answersLogoWhite

0


Best Answer

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.

P { margin-bottom: 0.21cm; }

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
User Avatar

Wiki User

9y ago
This answer is:
User Avatar
More answers
User Avatar

Wiki User

14y ago

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

This answer is:
User Avatar

User Avatar

Wiki User

10y ago

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.

This answer is:
User Avatar

Add your answer:

Earn +20 pts
Q: What is the significance of coconut in Hinduism?
Write your answer...
Submit
Still have questions?
magnify glass
imp
Related questions

What is the significance of gods in Hinduism?

guru


What is the significance of lemon and chili in Hinduism?

long good relatonship


What replaced sacrificing animals to the Hindu goal?

Animal sacrifice has been replaced by 'Nariyal' (Dried Coconut fruit) in Hinduism. A dried coconut fruit resembles a head and thus is sacrificed in place of an animal.


What is the significance of spoiled coconut broken at a temple n what if when the coconut broken v get a flower from inside?

In some cultures, a spoiled coconut broken at a temple may symbolize the removal of negative energy or obstacles. If a flower is found inside the coconut when it is broken, it may be seen as a favorable sign, symbolizing purity, beauty, and blessings being bestowed upon the individual or the place where the coconut was broken.


What is the significance of Hinduism?

The significance of Hinduism is to merge sexuality and spirituality into AUM. It is close to Rajnish's Osho which is too open about sexuality. AUM is the hallmark of Hinduism. It is the pornographic pictorial depiction of the rear approach to reproduce children like moon and star (Chandra-bindu). Hinduism is a mania about reproduction (creation - Pepal tree - Brahma); maintenance (Banyan tree - Vishnu) and destruction (Bael leaves - Mahesha). The cycle of birth, life (marriage) and death is the obsession of Hinduism particularly birth - preaching with the logo of fertility - AUM. Hindu clergymen have designed it and exploit at every event of life insidiously and surreptitiously. Please also see: What is the caste division?


What is the significance of milk with Hindus?

Breast milk--live and love. Cow milk--life. So you can understand MILK has an extremely high status in HInduism.


What element is the best water fire air or earth?

all the element are equally important and have their own significance, and according to Hinduism absent of any of them will lead to death..


Why do coconut flakes have a strong flavor?

Coconut flakes are strong in coconut flavor because of the flavor compounds naturally found in coconut. Any coconut byproduct has a distinct coconut smell or flavor. Even coconut oil has an aroma of coconut.


What two religions that started in India affected other cultures today?

Hinduism and buddism


What exactly is a coconut?

A coconut is the fruit of the coconut tree.


Which religion(s) did the Aryan's help shape?

Hinduism


What religions have dietary laws?

Some religions with dietary laws include Judaism (Kosher), Islam (Halal), Hinduism (vegetarianism, avoidance of beef for some), and Sikhism (vegetarianism and prohibition against intoxicants). These dietary laws often have spiritual, cultural, and ethical significance for followers.