Hindus are believed to be god fearing. It is said that a person cannot go with empty hands to temple. An offering in form of naivedya (food offered to god), flowers or money is to be done to the deity. Most people prefer coconut in naivedya as an offering to Hindu god. So let us know the reason behind it.
Coconut is an auspicious fruit. It is known as narikela (in sanskrit) or Shrifala which means an auspicious fruit. Some people call it as Mahafala which means great fruit offered to god.
In ancient times, there was a custom of human sacrifice as an offering to god. Later on it was replaced by coconut where human head was marked as a coconut.
It is used in many auspicious ceremonies. Coconut is also a symbol of fertility. Hence, it is believed that a woman who wishes to conceive a child should plant a coconut tree or offer coconuts to gods or goddesses.
Coconut is also used when one plans to start a new venture, brings a vehicle, in marriage ceremony and for laying foundation stones of a house etc.
People in South India believe that one, who destroys a coconut tree, will himself get destroyed. The coconut is broken into two halves and is distributed among people to please lord and to fulfill desires.
Apart from this, the fruit has other healthy benefits.
