Why are only coconut and banana offered to God?

I would always think — why is it that only coconut and banana are offered to God during rituals? Over time, I discovered the beautiful symbolism behind this tradition.

Most fruits, when consumed and discarded, can regrow from their seeds, continuing the cycle of life. But coconut and banana, once eaten, do not regenerate from their remains.

This unique quality represents Moksha or Mukti — the spiritual liberation from the cycle of birth and rebirth. Offering them is like offering a prayer to attain that ultimate freedom.

Additionally, these fruits are untouched by human saliva, maintaining their purity and making them ideal for sacred offerings. The coconut, known as Sriphala or the divine fruit, also symbolizes the human ego — the hard shell must be broken to receive the divine within. Its three eyes are said to represent Lord Shiva’s three eyes.

The banana, too, is seen as auspicious — not just the fruit, but the entire plant is used in rituals, symbolizing prosperity, fertility, and wholesomeness.

So, the next time you see these offerings, know they are more than just fruits — they carry centuries of spiritual significance and a deep yearning for liberation.