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Thursday, September 22, 2011

Why do we offer a coconut?

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JAY SHREE POOJYASHREE SHREE AMMA

JAY MAHAN BRAHMASHREE GOPALAVALLIDASAR

JAY SHREE RADHEKRISHNA SATHSANG

Dear Readers,

Radhekrishna,

In our previous article, we started with the topic on “Why do we offer a coconut?”

In this post let us know the hidden reason behind this.

Various parts of the coconut symbolize something or the other. The juice inside the coconut symbolizes the desires of a human being. The white kernel symbolizes the mind.

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.

In our next post, let us look at a new question on Hindu customs and traditions.

…concluded

Section II: Information about Indian herbs


In this post let us know about Vishnakrant or Neelpushpi.

  • It is named after is blue coloured flowers
  • It s a herb that grows in the rainy season
  • Eaten as a vegetable it improves digestion
  • Its main quality is that of preventing malarial attacks
  • It also helps ward off asthamic attacks

That concludes our topic for the fortnight. Till the next post on 6th October, Radhekrishna to all!

Sarvam Guruvaarpanam

Tuesday, September 06, 2011

Why do we offer a coconut?

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JAY SHREE POOJYASHREE SHREE AMMA

JAY MAHAN BRAHMASHREE GOPALAVALLIDASAR

JAY SHREE RADHEKRISHNA SATHSANG


Radherkrishna to All,

In this questions and answer series related to customs and traditions prevalent in Hinduism, we have thus far completed 19 questions. In this post let us see the 20th question.

It is commonly observed that when we go to a temple, we offer a coconut. But it has never occurred to us that what could be the reason behind offering a coconut. Out topic for this post is the same i.e. “Why do we offer a 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. In short it is offered during any auspicious occasion.

Further, it is also 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.

But there is a hidden meaning behind this custom. Curious to know what is that hidden meaning? Then wait for our next post!!

Section II: Information about Indian herbs

In this post let us know about a commonly used fruit Nariyal, commonly known as coconut in english and Cocos Nucifera in Latin. It is said that each and every part of a coconut tree is useful in some or the other way.

  • It is a kind of palm tree which grows mostly in coastal areas
  • Water of its unripe fruit is drunk
  • Kernel of its fruit known as Khopra is used in many dishes
  • It is a nutritious food and highly recommended for expectorant mothers
  • It is a preventive against small pox
  • It is also used in cases of intestinal parasites
  • Oil of coconut is used as a cooking medium
  • Husk of its shell burnt and powdered is given in cases of piles and excessive menstruation
  • Coconut is also used to make hair oil

That concludes our post for the fortnight. Till the next post do continuous chanting of the Radhekrishna namam and enjoy the supreme bliss.

Radhekrishna!

Sarvam Guruvaarpanam.

 

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