Shankha – The Sacred Conch

The Shankha is a conch shell of ritual and religious importance in Hinduism. It is the shell of a large predatory sea snail, Turbinella pyrum found in the Indian Ocean. In Hindu mythology, the Shankha is a sacred emblem of the preserver Lord Vishnu. It is used as a trumpet in Hindu rituals, and in the past was used as a war trumpet. The Shankha is praised in Hindu scriptures as a giver of fame, longevity and prosperity, the cleanser of sin and the abode of Maa Lakshmi, who is the goddess of wealth and consort of Vishnu. Blowing a conch shell emanates the primeval sound of Om. Om is an auspicious sound that was chanted by the Lord before creating the world. It represents the world and the Truth behind it.

Legend

As the story goes, the demon Shankhaasura defeats Devas, and went to the bottom of the ocean.The Devas appealed to Lord Vishnu for help. He incarnated as Matsya Avataara – the “fish incarnation” and killed Shankhaasura.

The Lord blew the conch-shaped bone of his ear and head. The Om sound emanated, from which emerged the Vedas. All knowledge enshrined in the Vedas is an elaboration of Om. The conch therefore is known as Shankha after Shankaasura. The conch blown by the Lord Vishnu is called Paanchajanya. He carries it at all times in one of his four hands. It represents dharma or righteousness that is one of the four goals (purushaarthas) of life. The sound of the conch is thus also the victory call of good over evil. Another well-known purpose of blowing the conch is to drown or mask negative comments or noises that may disturb or upset the atmosphere or the minds of worshipers.

Ancient India lived in her villages. Each village was presided over by a primary temple and several small ones. During the aarati performed after all-important pujas and on sacred occasions, the conch used to be blown. Since villages were generally small, the sound of the conch would be heard all over the village. People who could not make it to the temple were reminded to stop whatever they were doing, at least for a few seconds, and mentally bow to the Lord. The conch sound served to briefly elevate people’s minds to a prayerful attitude even in the middle of their busy daily routine.

The conch is placed at the altar in temples and homes next to the Lord as asymbol of Naada Brahma (Truth), the Vedas, Om, dharma, victory and auspiciousness. It is often used to offer devotees thirtha (sanctified water) to raise their minds to the highest Truth. It is worshipped with the following verse.

“Twam puraa saagarot pannaha, Vishnunaa vidhrutahakare
Devaischa poojitha sarvahi, Panchjanya namostu te.”

Salutations to Panchajanya, the conch born of the ocean,
Held in the hand of Lord Vishnu, and worshiped by all Devas

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