[Kerala Pilgrim Centers | Mosques, Temples, Churches Kerala | Pilgrimage Destinations] Why do we offer Coconut...? What is reason behind offering a coconut to the deity?

[Your Posting]

Why do we offer Coconut...? What is reason behind offering a coconut to the deity?

 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.

Via yourpo...@gmail.com

Posted by : Jayakrishna Kaimal

You can also post your articles to keralapilgrimcenters.com, simply send your posts to yourpo...@gmail.com all your valid posts or articles will be publish within 24 hours.

Temples of Kerala | Hindu Pilgrimage Places | Prayer Centers / Temples | Hindu Pilgrim Centers | Religious destinations | Hindu Festivals | Rock Cut Temples of Kerala | Kerala Pilgrimage centers | Pilgrimage destinations | Kerala pilgrim centres | Kerala Hindu pilgrimage tour packages

--
Posted By Your Posting to Kerala Pilgrim Centers | Mosques, Temples, Churches Kerala | Pilgrimage Destinations at 11/07/2011 10:28:00 PM