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. It is offered in the sacrificial fire whilst
performing homa. The coconut is broken and placed before the Lord. It is
later distributed as prasaada.
The fibre covering of the dried coconut is removed except
for a tuft on the top. The marks on the coconut make it look like the head of a
human being. The coconut is broken, symbolising the breaking of the ego. The
juice within, representing the inner tendencies (vaasanas) is offered
along with the white kernel - the mind, to the Lord.
A mind thus purified by the touch of the Lord is used as prasaada
(a holy gift). In the traditional abhishekha 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 in abhisheka rituals since it is believed to
bestow spiritual growth on the seeker.
The coconut also symbolises selfless service. Every part
of the tree -the trunk, leaves, fruit, coir etc. Is used in innumerable ways
like thatches, mats, tasty dishes, oil, soap etc. It takes in even salty water
from the earth and converts it into sweet nutritive water that is especially
beneficial to sick people. It is used in the preparation of many ayurvedic
medicines and in other alternative medicinal systems.
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.
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