Blowing A Conch Shell At Sunset? The 185 Detailed Answer

Place seashells in feng shui style! Faith mysticism oi-Amrisha

Feng Shui is the Chinese art of creating a harmonious environment. We use Feng Shui to bring good and positive energy into the home. There are many items in feng shui that are placed in specific locations to bring luck, happiness and wealth. Seashells are one of the feng shui items that are considered to be truly auspicious. People either collect them on coasts or buy them from souvenirs.

Mussel shells or cowrie snails have a special meaning in Feng Shui and are said to increase travel happiness and also strengthen long-distance relationships. According to Feng Shui, seashells reduce stress and provide a protective shield. The mark of the shell was a royal badge, so people either wore it or painted it on their clothing for protection. Like water, seashells are a symbol of good communication, positive and healthy relationships, and prosperity.

In feng shui, shells need to be placed in the right direction to create positivity and good vibes. So here is a guide to placing seashells in feng shui style.

When placed in the southwest corner of the bedroom, it can bring the couple together and also strengthen the relationship.

Spinal shells provide protection. You can place them on a windowsill for protection and good energy.

Shells kept in a basket are considered lucky charms in Feng Shui. Decorate on a tabletop near the front door to have a stable and prosperous career.

Decorate the frame with seashells to strengthen the relationship with the person in a picture. Feng Shui is said to develop relationships, bring good energy and improve communication. So, if there are shells in the frame, your communication with the person in the picture will improve.

A nice large bowl, at least 6 to 8 inches, is more effective, and when such a bowl is placed in the south sector of the living room, it enhances the occupant’s reputation and name.

In feng shui, seashells can be placed in the southwest or northeast of the living room to enhance relationship and education.

To bring prosperity, decorate the water fountain with seashells. In feng shui, a flowing water fountain symbolizes money flowing into the house. Add shells to protect the money.

Smooth shells have a special meaning in Feng Shui. Putting mussels in the kitchen would bring harmony, enhance fun and strengthen family cohesion.

These are some tips for placing seashells in feng shui style.

And also. We can’t let everyone talk at the same time. We have to have ‘hands up’ like in school.” . . . “Then I’ll give him the conch. . . . I give the conch to the next person to speak. He can hold it when he speaks.”

Upon first meeting, Ralph creates rules that mimic the civilized world the boys recently left. The conch shell is used not only to call meetings, but also to keep order when the boys are speaking. Thus, the shell symbolizes civilization, adult rules and the democratic process. Because Ralph is the first to use the conch as a social tool, it also becomes a symbol of Ralph’s legitimacy as a leader.

Ralph picked up the conch from the polished seat and held it to his lips; but then he hesitated and did not blow. Instead, he held up the conch and showed it to them, and they understood.

When Ralph calls the boys to a meeting about the beast, he realizes he doesn’t even have to blow the conch to get everyone together. The conch has become such a powerful symbol of law and order that just holding up the conch is enough for Ralph. Although there are leadership tensions between Ralph and Jack, at this point in the novel, the ties to civilization continue through the symbolic power of the conch shell and the rules it represents.

“Shell! Shell!” yelled Jack. “We don’t need the conch anymore. We know who should say something. What was the use of talking about Simon or Bill or Walter? It’s about time some people knew to shut up and let the rest of us decide.”

During a meeting where Sam and Eric are discussing their encounter with the beast, Jack becomes agitated and interrupts Piggy to clarify how tired he is of using and respecting the conch. At that moment, Jack rejects the rules of the meeting and Ralph’s legitimacy as leader. Jack shows signs of becoming a tyrannical leader when he asserts that some voices and people are more important than others. Faced with these wilder tendencies, the conch shell loses its power as a symbol of civilization and the democratic process.

He placed the conch shell on the grass at his feet with great care. The humiliating tears ran from every corner of my eyes. “I won’t play anymore. Not with you.”

At this meeting, first called into session by Jack and not Ralph, Jack challenges Ralph’s leadership. With the boys not agreeing to make him boss, Jack decides to leave the group to go off on his own. When Jack puts down the conch it is a symbol that he rejects the rules of civilization and democracy. He also rejects the legitimacy of Ralph’s leadership, which the conch shell represents. The conch loses its power to keep the young united and connected to civilization and the rules.

The stone grazed Piggy from chin to knee; the shell exploded into a thousand white fragments and ceased to exist.

