One of the features of Durgaa Poojaa is the burning of an unhusked dried coconut. This burning is quite symbolic and is a representation of final purification. The fibres of the coconut represent the ‘vasanas’ or lower tendencies in humans and such a destruction draws them to a more purified state of existence. The coconut itself, referred to as ‘karma-phal’ (the fruit of all actions) symbolizes one’s ‘karma’ or ‘fruits of actions’.
Action performed with some desire, places humans in the apparent unceasing cycle of birth and death where they continuously die and are re-born. By burning a coconut in poojaa, one’s desires and actions are symbolically burnt and one is freed from the bondage of ‘karma’, thus ending the birth/rebirth cycle. One is then qualified to attain ‘moksha’ or liberation.
Durga Devi represents the higher self and by relieving one’s self from the shackles of birth and death, through this symbolic burning, one is allowed to merge in Devi, the ultimate state.
