of any experiment. Such an activity is dure is beyond the scope of this commutation. conducted before Havan (Fire worship) called In epic ‘Aanhika Sutrabalayam’ it is clearly writ- Kusandi beedhi. The necessary material for ten that any religious activity such as: bathing Havan, such as Wood, Ghee, Havan instru- at a pilgrim place, Havan, Dana (offering), Reci- ments, Fire, Charu (medicinal products) to drop tation of Veda and Pitru Tarpana (offering water in fire, flowers etc are assembled first on the to Manes, (Padhy 2008) should be followed after platform. All sides of the Mandapa are covered wearing a Kusha ring. Moreover, the Kusha ring with Kusha for their metaphysical protection. (called as Batu in Sanskrit) enhances the mental Specially the fire place at the centre of the plat- strength, concentration, keeps the mind away from form is protected by Kusha by a process known irritation and anger and encourages to perform was Kushai Paristharana. Bundles of Kusha any worship work with consciousness. are placed in the East side - tip towards the North; In many temples, just at the entrance, a huge South - tip towards the East; West - tip towards bundle of Kusha is tied over the Dhwaja Stam- the North and North - tip towards the East (Fig. bha (Flag Post). Anyone who enters into the 1). All the fire warship instruments and materials temple is expected to offer his first prayer at this are touched with Kusha with chanting of Mantra point. By the influence of Kusha his mind gets cool down and is concentrated for worship work.

