Coconut (Cocus nucifera)

Coconut trees are palms that grow up to 30 meters high. They are known as the 'tree of life', due to the fact that various uses stem from their existence. This versatile tree grows throughout the tropics.

The Coconut is featured in early Sanskrit writings dating from the fourth century BC. The palms are also frequently mentioned in early Tamil literature dating between the first century AD to the fourth century AD.

Coconuts are featured in Hindu epic stories such as the Ramayana, the Mahabharata and the Puranas. It seems to have been adopted quite late into Aryan rituals, and northern India may have become familiar with Coconut long after it was used in coastal south India.

Today, India is the third largest producer of Coconuts in the world, with the state of Kerala leading the production followed by the other southern states of Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka.

Coconut plays an important role in Indian rituals and features in Indian mythology, for it resembles a human head with three marks on its shell like eyes and a mouth, and fiber-like hair. It was known as Sriphala, or the fruit of the gods and cutting the tree was abhorred.

In South Asia, Coconuts are named Sriphala, or fruit of the gods, and they symbolize complete usefulness, selfless service, prosperity and generosity. The palms are believed to be the embodiment of the ancient Indian concept of Kalpavriksha, or the tree which grants all wishes. It plays an essential role in many religious and social functions in South Asia.

In Indian mythology, the Coconut tree was created by the powerful sage Vishwamitra to prop up King Trishanku who was attempting to gain entry into heaven as a mortal but was thrown out by the gods.

The dehusked Coconut is always a part of temple offerings in southern India, where it is split open before the deities, recalling animal and human sacrifices of ancient Vedic-period rituals. They are offered to guests and are used when blessing a house, installing a deity, and in marriage rites. When sanctified during sacred rites, the flesh of the Coconut is shared as 'prasad' or food blessed by God.

The three 'eyes' of the Coconut represent the three eyes of the great god Shiva. An earthen pot or pitcher, called a purnakumbha (which literally means a "full pot" in Sanskrit) is filled with water and Mango leaves and a Coconut is placed on top. This purnakumbha is used in the ritual of worship and adoration of the gods, called puja. It is placed as a substitute for the deity or by the side of the deity statue, picture etc. It represents Mother Earth, the water, the giver of life, the leaves of life itself, and the Coconut divine consciousness.