The Aranyakas

In India one of the most common offerings in a temple is a coconut. The hard outer cover is broken in temple as an offering for our prayers. The coconut hard cover resembles the head of a human being. The breaking of coconut is considered as breaking of our ego or Ahankar, because god expects his devotees to be egoless and pure. The coconut is also offered on occasions like wedding, festivals, pooja, the use of a new vehicle, house etc. A pot full of water, decorated with mango leaves and a coconut on top is worshipped on important occasions.  There was a time when animal sacrifice was practised, slowly this practice faded and the coconut was offered instead. The fibre covering of the dried coconut is removed except for a tuft on the top. The inner white kernel is used as prasad. In the traditional abhishekha ritual done in temples and homes, several materials are poured over the deity. Tender coconut water is used in abhishekha rituals since it is believed to grant spiritual...

Tulsi plant can be seen in all the Indian homes, infront or central courtyard of hindu house. Traditionally the tulsi is planted in a special masonry structure known as Tulsi Vrindavan as it is related to their culture. The lady of the house lights a lamp, waters the plant, worships and take a round of the tulsi vrindavan. The plant is regarded as a "womens deity" and a symbol of ideal wifehood and motherhood. Tuesdays and fridays are considered especially sacred for tulsi worship. In sanskrit, tulanaa naasti athaiva tulasi-- that which is incomparable is the tulasi. For Indians it is one of the most sacred plant. As one story goes, tulasi was the devoted wife of shankhachuda, a celestial being. She believed that Lord Krishna tricked her into sinning (sin). So she cursed him to become a stone. Seeing her devotion and commitment to righteousness, the Lord blessed her saying that she would become the worshipped plant, tulasi that would adorn his head. Also that all offering...