Kusha as Purifier and Non-conductor

Kusha works as a great purifier. After the performance of any worship, finally sacred Kusha water (Shanti Jala) is sprinkled over every one whoever is present there, and prayer is offered for peace and harmony. In Manusmruti (The first ethical law book of human race) it is focused that, if any one touches wine or drinks the offal water of a Ssudra (may be by mistake), he should purify himself by drinking Kusha dipped water for three days with some sacrifice. During the time of solar and lunar eclipse, in order to save the cooked food and other house- hold commodities from metaphysical impurity Fig. 1. Fire place of a Yajnya Mandapa and position (Grahana Dosa), Kusha is placed over them for of Kusha for metaphysical protection protection and maintain their purity. In different 48 SACHIDANANDA PADHY ethical epics, it is projected that, sleeping on a conductor activity. In totally Kusha has the ca- Kusha bed during the previous night of any pacity to drag the energy, obstruct the loss of worshiping day, enhances sacred feeling and power, channelize it for the elevation of mental develops concentration. sphere to make it calm and as well disperse the The science of Yoga states that, in every negative impacts. It is well realised that, Drabha human body there are interconnected spiritual has the highest value in conducting the phonet- nerves which connects it with the whole uni- ic vibration through its tip. verse, as if, the total nature interplay inside a Among the Hindu religious days, the fifth corporeal frame. Amongst these yogic nerves, day of the bright fortnight of Bhadraba month is the most important named as Sushumnaa is named as ‘Rakshaya Panchami’. There is instruc- placed within the spinal column being extended tion to perform a puja this day to Devataas: Ga- from the lowest vertebra upto the brain. This napati, Mahadeva and Vairab for the protection spiritual nerve has six vortex points. It is rea- of the residential house from diseases and exter- lised that, the whole vital energy of the human nal negative elements. A specially designed body being connected with the universal ener- Kusha fabrication, tied with the specific Mantra gy, is concentrated in the lowest vortex point written on a palm leaf, is hugged in front of the called Kundalini placed at the pelvic plexus or house. People have strong faith that, this struc- coccygeum ganglion (Padhy 2016). ture protects the house from all sorts of nega- A yogi, when sits on the ground surface to tive vibrations, diseases and enemies for one perform his Yoga Kriya, the magnetic and grav- year. itational forces of the earth puts impact on the energy current of his spinal column and disturbs CONSERVE THE KUSHA the concentration of mind. To avoid this, a Yogi is expected to sit on a non-conductor Aasan The world is passing through critical envi- (seat) to perform yoga. The description of the ronmental problems. Raise of atmospheric tem- Yogic Aasan is given in Gita (6/11): perature, disturbed ozone layer, acid rain, green Chhailazinkushottram - “Put the Kusha mat effect associated with air and water pollution on the soil, over that place a skin of Mruga (An- are major problems. In localised areas irregular tilop) and spread soft cloth at the top”. For the raining or deficiency, unusual overflow of riv- protection of the Sushumnaa, Manusmruti (2/ ers, earth quake, occurrence of typhoon has kept 75) has also advised to use Kusha Aasan. Ac- the citizens under stress and frightened. Use of cording to early Buddhist account, Goutama chemical fertilizers and pesticides in agriculture Buddha used Kusha seat for his meditation when and dumping of radioactive substances has di- he attained enlightenment under the Bodhi tree. minished the fertility of the soil with additional This proves that, the Vedic age Indians were problems like deficiency of burning fuel and lack aware of the non-conductor property of Kusha. of food for cattle. Sound pollution needs special Coincidently recent medical research has proved status for evaluation, as hardly any one bothers that, Kusha blocks sixty percent of X-ray radia- for its negative effect and human society de- tion (Internet Source). When so powerful radia- rives pleasure out of it. Under such situation, tion can be absorbed by the holy grass, why the over population, urbanisation and industri- can it not absorb the ill-radiations? alisation associated with depletion of biodiver- In mythology, the ecological powers are de- sity due to extinct of plants and animals creates signed scientifically as Devataa, holding differ- an alarming situation. ent weapons in their arms (more than two). The Day by day forest area coverage deteriorates weapons represent the modus operandi of their which causes heavy pressure on ecological bal- powers. In an epic ‘Aanhika Karikayan’ the ance. For the growth of township and develop- Kusha is praised as the weapon of the worship- ment of road and railways, the plant growth ar- er (Priest), compared with the weapons - Bajra of eas are cleared up. In such a situation the Kusha Indra, Chakra and Vishnu and Trisula of Siva. grass is not an exception to escape the irradia- This indicates that, the worshiper is capable to tion process. For instance, two villages named draw the power of the Devataas through the ‘Kushapada’ and ‘Kushasthali’ near the home Kusha. This energy pulling property of Kusha town of the author which were important hubs is just opposite to its previously discussed non- for the growth and collection of Kusha thirty OVER-RELIGIOUS ACTIVITY, A THREAT TO BIODIVERSITY 49 years ago, now urbanised and there is no trace other three are gold, silver and copper. In of the plant in that area. In the Puri district (Ja- absence of any plant material a worshiper gannath Dham) Odisha there is a river named can perform his Puja wearing a gold, silver ‘Kushavadra’ once was famous for the growth or copper ring. The following six plants of Kusha on its bank is now fallen dry and at the are also named as Drabha with respect, but verge of to be declared as dead. The above are their quality as Kusha is not reflected in the outcome of a short ecological study on the any religious epics or Veda. They are: plant by the author. 1. Saccharum spontaneum L. (Chadhiya, The Vedic Indians were aware of ecological Kaasatandi). pressure on Desmostachya bipinnata due to its 2. Saccharum munja Roxb (Munjakansa, expected excess consumption, which is evident Saratruna) as follows: 3. Cynodon dactylan (L) Pers. (Durba). 1. In the whole year, one day is fixed for col- 4. Hordeum vulgare L. (Barley, Jaba) lection of Kusha from the nature i.e. on 5. Triticum aestivum L. (Gahama, Gahuun, ‘Bhadraba’ month new moon day called Wheat) Koushi Amabasya. This day comes in the 6. Aristida setacea Retz (Balwaja, Khada rainy season when the plant grows in ex- ghasa) cessive form and spreads up on the soil In the epic ‘Haaretaha’ it is mentioned that, surface. Collection of the leaves for reli- one can use any of the above alternate plants as gious purpose and roots for medicine to Drabha, but should not use an impure Kusha any extent, has comparatively little impact available in the following form. on the eco-system. The climatic and edaph- 1. Thrown away or grown in a pathway. ic condition offers enough scope to the 2. Thrown or grown in a burial ground plants for their recovery. 3. All ready used Kusha in a Yajnya function. 2. Kusha collection from nature on any day, 4. After use of Kusha in Tarpana (water of- other than the above mentioned specific fer) Pindia Daana (food offer) and other work of Pitru Karma. day is strictly objected. It is an ethical pro- 5. A Kusha available at a place of urination tection for the plant. An interaction with a and offal. person who is a religious commodity busi- The above descriptors elevates the status ness man in the author’s home town is as of Kusha and conserves its integrity. It is rightly follows: reflected in ‘Satapatha Brahmana’ (7.3.2.3): “Tai “I had been to a specific place for collec- hee Sudhaa Meedhya” - you are only pure and tion of Kusha for my business due to short intelligent (Oh Kusha!). supply. By that time, I was not aware of Now a days Kusha is sold in the market (may the collection day specification and other be against Manusmruti). It is difficult to know rituals related to that. Suddenly, I was its integrity. Still people run to the nature for its caught red-handed by the nearby villages collection on the specific day. The whole Hindu and they insisted me to go for a penance community in bound to perform different rituals for the mistake I committed”. One can ob- in presence of Kusha. The alternate plants are serve the strictness followed now a days side tracked. Either we are aware or not aware of also for Kusha collection, that adds to its the right meaning of different rituals, we follow conservation in nature. these as tradition and culture. The religious feel- 3. In Manusmruti, use of Kusha as a busi- ings are deep inside the heart of very Indian like ness commodity is strictly denied (10/88). the genes of a biological cell. No doubt, our cul- In business there must be adulteration, ture is temporarily effected by negative external hording and monopoly. To save the plant vibrations and activities, but it stands like a from such negative impacts, such socio- Kusha grass on its substratum. Atharva Veda ethical rules were framed in the Vedic age. has focused “Oh Drabha! you save us from the external enemies”. Uncivilisation is the greatest 4. Keeping in view, the ambiguous available enemy of our culture that was long back realised possibility of Kusha everywhere, in the by our ancient sages and seers. They have re- epic ‘Grushya Sutra’ nine alternates are flected accordingly to save the culture from ex- suggested. Out of that, six are plants and ternal agents like the great Drabha. 50 SACHIDANANDA PADHY

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