Coconut and dry coconut

Nariyal and Sukha nariyal

Coconut is offered within the sacrificial fireplace while performing homa. The coconut is damaged and positioned before the god. It's later distributed as prasada. It is supplied to please the god or to satisfy our desires. There was a time when animal sacrifice (bali) was practiced. Slowly this follow faded and the coconut was supplied instead. The fiber covering of the dried coconut is removed aside from a tuft on the top. The marks on the coconut make it appear like the pinnacle of a human being. The coconut is broken, symbolizing the breaking of the ego.

Dry coconut used in Puja Prasad