BREAKING COCONUTS

Why we break coconuts in front of house while leaving for Sabarimalai and before re-enter home.  What is the reason for that?

In olden days the devotees used only the said long route (i.e., the 48 miles’ route) only.  It is very difficult for one to go always through that route.  He/she has to take long leave (say 4/5 days) for that if employed.  Not only that in his/her absence the dependents should be safe in the house.  Sometimes, the concerned one will be having very age-old parents or somebody else.  If this particular person also goes to Sabarimalai for about 4/5 days there will be nobody left in the house for his or her help.  For both the above he/she prays the Bhoothaganaas of Ayyappan and offers a coconut at the gate of his/her house.  At that place the other members of the house will clean and put Kolam (traditional religious art and mostly ladies only will do the same) and keep a Vilakku duly lit both in the morning and evening till the devotee returns.  The devotee after returning from the hill will break a coconut at that place just to convey his/her thanks for having guarded the house till then without any trouble.  The Ayyappan devotee used the break the coconut while going and coming from Sabarihills.