In this scene, Roger, standing over Piggy and Ralph, purposely releases a large rock in order to injure or kill one of the two boys. Piggy is hit by the rock and falls onto the rocks below and dies. At that moment, the shell Piggy was holding shattered. The destruction of the conch, the object used to call meetings and maintain order, symbolizes the end of civilized rules and democracy. This loss of order is also reflected in Piggy’s murder.

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Some things make us wonder how beautiful nature could be. Conch shells or shankh as we call them in India is one of them. These shells or molluscs of snails are often used for decorative purposes and even in religious rituals. In ancient times, conch shells were blown to create a thunderous sound that announced the start of battle. Vastu says that the vibrations radiated by blowing a conch shell have the power to eliminate negative energies. This makes conch shells an essential decorative item in our homes.

Conch shells are considered sacred and Vastu guidelines must be followed when keeping them in the home.

Note here that right-handed conch shells are auspicious and keeping them at home attracts good luck, wealth and prosperity in the household. Experts also say that conch shells have health benefits as well. Blowing a shankha purifies the lungs by expelling the impurities, and the water from the bowl heals ailments.

Conch shell storage instructions

Right-handed or Dakshinavarti conch shells should be placed in the puja room, which should face north, east, or north-east. It should be noted that two conch shells should not be placed together for worship in the same place.

behaviour rules

Conch shells used for blowing should not be used to offer water to deities or other puja rituals.

Periodically clean the conch shells with gangajal and wrap them in a sacred white or red cloth.

Worship the conch shells regularly and make sure they are blown in at least twice a day.

A shell symbolizes the soul leaving the earth, life’s journey, eternity, strength and relaxation.

The shell has long, deep symbolic roots. The first reference to a shell is found in Egyptian papyrus. In the papyrus, the shell image was used as a symbol for humanity.

The Christian, Buddhist, Hindu, and Islamic traditions also each have some form of belief in seashells. Despite their different beliefs, they all have one thing in common: seashells represent the soul’s safe journey from this world.

shell symbolism

1. The soul leaves the earth

Shells make us think of what is left after the soul has left the earth. The body remains in the form of a shell, but the spirit begins its journey into uncharted territory.

While the shell symbolizes death, leaving your earthly body behind, it is a beautiful representation of it. It is not just a gross symbol of death, but a message of the soul’s passing away.

However, note that some people also believe that a shell represents reincarnation. This symbolic interpretation has the same origin (the passing of the soul). But those who believe in reincarnation believe that the soul returns in a new body.

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2. The journey of life

A shell is a great reminder of the wonderful journey through life. Shells left on the beach are reminiscent of life once lived.

The uniqueness of each shell is a beautiful reminder of how unique everyone is and that no two lives are the same. Each of you is here because Heaven created you and you have the opportunity to live an extraordinary life.

The uniqueness of the shell also reminds you that how you live your life is your choice. The first step is to realize that all people are beautiful in their own way, just as all shells have their own beauty.

3. Eternity

Shells can live for hundreds of years. The shell that washed ashore and ended up in your hands has made an amazing journey to get to you.

And when you let go of this shell, it will continue its journey endlessly. It can get into someone else’s hands or deep into the depths of the ocean. It could be repurposed by a crab or crushed to sand by the waves.

This endless journey of the shell can remind us how vast and endless this world really is. Beautiful objects like shells will outlive us and continue their journey. The fact that the case is in your hands right now is a remarkable coincidence. You are part of this shell’s eternal journey.

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4. Strength and Protection

A shell represents strength. The shell itself protected a creature and guided it on its life’s journey.

The shell you find can be kept in your wallet or on your shelf as a reminder that you have protection from the earth and the ocean. It can give you confidence to move on knowing that you have inner strength.

Using totems like shells as a reminder of one’s strength can have great psychological benefits. Many people also wear other items as a reminder to be strong, such as shark teeth and inscribed coins.

5. Relaxation

Seashells are regularly used as decorations to bring our minds into a calm ocean mindset.

People place seashells in bowls in their bathrooms to create a sense of relaxation and comfort. You can also find seashells on the walls of seaside restaurants. Here, the shell decoration is a subtle signal that you should find relaxation in this room.

Similarly, “cool surfer dudes” wear shells as necklaces as a mark of recognition that they’re the laid-back surfer dude and not the kind of person who would wear a corporate suit!

What does a broken shell symbolize?

1. Sadness and loss

A broken shell can portend sadness and loss. The shell has served its purpose and will now be discarded.

