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Hindus have this rite of breaking coconuts in temples besides a myriad of other Hindu rituals. A Hindu might break coconuts in temples any time of the year - to fulfill his vows or simply as an offering for God.
But, breaking coconuts in the Hindu festival of Thaipusam (a festival dedicated to Lord Muruga) signifies a special meaning - the act is considered a catharsis and cleansing ritual, symbolizing the surrender of one's ego at the feet of Lord Muruga.
In those days, the broken coconuts were collected, then, consumed - the flesh either eaten raw or cooked in many ways.
Although these days health experts recommend us to renounce consuming coconut because of its high fat content, Hindus use coconut in all religious ceremony - coconut is integral in Hindu households and ayurveda (Vedic Hindu medicine scriptures)
As time progressed, broken coconuts are no longer collected - it has become a matter of prestige, collecting the shreds of broken coconuts is considered as not dignified by devotees.
As the mindset evolved, the number of coconuts being broken increased. During Thaipusam of late years, tens and thousands of coconuts are broken. There are cases of one devotee breaking 1,000 coconuts at one go. It is perceived that the more coconuts are broken, the more luck and blessings would be bestowed onto them by Lord Muruga.
It is absolutely fallacious! For the record, God did not ask us to break thousands of coconuts, pour gallons of milk and honey on Him in order to win His blessings!
In fact, Hinduism resents wastage - any food item that is offered to God are given away to people as 'prasadham' to be eaten by them, including shards of broken coconuts.
Since collecting broken coconut shards got the undignified recognition, piles of broken coconuts litter the streets on Thaipusam day. They culminate being dumped in landfills and later burnt and release noxious gasses that cause pollution. In no way God approves this.
The proper manner to exercise this Hindu ritual is breaking a single coconut with utmost devotion and bhakthi (faith), not competing with others.
"If you break one dozen coconuts, I will break 2 dozens of coconuts. Let's see who does Lord Muruga favor more!"
The above is the tacit understanding of the Thaipusam coconut breakers of today!
Let's stop this blatant squander of food items and money in the name of God. Stop bribing God for you to attain Moksha.
So please, those of you planning to break coconuts to honor Lord Muruga on 17th January break fewer coconuts - just 1 would suffice. The number of coconuts being broken does not please Lord Muruga - only true devotion will. After all Murugan Himself has ascetic manifestation - dressed only in loincloth. Lord Muruga does not expect lavishness on Thaipusam - we have misinterpreted religion because we now live in excess.
There are many unfortunate people who live below poverty line. Helping others in need is as good as going to temple, in fact, better.
There is a saying in Tamil, "Makkal sevai, mahesan sevai."
It means service to people is service to people is service to God.
So know the distinction between worship and wastage.
In addition, spending money on buying thousands of coconuts is not wise, especially in this economy. The price of coconut, too, is expected to increase during Thaipusam.
One more thing to include:
It is the norm on Thaipusam for people, associations and the temple to give free food for the masses. This is an olden custom to provide food for the people who come to temple on Thaipusam day. This is known as 'annam dhanam' which means food donation.
Since the food is free, many don't appreciate it - they simply dump the food left uneaten. Will Lord Muruga sanction such wasteful acts? I leave you to think about it and if you are guilty of doing it in previous years' Thaipusam, perhaps you should consider repenting.
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