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
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