Why do Hindus Break Coconut in Ganesh Temples and Before Auspicious Events?

Breaking a coconut in Hindu temples – especially in temples dedicated to Lord Ganesha - and before auspicious events and new beginning is considered highly beneficial in Hinduism. The offering of a coconut is a common offering to a deity in Hindu religion and it is distributed later as ‘prasad.’
The most important reason for offering coconut is that is the purest thing that a human being can offer to a deity. The water and the white kernel inside the coconut are the only unadulterated offering that a devotee makes to the Lord. It is not polluted as it remains covered by the hard outer shell until it is offered to the God.
Lord Ganesh is the deity invoked before any auspicious event or new beginning. Coconut is one of the most favorite foods of Ganesha. This is one reason why coconut is broken during housewarming, after the purchase of new vehicle etc.
Next, the breaking of coconut symbolizes the breaking of the ego. The coconut represents the human body and before the Lord it is shattered – breaking the ‘aham’ or ego and symbolically total surrendering and merging with the Brahman – supreme soul.
Coconut is also an important aspect in Kalasha or Poorna Kumba.
Apart from this there are numerous other symbolic meaning to the coconut. Most of them revolve around its appearance like the three eyes on the coconut represent the three eyes of Lord Shiva.
Related
Why do we wear tilak on forehead?


18 comments:

Anonymous said...

I may be wrong, I guess breaking coconuts or pumpkins are symbolic of Sacrifice. This is not different from the animal sacrifice some people do. Some how the concept is to appease God, as people became vegetarians, coconuts or pumpkins are being used.

Anonymous said...

Should we break coconut after harthi or before harthi? Is there any significance doing before and after?

Anonymous said...

what is the significance of spoiled coconut broken at a temple n what if when the coconut broken v get a flower from inside?kindly hepl if someone knows the answer.

Anonymous said...

Where exactly in the vicinity of the temple should the coconut be broken? Should it be directly in front of the 'Rajagopuram' or can it be done somewhere else like on the side? Can someone please give an answer.

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suman said...

what is the significance of spoiled coconut broken at a temple n what if when the coconut broken v get a flower from inside?kindly hepl if someone knows the answer

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Anonymous said...

Why offer food to God when God is the one who gave us food in the first place?

Anonymous said...

emo mari ...... anni questions but there is no answer these questions who will give the answers to the above questions

Srilatha said...

Food to god is offered by the devotee as a token of love. He is showing his gratitude. There are numerous ways to show the gratitude and offering food is one such way.

Srilatha said...

Coconut should can be broken any time there is no need to consider Aarti for this.

There is no problem with spoiled coconut. Ganesha accepts all offerings made with devotion.

All temples have specific place designated for breaking coconut. If there is not specific place then you can break it before the deity on steps or any place facing the deity.

Bhasmank Mehta said...

It is not the offering of the food that is of importance so much as thanking him for what is being offered in return. (Note the story of Krishna and Draupadee in Mahabharat where Krishna accepts only one grain of cooked rice and in return fills the hunger of all those rishis who had gone to make fun of Pandavs). The moral there being that when making gifts to a Brahmin, do not be Kanjoos as the returns by the powers to be will also be Kanjoos. (Kanjoos = Miser!)

Anonymous said...

I may be ignorent.What is the meaning of sacrifice.Does GOD loves sacrifice!Animal sacrifice is rampant in many Durga temples.Is it written anywhere in Vedas or Puranas.I will be thankful to get a clarification in this subject.In Many Temples we see Balistambhas exclusively reserved for animal sacrifice,looks pathetic when seeing animals being killed.

Anonymous said...

when you open the cocunut after pooja and the skin is black, what does that mean please

Anonymous said...

what does it symbolise if coconut breaks vertically. please answer

Anonymous said...

Hai all,i did sai sachritra for 1 week,its complted,after complition of sacharitra i have broken a cocnut for shirdi sai,but it was spoiled,what is the sign for this?pls kindly tell me, am getting worried....

kals said...

what does it symbolise if coconut breaks vertically. please Please please answer

Anonymous said...

Jai Mata Di ! IF Coconut breaks itself, it's believed to be a good sign, doesn't matter vertically or horizontally.
Other thing, If it not breaks also "MAA" accepts it, if given with full devotion.
May MAA bless all.
Jai Mata Di.

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