In Sanskrit, the coconut is known as Sriphala, or “God’s Fruit.” The coconut is the only fruit that is associated with the word ‘God.’ Coconuts are one of the most typical temple offerings in the Hindu religion. It is also an important part of all pujas.The coconut is a satvic fruit, which means it is sacred, pure, and beneficial to one’s health, and is also endowed with several properties.
Why coconut is choosen as an offering?
Adi Shankara, the most recognised spiritual Guru, had a vital part in denouncing the idea and practise of Narabali, instead recommending the use of coconut as a substitute for those who still wish to practise ‘bali’ sacrifice of other beings, but sought a comparable rite to fulfil their wishes.
Coconut was chosen primarily because it resembles the human head in many respects. The human hair is compared to the coir of the coconut, the skull to the hard nut, and the water inside the coconut to the blood, while the kernal is compared to the mental space. Another definition assigned the outer shell to the massive physical body of a human being and the kernel to the delicate body.Coconut performs a crucial role as a sacred offering to God. To reach God, one must remove the coconut’s hard outer skin, implying that one must be completely empty of wants. Because God wants his devotees to be egoless, we break the count, which means smashing our ego, which leads to the inner juice, which is generally eliminated before offering to God, demonstrating that our brain’s internal impulses to be envious, egoist, and selfish human beings must be eradicated.
What does puranas say about coconut?
The coconut is said to have been created by the great sage Vishwamitra to aid King Satyavrata in his quest to enter heaven with his mortal body, which he was unable to do because he was expelled by the Gods. Satyavrata was a well-known and pious king of the solar dynasty who once saved Vishwamitra and his family during a severe drought, and as a reward, the sage granted him the King’s request. But Indra, the Lord of Gods, would not allow it, and he expelled Satyavrata from the sky. Satyvratha shouted out for Vishwamitra, who used a spell to stop him in mid-flight.The enraged sage determined to create a heaven for Sathyavrata. But the sage soon recognised that when the spell’s force weakened, Sathyavrat might crumble. As a result, he used a long rod to restrain him. This rod eventually became the coconut tree’s trunk, while Satyavrata’s head became the fruit. This is how Sathyvrata earned the name Trishanku, which literally translates to “one who is neither here nor there.”
Lord Ganesha is also related with the coconut. It is stated that when Lord Ganesha was a child, he was drawn to his father’s third eye and reached out to touch it. Lord Shiva warned him not to touch him and gave him a coconut-shaped ball to play with. That is how the coconut arrived on the planet. Lord Ganesha considers the coconut to be highly special, and it is offered to him.
Lord Shiva’s three eyes are represented by three dots on the coconut. According to another belief system, the kernel (white flesh) represents Devi Parvati, the stream Ganga, and the brown shell Lord Kartikeya. As a result, it’s vital.
The Hindu gods Brahma (creator), Vishnu (protector), and Mahesh are represented by the coconut (the destroyer). The coconut is used as a form of worship by devotees to the three Gods. As a result, they pray for God’s blessings.
How coconut is used for various purposes?
- Coconut is utilised for a variety of auspicious occasions, and it is tied as a torana at the front door of houses for all ausp
- icious functions.
- It is presented to a bride before she departs for her in-law’s home.
- It’s also given to people when they pay each other a visit.
- Coconut is an auspicious fruit and a fertility symbol. As a result, it is believed that if a woman wishes to have a child, she should plant a coconut tree or gift coconuts to gods or goddesses.
- It’s also used during weddings, festivals, and when a new car, bridge, or house is being used. On important occasions, a pot (kalasha) filled with water and ornamented with mango leaves and a coconut on top is honoured and used to entertain revered guests.
- When performing homa, it is offered in the sacrificial fire. The coconut is shattered and presented to the Lord. Later, it is served as prasaada. It is offered in order to please God or to satisfy human wishes.
- The coconut tree, like the neem or bilva tree in north India, is considered auspicious in South India. South Indians believe that anyone who damages a coconut tree will be destroyed as well.
- It is forbidden to remove the Shikha from a coconut since it is considered a Brahmin sign.
References:
- Featured image by Balaji
- 2nd Image source
- Daily religion – main source
