After the coconut breaking at Erumeli, the next “vidalai” is meant to be offered only at the 18 Sacred Steps, as it carries a deep spiritual significance. Additional coconut breakings at places like Sabaripeetam or Saranguthi are not required.

For those taking the traditional route via Neeli Mala, the practice of breaking a coconut at Pamba Ganapathi does not arise. The coconuts meant for the Pathinettam Padi are polished and kept in the Pinmudi. These are taken out at a suitable place, usually Valiyanavattam, and carried with devotion.

The coconut to be broken after the Nei Abhishekam during the return journey is placed in the Munmudi and travels alongside the nei thengai. Only after darshan with the irumudi is this coconut taken out and offered at the 18 steps before beginning the descent from Sannidhanam.

The journey begins with the Vanayatra at Erumeli. Here, a coconut is broken at the Kiratha Sastha Temple to invoke the Vanadevathas and seek their protection throughout the forest path. Upon reaching the Pathinettam Padi, another coconut is broken to thank the divine guardians and respectfully release them.

Those who walked the old routes recall the blessing of offering coconuts directly on the sacred steps themselves, the climb would often be over the smooth shells, making every step a reminder of devotion and surrender.

When returning from the yatra, the devotee must go straight to the house where the journey began. A coconut is broken before stepping inside, releasing the Boothaganas who protected the home throughout the pilgrimage.

The act of breaking a coconut carries two profound meanings:

• It symbolizes the shattering of our hardened ego, offering our surrendered heart at Ayyappan’s holy feet.
• And it represents a pure oath, coconut water and pulp remain untouched by human hands, making them one of the purest offerings to the Lord.

In essence, breaking a coconut before leaving for the yatra signifies that we are placing our ego aside and offering ourselves fully to the Lord. Breaking the final coconut upon return is a gentle promise to Him and to ourselves:

“With Your grace, Swamiye Saranam Ayyappa, I will take this sacred Viratham again and return next year for Your divine darshan.”

Source : Lord Ayyappan  

Image Credit : Rgyan