The coconut represents the Hindu trinity of Brahma (the creator), Vishnu (the protector) and Mahesh (the destroyer). Hence, the significance. Devotees pay tribute to the three Gods by treating the coconut as an object of worship. Thus, they seek the blessings of the trinity.
What does a coconut symbolize in Hinduism?
As per Hindu mythology the tradition of breaking coconut was started to stop the culture of animal sacrifice. The outer shell of coconut, which is hard, is compared to human ego while the white and soft inner part is considered as a symbol of peace. Offering coconut symbolises offering your own self to the god.
What is the symbolic meaning of coconut?
It is the soft, white inner core and water of the coconut that represents our inner light, beauty and divinity. It could even be said that just as the water of one coconut is indistinguishable from another, our truest essence is the same as everyone else.
Why do Indians use coconut?
Coconut is a multipurpose fruit with high economic value.
Though mango is the king of fruits in India, coconut is celebrated as a symbol of prosperity, a blessing of nature, an auspicious object of ceremony, a useful item of handicraft, and an essential ingredient for cooking. The origin of this plant is debated.
Can a woman break a coconut?
In fact, it is said that coconut is a seed and if a woman gives birth to her seed, then how a lady can break a seed. There is also a belief that the Lord Vishnu had sent the coconut to the earth and seriously this is the first thing sent by him, on which no other woman has the right but Mother Lakshmi.
Why do Indian brides carry a coconut?
In Indian weddings, coconut is used as an offering. It is a sacred fruit that symbolizes selflessness. When bride and groom tie the knots of marriage, a coconut represents giving each other selflessly in the relationship, keeping the egos aside.
What religion uses coconuts?
During puja, Hindus make an offering to the deity and receive a blessing in return. Both the fruit and leaves of a coconut may be used during puja. The coconut fruit is used to represent a divine consciousness and is often displayed with its leaves in a copper pot called a kalasha.
What is the significance of breaking a coconut?
Breaking coconut and offering it to God is a symbolic act of offering oneself to God. The act of breaking coconut during festivals, auspicious occasions, buying new car/land or even starting a new business has been a part of Hindu tradition for ages now.
Is coconut The Tree of Life?
The Coconut Palm (Cocos Nucifera L.) is referred as “The Tree of Life” due to its incredible value to man and the incredible number of products and by-products that can be created from it.
Why does a coconut have 3 holes?
The three “holes” are the result of the 3 carpels in coconut flowers, and three carpels is typical of the family Arecaceae (Palms). The “holes” are actually germination pores, where one is usually functional and the other two are plugged.
Is coconut popular in India?
Coconut (Cocos nucifera) is extensively cultivated and used as a staple ingredient in Indian cuisines, especially in the South Indian cuisines. In India, other than edible purposes, coconut is widely used in religious practices and, it is considered as symbol of prosperity.
Is coconut an Indian food?
In the south of India, coconut flesh is consumed in a variety of ways – it is ground and made into a chutney, often with the addition of tempered whole spices and used as accompaniments to dosa, idly and vada.
What cultures use a lot of coconut?
Coconuts have been widely used in South America, Asia and Africa for centuries, but recently, countries like England and the United States began to popularize the use of products like coconut oil and coconut butter.
Can husband break coconut while wife is pregnant?
For this reason, pregnant ladies are not allowed to break open a coconut as it is equivalent to kill a life form and moreover the vibrations from breaking a coconut could harm the fetus in the womb.
How do you put a coconut in front of God?
Usually it is placed upright in pūrva-prayoga (all auspicious ceremonies) and is decorated with turmeric, kumkum and flowers. This is symbolic of mangalam or auspiciousness. In apara-prayoga (ceremonies connected with death) it is kept on its side without any decoration at all to symbolise.
What happens if coconut is rotten during Pooja?
Coconuts are considered to be the epitome of the goddess of wealth, Maa Lakshmi, and it is very important to have coconut in their worship. It is said that if the coconut offered in the pooja turns out to be bad, it does not mean that some are going to be unlucky, but it is auspicious to get the coconut spoiled.
Why do they drink milk on first night?
Milk contains a sleep-inducing amino acid called Trytophan. Hence, drinking milk is a great way to unwind. It relaxes the body and enables one to have a good night’s sleep.
What is the coconut ceremony?
During this ceremony, the bride and the groom are given coconuts and money as a token of good luck and both sides of families place kumkum (red dot) on the new couple’s forehead as it is also considered very auspicious.
Why does the bride’s father wash the groom’s feet?
The ritual begins with the parents offering their daughter’s hand in marriage by washing the feet and hands of the bride and groom with milk and water. In this specific ritual, the cleaning of their feet represents the purification of their bodies and souls for a new life together.
Why is coconut offered to Ganesha?
The locals believe Ganesha to be very powerful in fulfilling the wishes and hence coconuts are offered to the deity by breaking it in front of the temple. Coconuts can be brought from the vendors outside and can be offered inside the temple.
Why do we offer only coconut and banana to God?
Coconut and Banana are the only two-fruits which are considered to be the “Sacred Fruits”. All other fruits are tainted fruits ( partially eaten fruits by insects, birds and animals). The reason is that these fruits do not grow after throwing the leftover part. Also, these do not get germinated by bird drop.
Justin Shelton is a professional cook. He’s been in the industry for over 10 years, and he loves nothing more than creating delicious dishes for others to enjoy. Justin has worked in some of the best kitchens in the country, and he’s always looking for new challenges and ways to improve his craft. When he’s not cooking, Justin enjoys spending time with his wife and son. He loves exploring new restaurants and trying out different cuisines.