The broken shell shows how we feel broken inside when we lose something. It’s a visual representation of the destruction of something that was once whole and is now beyond repair.

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2. Love through separation

However, when two people have two equal halves of a broken shell, it is a symbol of your love for each other despite your separation.

Many lovers or close friends choose to break a shell apart and wear one half at a time. You can wear her half as a necklace, knowing that the other half, which makes up the case, is with someone else who (when you are together) makes you feel whole.

The shell is also featured in our article on Symbols of Eternal Love.

What does the shell symbolize in Christianity?

The shell is the symbol of baptism in Christianity. In early Christian writings, the shell symbolized God’s coming to earth to redeem it from corruption.

Many Christian symbols come from Old Testament stories and Christian mythology. The shell is often used as a Christian symbol because of its connection to Jesus Christ, the Son of God.

Baptismal fonts are often shell-shaped or decorated in the shape of a shell. Priests often use a shell-shaped bowl to pour water over the heads of catechumens during baptism.

Seashells in Polynesian culture

In Polynesian culture, the shell represents peace and wisdom. This is a time to understand the depth of peace and what it takes to achieve peace.

Shells are abundant in Polynesian culture. Polynesians have a deep connection to nature and the sea. This deep connection has resulted in a very interesting culture. Many of their spiritual beliefs revolve around the sea and its various creatures like a shell.

How to Interpret Spiritual Symbolism The interpretation of symbolism and spiritual meanings is subjective and deeply personal. The symbolic meanings listed in this article are examples of possible interpretations, but may not apply to your situation. Make sure you meditate and journal on your vision. Think about what you saw and what message you think is relevant to you and your life right now. That doesn’t mean choosing the message you want to hear, but the one you feel you need to hear at this point in your life. Only you can decide which meaning is right for your situation. Everyone should have a dream journal! I recommend this one: Click here to get it on Amazon!

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An overview of shell symbolism

Shell symbolism Meaning 1. The soul leaves the earth Shells remind us of what is left after the soul has left the earth. The body remains in the form of a shell, but the spirit begins its journey into uncharted territory. 2. Life’s Journey A seashell is a great reminder of life’s wonderful journey. Shells left on the beach are reminiscent of life once lived. 3. Eternity Shells can be hundreds of years old. The fact that the case is in your hands right now is a remarkable coincidence. You are part of this shell’s eternal journey. 4. Strength and Protection A shell represents strength. The shell itself protected a creature and guided it on its life’s journey. 5. Relaxation Seashells are regularly used as decorations to bring our minds into a calm ocean mindset.

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Conclusion

Since ancient times, the shell has become a symbol of life. If you look at the different shells you can see the different life forms that have come and gone.

A shell is a small, fragile, and wonderful representation of life. It can be a great reminder of what a person has become and what they will become.

What better symbol can you possibly find to express your inner desire to attract your true love? Find a beach, land and river where you can contemplate the beauty of this tiny, fragile symbol and watch the waves crash against it.

There must have been something unique about the early shells that set them apart from all other creatures on Earth. Because of this, many people choose to have a seashell around them.

Sandro Botticelli, born Alessandro di Mariano Filipe around 1445, spent most of his life in Florence. He was well known and celebrated during his lifetime and found favor with the wealthy Italian elite.

Information about his early life is scarce but it is believed that he spent much of his childhood in a fairly poor area where he struggled with the rigors of academic life and tended to be hyperactive and difficult to get into to keep the classroom under control. The name Botticelli, meaning ‘little cask’ or ‘little wine cask’, is said to have been given to him by one of his brothers in those early years.

After school, Botticelli was given the opportunity to retrain as an artist, and is known to have studied under Fra Filippo Lippi in 1450, a painter to whom he appears to have been apprenticed and who taught him his characteristic clarity of line.

Well connected in the city, Lippi introduced Botticelli to many wealthy patrons, including Amerigo Vespucci, the man for whom America was named. Crucially, Lippi also introduced Botticelli to the Medici family, who became lifelong patrons and supporters of his work. Botticelli thrived in his new career and by 1470 had his own workshop. In 1472 he joined the Compagnia San Luca, a brotherhood of Florentine painters.

After the death of his mentor and friend, Botticelli, now a respected artist himself, decided to take on his own apprentice, Filippino Lippi, his master’s son. The two men worked together for many years.

