Fond of Pomegranates

One of the Sanskrit names of Shri Ganesha is Bijapuraphalasakta; literally: "fond of the many-seeded fruit". The Bijapuraphala is the pomegranate.

Since ancient times this fruit, which originated in Eastern Iran, has been associated with fertility and abundance because of its many seeds.

In Greece there is a tradition of bringing a pomegranate as a gift when visiting people who have moved into a new home. The pomegranate is placed as an offering near the Greek Orthodox icons in the house to invoke blessings from the Divine for the new occupants. Pomegranates are also broken on the ground by the Greeks as an offering to bring luck at a marriage celebration.

The fruit appears in many depictions of the Virgin Mary and Jesus as a symbol of their sacrifice, which has given abundance to mankind.

In recent times the fruit has become a kind of superfood, with many health benefits claimed for it. Pomegranate juice is proliferating on supermarket shelves, and it is almost seen as a fountain of youth.
In Indian traditional medicine (Ayurveda), all parts of the fruit and tree are used to treat various diseases.

Infant Jesus with pomegranate, Sandro Botticelli.

Durva Grass

Shri Ganesha is often worshipped with ‘durva’ grass (Cynodon dactylon). According to Hindu mythology, Shri Ganesha once defeated a fire-emitting demon by assuming an immense form and swallowing his opponent, but so fiery was the demon’s body that Shri Ganesha started to overheat inside. A group of sages passing by offered a bunch of cooling durva grass. When the grass was placed over his head, Shri Ganesha experienced instant relief from the heat within him. Ever since, durva has been used to worship Ganesha. The tender new tips, with three or five blades, are offered after being dipped in water. 21 tips can be offered.

According to Ayurveda, the traditional medicinal lore of India, durva has powerful healing and purifying properties. Studies at the University of Allahabad in India, found that it has antimicrobial and antiviral properties, and may be useful for the treatment of urinary tract infections, prostatitis, syphilis, and dysentery. Shri Ganesha rules the Mooladhara Chakra, the subtle centre which maintains the reproductive organs and urinary tract.

Cynodon dactylon is native to India and Australia. In Australia it is called couch (pronounced 'kooch'), and is used for lawns.

Photos from The University of Queensland, Australia, website