Coconut is the most common offerings in a puja and temple. In Hindu Religion, coconut is considered as a fruit which is break in every auspicious days like wedding, festivals, when one buy a new vehicle or  in a grihaparvesh, when one buys house and in many other pujas. But do you know why it is performed? What is the symbolism of a coconut in a puja?  Why one break it before the Deity or God? You might be trying to find out the answers of these questions. Today, I will reveal the reasons that why coconut occupying an important place in Hinduism.

The Sanskrit word for coconut is ‘Sriphala’ and is used to symbolize the almighty. It is believed that the use of coconut in puja is offers in order to save human beings from getting slaughtered. The coconut is broken and offered to the deity being adored and then distributed as parashad to all the devotees present there. If you meticulously notice that the coconut resembles the human head quite closely. While the coir (outer surface of coconut) is symbolizes human hair, the hard nut resembles the skull, the water inside the shell represents the blood and the kernel is considered as mental space.  It has an important place both in religious and spiritual life.

It is also believed that the coconut represents as an ego of a person. You cannot offer prayer to the gods when your ego is very strong. This is exactly why a person breaks a coconut before adoring their deity. It simply means that he/she surrenders his ego to the deities before they begin their prayer. The coconut is the only fruit that is looks like a human head. The water inside it is considered to be the desire and vasana. According to the traditions, one cannot pray to the deity with the desires and ego in all your heart and mind. The coconut that is broken in temples is distributed among the devotees as parashad as the coconut represents the head of a man. When it touches the God it purifies. And then is taken as parashad that purifies the mind of the person. It is also offered to the sea on Purnima to seek blessing of the lords.

If you ever noticed that the coconut you see, it has three marks on one side. These marks are considered to be the three eyes of Lord Shiva. This is why the coconut is used in all the prayers. It is said that coconut can help to fulfill all your desires. You may have seen that it is places on a pot before puja is performed. This is done as some believed that the three marks on it is a symbol of Brahma, Vishnu, and Mahesh. And no puja will be considered without the adoration of these three Gods the supreme power.

Coconut is a symbol of selfless service to the almighty. Each and every part of coconut is of use to mankind. Its tree does not require any effort it can grow all on its own. The leaves are used for thatching and covering enclosures, the Kernel is a healthy food, coconut water is very good for health too, it has an excellent re-hydration properties. It is used in Ayurveda, carvings, soap, oil etc. A symbol of vitality, fertility and prosperity, the coconut has much to offer in a traditional environment.