Amid his increasing fame and prestige, Botticelli was summoned to Rome in 1481 by Pope Sixtus IV and asked to contribute to the paintings in the Sistine Chapel. During his time in Rome he also made many papal portraits. These are his only known works outside of Florence.

In the 1480s Botticelli also contributed to the fresco cycle for Lorenzo the Magnificent. In 1485 Botticelli, now highly respected and appreciated in the Italian art world, painted The Birth of Venus. The original patron of the work is unknown today, but the piece was eventually exhibited at the Villa Lorenzo di Pierfrancesco de’ Medici in Castello in 1499.

In the later years of Botticelli’s career he was greatly influenced by the teachings of a charismatic Dominican friar who was beginning to influence the city of Florence. Girolamo Savonarola Ferrara was known for burning works of art and books that he felt did not live up to religious teachings. Some of Botticelli’s earlier works are believed to be among those he destroyed. As a result of Savonarola’s influence, Botticelli’s later works became deeply religious.

The 1490s were a time of turbulence and trouble for Botticelli and Florence. The Medici family was expelled from the city and the outbreak of the plague and fighting across the city caused Botticelli and his work to fall out of favor. It is said that in these later years Botticelli’s characteristic sharp wit and good humor began to fade, leading to him spending more and more time alone. He died in his native Florence in 1510.

After his death, much of his work fell into relative obscurity until a renewed interest in Florentine art led to a rediscovery and renewed interest in his paintings.

The Birth of Venus is perhaps his most famous work. The painting depicts Venus, the goddess of beauty and love, arriving on an enlarged scallop shell on the island of Cyprus. Venus is said to have been “born of the sea spray”. In Botticelli’s portrayal, she delicately balances in all her feminine beauty, reminiscent of a pearl gleaming in its shell. Freshness, spring and femininity are woven into almost every detail of the painting, with delicate spring flowers swaying in the wind and floral designs adorning the cloak and dress of the young woman awaiting the arrival of Venus, ready to display her modesty to cover. Standing naked and newborn, Venus covers her nakedness with her long, free-flowing hair.

The shell in the middle of the picture is an essential part of the picture composition. Shells and sea creatures have held deep symbolic meanings throughout the art and literature of human history.

Shells are often associated with love and fertility. In some cases, the shell can be seen as a symbol of female genitalia. Medieval Christian traditions associate seashells with pilgrims.

In some New Age traditions, seashells are used to symbolize the unconscious and are associated with emotions. Thanks to their connection to the sea and water, they also exude tranquility and peace.

Scallops appear in many Renaissance paintings, including Leonardo da Vinci’s The Annunciation, where a scallop appears on a small altar to the right of the Virgin Mary as the angel Gabriel tells her she will give birth to God’s child. In Christianity, the conch shell in particular stands for salvation. In Hindu tradition, scallops are a symbol of the goddess Lakshmi, consort of Vishnu, who was said to be “born of the turbulent ocean” and paralleled Venus herself.

The size of this particular scallop that becomes Venus’ transport ship to shore is exaggerated. This sort of exaggeration is also found in many classic depictions of Venus’ arrival on land. In this painting, Venus stands naked, with her head bowed and her hair flowing, in the center of the painting. Perched delicate and upright on her shell, she balances unsteadily as the wind blows her onto the shore.

The painting speaks of the power of fertility and female sensuality. Fresh from the oceans, Venus is pure and sensual at the same time. Her pose, her nudity and her direct gaze from the screen give her a stature that is at once gentle and seductive and magical, just like the delicate shell she is balancing on and almost seems to be a part of. An extension of her raw femininity, Venus’ scallop shell, delicate but large, forms the central focus of the image. Just like Botticelli’s beloved Florence, Venus and her scallop demonstrate an embodiment of beauty and grace that defies expectation while managing to maintain a sense of great power and majesty.

Follow us on vastu tips for navratri: Placing shankh on the right side of the puja room is auspicious

Yesterday we had talked about the direction of installing idol and kalash of Maa Durga in Navratri Special Vastu Shastra and today we will discuss about installing shankh during Navratri. According to Vastu Shastra, one should place the shankh on the right side of the puja room and for the installation one should first wash the conch shell and read the mantra while washing. The mantra is – “Sudarsnastrayafat”. Then the shell should be placed at the base so that its open part is facing up and the beak is on your side.

Once installed in place, the sandal should be applied to the conch with the saying Pranava Mantra. In this way, the revered conch brings luck and happiness into the house. Just remember that the shankh should be clockwise and keep its muzzle up and the beak should stay on its side. In the Vastu Shastra of Navratri tomorrow we will discuss the use of flowers in the worship of various deities.

