Why is coconut offered as part of rituals?
In Hindu temples one of the most common offerings is a coconut. It is also offered on important occasions like weddings, festivals, before using new vehicle, house warming etc. It is also offered in the sacrificial fire while performing homam. The coconut is broken and placed before the god and it is later distributed as prasaadam.
The outer fiber of the dried coconut is removed except for the cluster 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 and the juice within, representing the inner tendencies, is offered along with the white kernel i.e. the mind, to the god. A mind thus purified by the touch of the god is used as prasaadam, a holy gift.
In the traditional abhishekham 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 granting certain benefits to the worshippers. Tender coconut water is used in abhishekam rituals since it is believed to give spiritual growth on the person.
The coconut also symbolizes selfless service. Every part of the coconut tree, the trunk, leaves, fruit, coir etc. is used in innumerable ways like roofs, mats, dishes, oil, soap etc. The tree takes in even salty water from the earth and converts it into sweet nutritive water that is especially beneficial to sick people. It is also used in the preparation of many ayurvedic medicines and in other alternative medicinal systems.
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