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Coconut - spiritual
In South Asia, coconuts are named sriphala or fruit of the gods and they symbolise complete usefulness, selfless service, prosperity and generosity. The palms are believed to be the embodiment of the ancient Indian concept of kalpavriksha, or the tree which grants all wishes. It plays an essential role in many religious and social functions in South Asia.
Mythology and religious offerings
In Indian mythology, the coconut tree was created by the powerful sage Vishwamitra to prop up King Trishanku who was attempting to gain entry into heaven as a mortal but was thrown out by the gods.
The dehusked coconut is always a part of temple offerings in southern India, where it is split open before the deities, recalling animal and human sacrifices of ancient Vedic-period rituals. They are offered to guests and are used when blessing a house or installing a deity, and in marriage rites. When sanctified during sacred rites, the flesh of the coconut is shared as 'prasad' or food blessed by god.
The three 'eyes' of the coconut represent the three eyes of the great god Shiva. An earthen pot or pitcher, called a purnakumbha is filled with water and mango leaves and a coconut is placed on top. This purnakumbha is used in the ritual of worship and adoration of the gods, called puja. It is placed as a substitute for the deity or by the side of the deity. The purnakumbha literally means a 'full pot' in Sanskrit. It represents Mother Earth, the water the giver of life, the leaves life itself, and the coconut divine consciousness.
Fishing communities along the coasts of peninsular India believe in appeasing the seas with offerings of coconut.
Weddings of the Nair community in Kerala are solemnised in front of a spray of coconut flowers planted in a bowl of rice.
The dehusked coconut is always a part of temple offerings in southern India, where it is split open before the deities, recalling animal and human sacrifices of ancient Vedic-period rituals. They are offered to guests and are used when blessing a house or installing a deity, and in marriage rites. When sanctified during sacred rites, the flesh of the coconut is shared as 'prasad' or food blessed by god.
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| Coconuts are named 'fruit of the gods' in South Asia. |
Fishing communities along the coasts of peninsular India believe in appeasing the seas with offerings of coconut.
Weddings of the Nair community in Kerala are solemnised in front of a spray of coconut flowers planted in a bowl of rice.