Read more vastu shastra tips

Endblown conch trumpet of Indian origin

c. 11-12 19th century, Carved Shells or Vamavarta Shankhas, Pala period, India: The leftmost one is carved with the image of Lakshmi and Vishnu and has additions of silver.

A shankha (shell) carved with Vishnu emblem.

A shankha (conch) has a religious ritual meaning in Hinduism. It is the shell of a suitable sea snail that had a hole for the performer’s attachment.

In Hindu history, the Shankha is a sacred emblem of the Hindu protector god Vishnu. It is still used as a trumpet in Hindu rituals and has historically been used as a war trumpet. The shankha is praised in Hindu scriptures as the bestower of glory, longevity and prosperity, the purifier of sin and the abode of goddess Lakshmi, who is the goddess of wealth and consort of Vishnu.

The Shankha is shown in connection with Vishnu in Hindu art. As a symbol of water, it is associated with female fertility and serpents (nāgas). The Shankha (representing the shell of the presiding deity of the Padmanabhaswamy Temple is part of the national emblem of the Indian state of Kerala. The symbol was derived from the former emblems of the Indian princely state of Travancore and the Kingdom of Cochin. 1]

The Shankha is one of the eight auspicious symbols of Buddhism, the Ashtamangala, and represents the ubiquitous sound of Buddhism.[2]

A powder made from the shell material is used in Ayurveda to treat stomach ailments.[3]

In the western world, the shell of this species is known in English as “divine conch” or “sacred conch”. It can also be referred to simply as a “chank” or shell. The more common form of this bowl is known in a religious context as “dextrorotary”, although scholars would call it “dextrorotary”. A very rarely encountered form has an inverted whorl, referred to as “left-handed” in a religious context, but known as “sinistral” or left-handed in a scientific context.

Properties[edit]

This mussel comes from a species of sea snail, Turbinella pyrum, of the Turbinellidae family. This species lives in the Indian Ocean and surrounding seas. The bowl is porcelain (i.e. the surface of the bowl is strong, hard, shiny and somewhat translucent, like porcelain).[4]

The overall shape of the main body of the shell is oblong or conical. In the oblong shape, it has a protrusion in the middle but tapers at each end. The upper part (the siphonal canal) is corkscrew-shaped, while the lower end (the spire) is twisted and tapered. Its color is dull and the surface is hard, brittle and translucent. Like all snail shells, the interior is hollow. The inner surfaces of the shell are very shiny, but the outer surface shows severe tuberculosis.[5] In Hinduism, the shiny, white, soft shankha with pointed ends and heavy is most desirable.[6]

Types [ edit ]

Based on its winding direction, the shankha has two variants:[7][8]

The Vamavarta (“left-turned”, with the opening facing up): This is the very common dextral form of the species, in which the shell whorls or whorls expand in a clockwise spiral when viewed from the top of the shell. In Hinduism, a Dakshinavarta Shankha symbolizes infinite space and is associated with Vishnu. [9] The Vamavarta Shankha represents the reversal of the laws of nature and is associated with Shiva. [10]

(“turned to the left” when viewed with the opening up): This is the very common dextral form of the species, in which the shell whorls or whorls spiral clockwise when viewed from the top of the shell. In Hinduism, a symbolizes infinite space and is associated with Vishnu. It represents the reversal of the laws of nature and is connected to Shiva. A Dakshinavarti Shankh: This is the very rare sinistral form of the species in which the shell whorls or whorls expand in a counter-clockwise spiral when viewed from the top of the shell.

The Dakshinavarta shankha is believed to be the abode of the wealth goddess Lakshmi – the consort of Vishnu, and hence this type of shankha is considered ideal for medicinal purposes. It is a very rare variety from the Indian Ocean. This type of shankha has three to seven ridges visible on the rim of the opening and on the columella and has a special internal structure. The right spiral of this type reflects the movement of the planets. It is also compared to the whorls of hair on the Buddha’s head, curling to the right. The long white lock between the Buddha’s eyebrows and the conchoid whorl of his navel are also similar to this shankha.[8][11]

