Story Of Coconut Burning Ritual At Nayakanahatti Thipperudra Swamy Temple – Science And Significance

Nayakanahatti Thipperudra Swamy temple, at Nayakanahatti near Chitradurga in Karnataka, is dedicated to Shri Guru Thipperudra Swamy of the Virashaivism. The temple hosts the samadhi of the great Guru and also the Shivling installed by him. 

A unique ritual in this temple is the burning of coconuts.

Story Of Coconut Burning at Thipperudra Swamy Temple

During Swamiji’s journey on foot from Rayadurg (Andhra Pradesh) to Nayakanahatti, it became dark. To light his path, he used dried coconut shells pierced and lit them one by one like torches. This journey has become symbolic, and to this day, devotees burn heaps of coconuts at the temple as a vow offering. The coconuts offered are then used to prepare ‘Dasoha’ (community meal), and the prasadam is distributed to devotees.

Today

Burnt coconut, known as copra, is consumed as a 'prasad' or holy offering at the Nayakanahatti temple, a practice said to be inspired by Guru Thipperudraswamy's fondness for the food. This custom is thought to have a scientific basis, likely starting as a way to produce and consume activated charcoal for its medicinal benefits.

The Science Behind the Custom

Historically, this practice may have involved burning coconut husks in a low-oxygen environment to create activated charcoal. Activated charcoal is highly porous and has a vast surface area, which allows it to trap toxins and other unwanted substances in the digestive tract. It's often used in medicine to treat poisonings and drug overdoses.

At the annual Jathra festival, with thousands of devotees gathered, sanitation issues could lead to an increase in gastrointestinal illnesses like diarrhea. The activated charcoal from the burnt coconut husks would have provided a practical and effective remedy for these conditions, helping to absorb the bacteria and toxins causing the sickness.

Over time, the original purpose and the precise method of preparing the activated charcoal were lost. The practice evolved from a medicinal ritual using coconut husks to a symbolic one using copra, which offers no medicinal benefits and serves as a simple offering today.