Darbha grass is mentioned in Rigveda, X.134.5: "Let all malevolence pass away from us like the threads of Darbha grass". Darbha/kusa is supposed to be the king of grass and have descended from Devaloka/the origins of darbha is from heaven.
The sanctity of dharba, also known as kusha (or, kusa) grass, is as old as the Indian gods. Puranas tell how Vishnu assumed the form of the Cosmic Tortoise (Skt. kurma) whose shell served to support Mandara, the mountain that served as a dasher in the Churning of the Sea of Milk. As the mountain rotated, several hairs were rubbed from the tortoise's back. With time, they washed ashore and became Kusha.
Later, when the amrita (nectar) was obtained and distributed among the gods, some drops fell on the grass which further sanctified it imbuing it with healing properties.
Therefore, in the tradition hair-cutting of Vaishnava toddlers, the hair is touched with kusha before it is cut. It was used as a ritual seat as far back as the Vedas, and the Bhagavad Gita (ch. 6) stipulates that, covered with a skin and a cloth, it is the appropriate seat for meditation. Therefore, it was one of the first offerings made to the Buddha.
Dharbam is a sacred holy grass which has the ability to absorb radiation and correct magnetic field issues. Due to its amazing properties, its used in various parts of religious practices like homam, tharpanam etc.
Because of placing the Amruta Kalasah ( pot containg Ambrosia) the Sacrificial Grass (Darba) became sacred. For this reason, since then Kusah (Darba) has become headmost and worthy for all the rituals of Godly Sacrificial Fires (Yagnas and Homas etc.,). Another legend says, the mighty demon Vrutrasura was killed by Indra Deva. Then that Asura fell on the ground and became as Kusah (Darbh). Hence Kushah is treated as sacred in all the Hindu Rituals.
Uses:
1. While chanting hymns, hold a bunch of Darbha grass, dipping the tip into a pot full of water. The positive vibrations of the mantras recited are believed to be absorbed by water in the pot through the grass. Then the recharged water is sprinkled around to purify the surroundings.
2. Also, while performing fire ritual, Darbha grass is placed on the four sides of the agni kund or sacred fireplace, While chanting and reciting verses from the Vedas, one has to wear a ring made of Darbha grass on one’s right hand ring finger as a protective shield from negative vibrations.The number of Darbha leaves used depends on the ceremony that is being performed. For ceremonies related to death, only one Darbha leaf is used. For auspicious and daily rituals, a ring made of two leaves is used; for inauspicious but not death related functions — Amavasya Tharpanam, Pithra Puja — a three-leaf Darbha ring is used. For temple prayers and puja, a four-leaf Darbha ring is used.
Quantity: Set of 5