In Hindu culture, the Shankh (conch shell) is a significant part of Bhagawan Vishnu. During temple rituals like Aarti, the Shankh is blown. It is also used in tantric worship and is important in many ceremonies, including marriages, funerals, wars, and other auspicious events.
The 10th hymn of the fourth section of the Atharva Veda is called 'Shankhamani Sukta'. The seventh verse of this hymn states that:
This Shankh comes from the sky, air, stars, and gold. Its sound weakens enemies and protects us. Originating from the ocean, it drives away demons, disease, ignorance, and bad luck, while increasing longevity.
Origin Of Conch:
Chapter 25 of the Prakriti Khanda in the Brahma Vaivarta Purana includes a story about how the Shankh (conch) came to be.
There was a battle between Bhagawan Shiva and the demon Shankhachuda. Bhagawan Shiva received a trident from Bhagawan Vishnu and used it to kill Shankhachuda, casting his bones into the ocean, which later turned into the Shankh. As a result, the water in the Shankh is considered as sacred as Ganga water and is highly cherished by the deities. However, according to the 12th chapter of the Uttar Khand in the Padma Purana, it was Bhagawan Vishnu, in his Matsya avatar, who killed Shankhachuda and cast his bones into the ocean.
Significance Of Conch:
शइःख॑ चन्द्राकंदेवत्यं मध्ये वरुणदेवतम्।
पृष्ठे प्रजापति विद्यादग्रे गड्भां सरस्वतीम् ॥
ब्रेलोक्ये यानि तीर्थानि वासुदेवस्य चाज्ञया।
झंखे तिष्ठन्ति विप्रेन्द्र तस्मात् शंख प्रपूजयेत् ॥
दर्शनेन हि शडः खस्य कि पुनः स्परशनेन तु ।
बिलयं यान्ति पापानि हिमवद् भास्करोदये ॥
In simpler terms, the shankh holds a divine presence akin to the sun and the moon. Varuna resides at its center, Brahma on its back, and the sacred Ganges flows at its front. According to Lord Vishnu's decree, all holy sites across the three realms are contained within it. Thus, it deserves reverence. Mere sight of the shankh is believed to absolve sins, much like snow melts under the morning sun. It was among the fourteen treasures that arose during the Churning of the Ocean, thus esteemed as a gem and counted among the Nine Jewels by scholars.
Types Of Conch:
There exist numerous variations of Conch, yet they can be categorized into two main types based on their appearance.
Dakshinavarta Conch: The Dakshinavarta Conch, characterized by its leftward spiral, is regarded as extremely auspicious, believed to bestow wealth, prosperity, and harmony upon the household. It is often positioned prominently within prayer rooms or homes to attract positive energy and blessings. These conches are rare and come with a high price tag.
Vamavarta Conch: The Vamavarta Shankha, known for its rightward spiral, is linked with the feminine energy of Goddess Lakshmi. It is often employed in rituals to evoke blessings of abundance, fertility, and harmony within the household.
Our View:
Conches are deeply important in Hindu culture, representing divine blessings. Whether it's the Dakshinavarta Shankha for wealth or the Vamavarta Shankha for feminine energy, these shells are highly respected in rituals and households. They symbolize auspiciousness and divine connection, playing a crucial part in bringing blessings and harmony in Hindu traditions.
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