Coconuts and the Lack of Spawn

As soon as we’re done with the first priest, another one herds us over to another section of the temple and another shrine. Here we are made to sit Indian style next to each other in front of the deity’s image. The priest busies himself with gathering the various necessities:  incense, matches, leaves, flowers, water, etc.

Again our hands are intertwined and the chanting begins. Much of the ceremony is the same. Names are asked and given. Parentage is discussed. We take the puja water from each other’s cupped hands. It was a bit more difficult to follow along as this priest appeared to be missing all his teeth and couldn’t open his jaw nearly at all.

We follow his gestures and mumblings as best we can. More kokum and yellow paste are placed on our foreheads. A string of marigolds are tied to the red thread placed on our wrists from the previous priest. A strew of items is given to us that include the burning incense, a yellow flower, and half a coconut, among other things. He gestures for us to hold it out in front of us while moving it in small circles. We comply. He takes the items back and proceeds to place the half coconut on my head. While pressing it into my skull, as if to become a permanent ornament, his indistinguishable chant continues. Justin’s curly topped head is next.

He then motions to me and mumbles unintelligibly, but I don’t quite understand. I get the impression that he’s asking if I’m pregnant, but surely that can’t be it. I look to Justin for help, but he’s as confused as I. To make his inquiry known, he reaches forward and pats my belly. Apparently that was exactly what he was asking. We heartily deny any growing spawn and he chuckles at our vehemence.

He continues and of course another donation is required. Out comes the 500/-Rs. Money exchanges hands, to me, to the priest, to the altar. Ushering us down the cracked marble steps, the priest directs us to stand shoulder to shoulder facing the god’s image. Unsatisfied by the vast three inch expanse between us, he promptly shoves us together. Palms pressed together in reverence, we behold the god. With that, we are officially Hindu husband and wife.