Why Is a Coconut Offered in a Temple?

Our rishis and munis studied different plants and trees, and various other aspects of nature in depth. They found that the coconut was the most auspicious fruit, as it has the potency to draw divine vibrations from the outer world . For this reason, it is also known as shriphal or ‘divine fruit’.

When the coconut is broken by smashing it on the ground, one can hear a sound similar to that of the monosyllabic mantra, ‘phut’, which can ward off the ill effects of an evil eye.

The coconut is one of the most common offerings in a temple. The shape of this fruit is akin to a human head with three eyes. When it is to be offered to a deity, it should be offered with the eye side facing the deity as this is the sensitive side of the fruit that can receive divine vibes from the idol.

According to legend, the coconut was created by the rishi Vishwamitra . coconut water, like Gangajal, is deemed sacred. It is sprinkled to remove the negativity of an affected area and also to purify a place. The white kernel of a broken coconut is later distributed to devotees as prasad.

Coconut is also offered while undertaking a new venture, inaugurating a new bridge, building or dam, on buying a new vehicle, on entering a new house, during weddings, celebrating festivals, and so on. On concluding a havan, the purna ahuti or final offering is made by offering a ripe coconut into the sacrificial fire.

In Hindu society, the coconut enjoys immense economic importance also.

Every part of this tree—the trunk, leaves, fruit and coir—is used in innumerable ways, either for making thatches, mats, tasty dishes, oil, soap or firewood. Its tree takes salty water from the earth and converts it into a sweet, nutritive drink that is especially beneficial for sick people. Its waters is used in the preparation of many Ayurvedic medicines as also in other alternative medicinal systems.

During the traditional ritual of abhisheka carried out in temples, several items such as milk, curd, honey, sandalwood paste and holy ash are poured over the deity along with the water of a tender coconut.

Each item used in the ritual bestows certain specific benefits on the devotees and coconut water is believed to bestow spiritual strength on the faithful.