Why do we waste milk and coconuts in the name of god ?
One of the reasons I have stopped visiting temples often is because of the practice of wasting edible food rituals. Not all the rituals that go on today are based on scriptural wisdom. I feel that over the centuries certain flaws have crept into our culture. Hindus have this rite of breaking coconuts in temples. A Hindu might break coconuts in temples any time of the year – to fulfill his vows or simply as an offering for GOD Breaking coconuts symbolizing the surrender of one’s ego at the feet of the lord. During my childhood days, the broken coconuts were collected, then, consumed – the flesh either was eaten raw or cooked. 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 viewers. As the mindset evolved, the number of coconuts being broken has also increased. I have seen many times, that one devotee breaking 100 coconuts at one go. It is believed that the...