What is the significance of coconut in Hinduism?

Answer 1

To understand why Hindus break coconuts in temples we must know about the Semi voluntary force.

The default force of human beings:

The default force human beings use for thinking and acting is the status quo maintaining Semi voluntary force. In Hinduism this force is symbolized by water. This force maintains status quo because it is limited by a positive and a negative attitude.

Limitations of the Semi voluntary force:

While normally the Semi voluntary force is our bunker, it becomes a liability when we want to deal with a great change. This is because the Semi voluntary force is a medium sized force.

The mighty Involuntary force:

When we some how cross our attitudes we can use our mighty Involuntary force, which is big enough to deal with change of any magnitude.

Drawbacks of Involuntary force:

1. The Involuntary force is not under our control and may lead to disasters.

2. It may change our life in such a way that there is temporary improvement and then total disaster. This kind of pseudo success is symbolized in Hinduism by Demons.

3. It may change our life so completely that we may discard our previous simple life completely.

The coconut:

The coconut symbolizes the semi voluntary force. Its hard shell symbolizes the attitudes. The water inside represents the flexible Semi voluntary force.

Breaking of coconut:

Breaking of coconut symbolizes crossing of our attitudes and coming under the control of the mighty and uncontrollable Involuntary force. We consider the water inside as sacred because it symbolically represents our only link and control to the mighty uncontrollable Involuntary force.

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One of the most common practices as we all know is offering breaking and offering coconuts to the deity, and this is very commonly performed before any new endeavor like festivals, weddings, use of new car etc. Once the coconuts are used in various rituals, it is then distributed as Prasadam to the devotees. Sometimes the water inside the coconut is used during the Abhisekam process and is believed to grant spiritual growth to the seeker.

The shape of the coconut resembles a head of a human, and the shattering of the coconut denotes breaking of the ego. The soft layer inside the coconut is related to the inner tendencies of the mind.

The three marks on the fruit are believed to represent the three eyes of God Shiva. Another belief is that these markings represent the past, present and future. The coconut markings are considered auspicious and is said to be used as a mean to fulfill the devotee's desires and wishes.

Read More at Ishtadevata

Answer 2

Coconut is known to be a religiously symbolic fruit for three reasons.

It has three parts - skin, pulp and water; all three are taken to be of purest form.

The fruit is at a great height and is pure of any impurities or pollution.

The pulp is spotless white; white is regarded a color of purity and piousness spotless. It is healthy and full of oil.

The water is also healthy and nectar like pure.

And, the raw fruit has three eyes like openings at the top of it which resembles to eyes of Gods Shiva Vishnu and Mahesh

Answer 3

In the Hindu religion and the Sanskrit language, coconut is known as God's fruit. When flowers and incense is used as an offering, coconut is also burned.