The Varaha Purana says that bathing with the Dakshinavarta Shankha rids one of sin. Skanda Purana narrates that bathing Vishnu with this shankha grants freedom from sins from seven previous lives. A Dakshinavarta Shankha is considered a rare “gem” or ratna and is adorned with great virtues. It is also believed to bestow longevity, fame and fortune in proportion to its luster, whiteness and size. Even if such a shankha has a defect, setting it in gold is believed to restore the shankha’s virtues.[6]

In the Bhagavad Gita[edit]

In the Bhagavad Gita the names of various Shankhas of Pandavas and Kauravas are mentioned:

Then Sri Krishna blew His conch shell called Pancajanya; Arjuna blew his, the Devadatta; and Bhima, the voracious eater and performer of Herculean tasks, blew his grandiose conchshell named Paundram Bhagavad Gita, chapter 1, verse 15[12]

King Yudhisthira son of Kunti blew his conch shell, the Anantavijaya, and Nakula and Sahadeva blew the Sughosa and Manipuspaka. That great archer, the king of Kasi, the great fighter Sikhandi, Dhrstadyumna, Virata and the invincible Satyaki, Drupada, the sons of Draupadi and the others, O king, like the son of Subhadra, all heavily armed, all blew their respective conch shells Bhagavad Gita, Chapter 1, Verses 16-18[12]

Used[ edit ]

Hindu priest blowing a shankha during a puja

In its earliest references, shankha is mentioned as a trumpet, and in this form it became an emblem of Vishnu. At the same time, it was used as a votive offering and as a charm to ward off the dangers of the sea. It was the earliest known sound-generating force as a manifestation of sound, and the other elements came later, hence it is believed to be the origin of the elements. It is identified with the elements themselves.[13] [14]

To make a trumpet or wind instrument, one drills a hole near the top of the shankha point. When air is blown through this hole, it travels through the coils of the shankha, producing a loud, sharp, high-pitched sound. This sound is why the shankha was used as a war trumpet to summon helpers and friends. Shanka continued to be used in battles for a long time. The sound it produced was called Shankanad. [citation required]

Nowadays, the shankha is blown at the time of worship in Hindu temples and homes, particularly in the ritual of Hindu aarti when light is offered to the deities. The shankha is also used to bathe images of deities, especially Vishnu, and for ritual purification. No hole is drilled for these purposes, although the opening is cut cleanly, or rarely the whorls are cut to represent five consecutive five-mouthed shells.

Shankha is used as a material to make bangles, bracelets, and other items.[15] Due to its aquatic origin and resemblance to the vulva, it has become an integral part of tantric rites. In view of this, its symbolism is also said to represent female fertility. Since water itself is a symbol of fertility, shankha, an aquatic product, is recognized as a symbol of female fertility. In ancient Greece, shells are mentioned along with pearls as symbols of sexual love and marriage, as well as mother goddesses.[13]

Various magic and magic items are also closely associated with this trumpet. This type of device existed long before the Buddhist era. [citation required]

Ayurveda [edit]

Shankha is used in Ayurvedic medicinal formulations to treat many ailments. It is prepared as conch shell ash, known in Sanskrit as Shankha Bhasma, which is made by soaking the shell in lime juice and calcining it in covered crucibles 10 to 12 times, and finally reducing it to powder ash.[5] Shankha Bhasma contains calcium, iron and magnesium and is said to have anti-acid and digestive properties.[17]

Meaning [ edit ]

The sound of the Shankha symbolizes the sacred Om sound. Vishnu holding the conch shell represents him as the god of sound. Brahma Vaivarta Purana states that Shankha is the residence of Lakshmi and Vishnu, bathing in the waters directed by a Shankha is considered bathing with all the holy waters at once. Sankha Sadma Purana explains that bathing an image of Vishnu with cow’s milk is as virtuous as performing a million yajnas (fire sacrifices), and bathing Vishnu with Ganges river water liberates one from the cycle of childbirth. It goes on to say, “While the mere sight of the conch shell (shankha) drives away all sins as the sun drives away mist, why speak of its worship?”[6] Padma Purana claims the same effect of bathing Vishnu with Ganges -water and -milk and moreover adds this avoids evil, pouring water from a shankha on one’s head in front of an image of Vishnu is equivalent to bathing in the devout Ganges river.

