Do you know why we smash coconut on auspicious ocassions?
Be it buying a new car or opening a new business, the Hindu tradition of breaking a coconut on auspicious occasions remains the same across India. The act of breaking a coconut is not just a ritual but has a whole emotion attached to it. This ritual is said to attract prosperity and even resolve money-related problems. But do you the historical event connected with this ritual and what is the exact reason behind the practice? (image credits-istock)
Coconut as offering
Breaking coconut and offering it to God is a symbolic act of offering oneself to God. The act of breaking coconut during festivals, auspicious occasions, buying new car/land or even starting a new business has been a part of Hindu tradition for ages now.
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In South India, a Coconut tree is as auspicious as a Peepal or Neem tree in North India. So much so that it is said that the one who destroys a coconut tree, will himself get destroyed.
The historical connect
As per mythology, when Lord Vishnu descended on earth he brought Goddess Lakshmi, a coconut tree and the Kamdhenu cow for the welfare of mankind. It is one of the reasons why coconut is considered to be the symbol of the three gods- Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh.
Reasons behind breaking the coconut
Each step involved in the ‘coconut breaking’ ritual has a deep meaning attached to it.
In the first step, the husk is torn away from the coconut. This symbolizes the inner wishes and materialistic desires that we need to let go of.
Next, breaking the coconut by smashing it on the ground symbolizes our ego that we need to break.
Once the coconut cracks open, coconut water flows out of it. This symbolizes all the negativity inside us that should flow out of the mind and body.
The soft inner part of the coconut symbolizes peace and is also distributed as prasad among the people.
Numerous benefits
Coconut is a good source of healthy fats and is packed with fibre. It helps in aiding digestion and it is even said that eating raw coconut before going to bed can improve heart health.
Not just coconut, its water too contains a treasure of health benefits. From balancing electrolytes to aiding weight loss, coconut water is a low-calorie beverage option to stay hydrated during summer. Coconut water can also boost kidney health, prevent kidney stone formation, reduce joint pain, boost energy levels and even keep a check on blood sugar levels.
