Devala-smriti (critical study)
by Mukund Lalji Wadekar | 1982 | 67,394 words
This essay represents an English study of the Devala-smriti—an ancient text attributed to sage Devala classified as belonging to the Dharma-Shastra branch of Indian literature which encompasses jurisprudence and religious law. This study deals with the reconstructed text of the Devalasmriti based on surviving references, emphasizing Devala’s unique...
10.3. The preparation and utility of Kurca
[Full title: (F) The distinctive ritualistic features; (I) The necessary ingredients of ritual Darbha, Pavitra, Kurca etc. (1) Enumeration of seven kinds of Darbhas].
The important technical information about kurca (a bundle f or handful of kusa grass) is also found in the text (475-478). It is said to be of three kinds (1) uttama (the best), (2) madhyama (middling), (3) adhama (the lowest). The seven, five or three darbhas (sacred grass) are to be used for its preparation. The knot, made with right turn should be of the size of one finger. The upper part of the kurca should be of four fingers, & its lower part of the length of four fingers. The kurca, with its S tips upwards, brings about prosperity. It is used in the rituals. 1 of santi, with its tips, turned downwards; while during the activities of magical purposes, it should be used with tips, turned inside. The kurca can be prepared with 27, 21 or 15 darbhas.