In ancient times, the sacred darbha grass was invoked with deep reverence and hope. Those who sought victory and protection called upon its power, addressing it as a precious jewel. “O darbha,” they prayed, “obstruct my rivals, those who oppose me in battle, those difficult to defeat; obstruct my enemies, O jewel.” They pleaded further, “Destroy my rivals, destroy those who stand against me, destroy all who are hard to conquer, destroy my enemies, O jewel.” The prayers continued, asking darbha to churn, compress, dry up, burn, and strike their adversaries, each time invoking its potent force as a jewel that could overcome all opposition. The worshippers acknowledged the armor-like qualities of darbha, whose hundredfold protection was likened to old age and death themselves. “With your armor,” they said, “make me strong and strike down my rivals by your might.” They recognized the grass’s many blades of protection and its thousand powers, entrusted by all the gods as a support through old age. Darbha was honored as the armor of the gods, the Lord of Prayer, and even Indra’s own shield, a protector of the realms. “You are the destroyer of rivals, the burner of enemies’ hearts, the jewel that increases sovereignty,” they declared, “I make you the drink of my body.” The origin of darbha was celebrated: when the ocean roared with storm and lightning, a golden drop arose, and from that drop, the sacred grass was born. The prayers then turned to the audumbara jewel, seeking abundance. “May the Creator grant me increase of all cattle in my cattle-pen through the audumbara jewel,” they prayed. The household fire, lord of cattle, was invoked to bring prosperity, and the audumbara, called the bull among jewels, was asked to release abundance. They wished for the fruitful, nourishing presence to dwell in their homes, and by the brilliance of audumbara, sought the Creator’s blessing for abundance. With the audumbara jewel, they claimed the fullness of foods and juices from all beings, both two-footed and four-footed, gathering the abundance of cattle and grain. They called upon Brihaspati and Savitar for the milk of cattle and the essence of plants. “May I be the lord of cattle,” they prayed, “may the lord of abundance establish abundance in me; may the audumbara jewel grant me wealth.” They wished the jewel, inspired by Indra, to bring offspring, strength, and splendor, and to destroy rivals while granting wealth, food, and cows. The audumbara tree was remembered as born together with abundance, and Sarasvati was invoked to grant wealth and increase. Prayers for milk and grain were offered to Sarasvati and Sinivali, with the audumbara jewel as well. The audumbara was hailed as the bull among jewels, lord of jewels, in whom the lord of abundance was born, and in whom all riches reside. “Conquer for us, audumbara, drive away misfortune, enmity, and hunger.” The audumbara was praised as the leader of the village, chief and anointed, bestowing splendor and vigor. “You are wealth, grant me wealth; you are abundance, unite me with abundance; householder, make me lord of the house. Place wealth among us, grant us heroic riches.” Bound for the hero, the audumbara jewel was asked to grant sweet alliances and all-heroic wealth. The story continued with the darbha grass, described as hundred-jointed, difficult to move, thousand-leaved, elevated and fierce among herbs. It was bound for long life, its hairs uncut and leaves unbroken, offering protection. Its tuft was said to reside in heaven, its roots established on earth, increasing life for all. Darbha was invoked to subdue the ill-willed and their words, to endure hostility and battle, and to make many friendly. With darbha, born of the gods and the eternal pillar in heaven, the people sought food and sustenance for all. “Make me dear, O darbha, to Brahmin, royal, Shudra, Arya, and to all whom we desire.” They called upon the one who made firm the earth and propped up the sky, untouched by evil, asking Varuna and the shining one to protect them. The rival-slayer, powerful and first among herbs, was invoked for protection in battle and combat. Darbha was praised as thousand-valued, hundred-jointed, rich in milk, fire of the waters, king of plants, joining people with long life. Smeared with ghee, sweet and rich in milk, supporter of the earth, unfailing and unshakable, it drove away rivals and cast down the lowly, rising up with great power. It entered the earth with strength, sat beautifully upon the altar, and was borne by sages as a purifier to cleanse from evils. Finally, darbha was called the sharp king, poison-conqueror, slayer of demons, beloved of all people, binding the fierce strength of the gods for old age and well-being. Thus, through the power of darbha and audumbara, the people sought victory over rivals, abundance in their homes, protection, and purification, invoking the blessings of the gods and the sacred jewels for a life of prosperity, strength, and harmony.