A unique custom that is practiced in the Nayakanahatti temple is to burn dry coconut meat (copra) and consuming a portion of it as a 'prasad' - holy offering.
The custom is attributed to Guru Thipperudraswamy's liking for the burnt coconut.

Local experts believe that the custom may have been originally started to burn dry coconut husks (Instead of the dried coconut meat, as it is done now.)
over an enclosed low fire, which would then become activated charcoal.
This activated charcoal was consumed by the devotees for its medicinal and purifying properties.

During the annual Jathra days, thousands of devotees would arrive at Nayakanahatti, leading to sanitation issues and there would be a general increase in cases of diarrhea, indigestion, food poisoning and flatulence.
Activated charcoal may be an effective remedy for such cases.

Over the centuries, the purpose and reasons behind the old custom was forgotten and today devotees burn copra over a fire outside the temple as prasad.
A unique custom that is practiced in the Nayakanahatti temple is to burn dry coconut meat (copra) and consuming a portion of it as a 'prasad' - holy offering. The custom is attributed to Guru Thipperudraswamy's liking for the burnt coconut.
Local experts believe that the custom may have been originally started to burn dry coconut husks (Instead of the dried coconut meat, as it is done now.) over an enclosed low fire, which would then become activated charcoal. This activated charcoal was consumed by the devotees for its medicinal and purifying properties.
During the annual Jathra days, thousands of devotees would arrive at Nayakanahatti, leading to sanitation issues and there would be a general increase in cases of diarrhea, indigestion, food poisoning and flatulence. Activated charcoal may be an effective remedy for such cases.
Over the centuries, the purpose and reasons behind the old custom was forgotten and today devotees burn copra over a fire outside the temple as prasad.
Nayakanahatti Thipperudra Swamy