Hindus believe that the coconut is the purest form of offering that one can render unto God. The fruit is unique in many respects. The sweet, nectar-like water that it holds, is pure and untouched by the human hand. It is drawn by the tree from its very base to its highest level. The coarsely-knit outer fibres of the coconut represent the jealousy, greed, lust, selfishness and other vices of man, which must be broken up and removed if one is to penetrate and reach the white inner purity and thereafter taste the sweet untouched nectar of spiritual purity and bliss.
No other fruit has the three distinct, eyes of the coconut. These symbolise the Trinity of Evolution - Creation, Preservation and Dissolution. The eyes also represent the three eyes of man - the two physical eyes plus the third or 'inner eye' which is the mind's eye or conscience. Only this 'inner eye' can penetrate the false, outer facade and reach the ultimate truth. It alone distinguishes right from wrong. The composition of the coconut is characteristic of the three elements of man.
The hard, outer shell, with its course fibres, represent the physical composition. The inner white fruit represents man's psychological element, and the untouched water signifies his spiritual composition. Having been offered to God, by way of prayer, the coconut is then eaten by the people as blessed food or prasadh in the belief that it has now received divine vibrations from God and will therefore give them good health and prosperity.
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