In Buddhism, the conch shell was included as one of the eight auspicious symbols, also called Ashtamangala. The right-turning white conch shell (Tibetan: དུང་གྱས་འཁྱིལ, Wylie: dung gyas ‘khyil) represents the elegant, deep, melodious, piercing and penetrating sound of Buddhism, which awakens disciples from the deep slumber of ignorance and urges them to achieve their own well-being and the well-being of others. [citation required]

Shankha was the royal state emblem of Travancore and also featured on the royal flag of the Kingdom of Jaffna. It is also the electoral symbol of the Indian political party Biju Janata Dal.[18] Shankh was also used by Sikh warriors before they started war. The Maryada is still practiced by all Nihangs while performing the Aarti Aarta prayer and is also used at the Hola Mohalla festival.

In Hindu iconography and art[ edit ]

A Shankha carved

Shankha is one of the main attributes of Vishnu. Vishnu’s images, either sitting or standing, show him normally holding the shankha in his upper left hand, while sudarshana chakra (chakra – discus), gada (mace), and padma (lotus flower) in his upper right, lower left hand adorn each lower right hand.[19]

shankha on the right is the icon for Vishnu in Dattatreya Temple, Bhaktapur, Nepal Theon on the right is the icon for Vishnu in Dattatreya Temple, Bhaktapur, Nepal

Avatars of Vishnu such as Matsya, Kurma, Varaha and Narasimha are also depicted holding the Shankha along with the other attributes of Vishnu. Krishna – the avatar of Vishnu is described as possessing a Shankha called Panchajanya. Regional Vishnu forms such as Jagannath and Vithoba may also be depicted with the shankha. In addition to Vishnu, other deities are also depicted holding the shankha. These include the sun god Surya, Indra – the king of heaven and god of rain[20], the war god Kartikeya[21] the goddess Vaishnavi[22] and the warrior goddess Durga[23]. Similarly, statues of Gaja Lakshmi show Lakshmi holding a shankha in his right hand and a lotus in the other.

Sometimes the shankha of Vishnu is personified in sculpture as Ayudhapurusha “man-in-arms” and depicted as a man standing beside Vishnu or his avatars.[24] This subordinate figure is called a shankhapurusha, holding a shankha with both hands. Temple pillars, walls, gopuras (towers), basements, and elsewhere in the temple are carved representations of shankha and chakra—the emblems of Vishnu.[25] The city of Puri, also known as Shankha-kshetra, is sometimes depicted in art as a shankha, or shell, with the Jagannath temple at its center.[23]

Shaligrams are iconographic fossil stones found particularly in the Gandaki River in Nepal and are revered by Hindus as representing Vishnu. The Shaligrama – which arranged the signs of Shanka, Chakra, Gada and Padma in this particular order – is worshiped as Keshava. Twenty-four orders of the four symbols defined for Shaligrama are also followed in worshiping images of Vishnu with different names. Of these, besides Keshava, the four names of the worshiped images beginning with Shankha on the upper hand are: Madhusudanah, Damodara, Balarama, and Vamana.[26]

In Hindu legend[ edit ]

A Hindu legend in the Brahma Vaivarta Purana evokes the creation of seashells: Shiva hurled a trident at the asuras and instantly burned them. Their ashes flew into the sea and created shells.[6] Shankha is believed to be a brother of Lakshmi as both were born of the sea. A legend describes an asura named Shankhasura who was killed by Vishnu’s fish avatar Matsya.[27]

Shankha. A Sadhu sounding this

In the Hindu epics of the Ramayana and Mahabharata, the symbol of Shankha is widespread. In the Ramayana epic, Lakshmana, Bharata, and Shatrughna are considered partial incarnations of Sheshanaga, Sudarshana Chakra, and Shankha, respectively, while Rama, her eldest brother, is considered one of the ten avatars of Shri Vishnu.[28]

During the great Mahabharata war, Krishna, as the charioteer of the Pandava prince and protagonist of the epic – Arjuna – echoes the Panchajanya to declare war. Panchajanya means “having control over the five classes of beings” in Sanskrit.[16] It is described that all five Pandava brothers have their own shankhas. Yudhishthira, Bhima, Arjuna, Nakula, and Sahadeva are described as having shankhas named Ananta-Vijaya, Poundra-Khadga, Devadatta, Sughosha, and Mani-pushpaka, respectively.[6]

Association with Nagas[ edit ]

Because of the shankha’s association with water, nāgas are often named after the shankha. The list of nāgas in the Mahabharata, Harivamsha and Bhagavat Purana includes names such as Shankha, Mahashankha, Shankhapala and Shankachuda. The last two are also mentioned in the Jataka Buddhist narrations and the Jimutavahana.[29] A legend has it that while a sadhu was using shankha as part of a meditative ritual, he blew his shankha in the forest of Keoli village and a snake crawled out of it. The snake instructed the sadhu that he should be worshiped as the Nāga Devata (snake god) and since then she has been known as the Shanku Naga. Similar legends are told in many other places in the Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh.[30]

