Ganesh loves “Durva”. His preference for Durva (leaves of grass) is not hidden from any Hindu devotee. Durva is also called Duub and It is especially used to worship Lord Ganesha. But why Durva is so loved by Lord Ganesha? And why precisey 21 Durva are offered to him. The story is as follows.
If a mythological story is to be believed, once earth and heaven were gripped by the fear of Anlasur. He used to gobble up saints and humans. The rising atrocities of Anlasur forced Indra and other deities and saints to reach for Shiva for help. All requested Shiva to put an end to the terror of Anlasur. After listening to the plight of Gods and saints, Lord Shiva said that only lord Ganesha can help you get rid of Anlasur. Later Lord Ganesha gobbled up Alnasur but started feeling irritation in his stomach. Ganesha tried many ways to soften the irritation, but all in vain. Then Saint Kashyapa advised Lord Ganesha to eat a collection of 21 Durva. After eating Durva’s Lord Ganesha got respite from irritation. Since then Durva’s are offered to Lord Ganesha.