Offering the coconut

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Why do we offer coconut?

 

In India one of the most common offerings in a temple is a coconut,

it is also offered on occasions like weddings, festivals, the use of

a new vehicle, bridge, house etc. a pot (kalash) full of water

adorned with mango leaves and a coconut on top is worshiped on

important occasions and used to receive revered guests.

 

It is offered in the sacrificial fire while performing hom. The

coconut is broken and placed before the Lord. It is later distributed

as prasad. It is offered to please the Lord or to fulfill our desires.

 

There was a time when animal sacrifice (bali) was practiced,

symbolizing the offering of our animalistic tendencies to the Lord.

Slowly this practice faded and the coconut was offered instead. The

fibre covering of the fried coconut is removed except for the tuft on

the top. The marks on the coconut make it look like the head of a

human being. The coconut is broken, symbolizing the breaking of the

ego. The juice within representing the inner tendencies (vaasanas) if

offered along with the white kernel - the mind, to the Lord. A mind

thus purified by the touch of the Lord is used as prasad (a holy

offering).

 

In the traditional, abhishekh ritual done in all temples and many

homes, several materials are poured over the deity like milk, curd,

honey, tender coconut water, sandal paste, holy ash etc. Each

material has a specific significance of bestowing certain benefits on

worshippers. Tender coconut water is used since it is believed to

bestow spiritual growth on the seeker.

 

The coconut also symbolizes selfless service. Every part of the

coconut tree - the truck, leaves, fruit, coir etc. is used in

innumerable ways like thatches, mats, tasty dishes, oil etc. It takes

in salty water and converts it into sweet nutritive water that is

especially beneficial to the sick people. It is also used in the

preparation of many ayurvedic medicines and applications.

 

The marks on the coconut are even thought to represent the three-eyed

Lord Shiva and therefore it is considered to be a means to fulfill

our desires.