Why do we offer a coconut?

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 20^th 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.