See also[edit]

References[edit]

Buy Sacred Decorative Shankh online

The conch shell, colloquially called the shankh, is famous for its resonant sound, reverberating to glory. It is an integral part of Hindu and Buddhist traditions and is usually used during worship. With a rich historical background, Shankh is the epitome of ritual. Originated from the earlier idea of ​​scaring away the demons with the sound emanating from it. This divine element has its share of beliefs and superstitions just like any other spiritual component.

Mythologically, the shankh is the sacred symbol of the Hindu god Vishnu. Hindus still use it to this day as a sign of long life, prosperity and wealth. In today’s world it is also used to welcome guests at a wedding or other auspicious occasion.

types

There are two types of Shankh – left-handed and right-handed. In Hinduism, each of these has a meaning. The right-handed shankh is associated with the god Vishnu and represents the vastness of infinite space. The left-handed symbolizes God Shiva and is associated with the reversal of the laws of nature. You can choose one based on your religious leanings. You can also find shafts that are used either for bowing or as a decorative element.

Materials and designs used

Some of the materials used are brass, earthenware, PTFE, silver and silver plated. Choose one that you can blow easily or one that will complement your surrounding decor. You can find shafts in different colors like gold, green, red, silver, yellow and white. Those used for decorative purposes are intricately designed with detailed carvings for a gorgeous look.

Buy Shank online

With online shopping dominating the market nowadays, life has become much easier. You don’t have to go from one store to another looking for a specific product, no matter how big or small it is. From heavy fitness equipment to refrigerators to clothes, you can get almost everything on these shopping portals. The best thing about online shopping is that you can shop from anywhere, be it your home or your desk. If you do not have time to check the product in person, you can always resort to online shopping. Nowadays, with a busy work life, you hardly have any time for your family, let alone for shopping. Buying things from the comfort of your own home gives you a multitude of options to choose from and make a wise purchasing decision. You can also buy Shankh online from brands like Aakriti, Vedic Vaani, Villcart, Native Rocks, Home Sparkle, Divya Chetna Kendra, Purpledip and Momentz. Browse your options and choose the one that suits your preferences. Buy a Shankh and immerse yourself in the sacredness of its sound.

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Simple remedies related to mussels

In Hinduism, the shell is a symbol of luck and Mars. In the Sanatan tradition, any worship is considered incomplete without a conch. The divinity of the conch shell can be seen from the fact that it is held in the hands of all the deities. The shell that came out during the ocean turmoil is believed to be the brother of Goddess Lakshmi, as both originate from the ocean itself. It is also believed that the conch shell came from a demon named “Shankhachud”, the son of Dambha, a devotee of Lord Vishnu. 1008 kinds of supernatural sea shells were formed from the bones of this demon. During worship in Hinduism, aarti conch shells are performed in the morning and evening. Aside from worship, the conch shell is usually blown during weddings, victory celebrations, coronations, Havan, and one’s arrival.

Benefits of blowing clam shells

It is believed that by blowing conch shells during the service, the seeker’s desires will be fulfilled and his life will remain happy. In the people where the conch shell is played in worship there remains a special grace of Goddess Lakshmi along with Lord Vishnu. In the Atharvaveda the conch shell was said to destroy spirits etc. due to its sacred sound and the effect of the water it contains. The sound emanating from the conch kills negative energy. It is believed that when the clam blows, the bacteria are destroyed by its waves. Similarly, blowing the conch keeps the lungs strong. By blowing the conch shell, puraka, kumbhaka and pranayama are combined. In this way, from the daily blowing of conch shells, a person receives both spiritual and material benefits, and the house and surroundings are pure.

Must keep dakshinavarti clam indoors

The Dakshinavarti shell is known to be very auspicious of luck and prosperity. This clam’s stomach is open to the south and its mouth is closed, so it is not suitable for playing. The Dakshinavarti shell is used to worship his Ishta. Keeping the Dakshinavarti shell in the house gives life, fame and fortune.

Also Read – Best Astro Remedies: These simple and effective remedies are small in sight but quickly fulfill desires

(The information given here is based on religious and popular beliefs, there is no scientific evidence for it. It is presented here in the interest of general interest.)

The shell of the Hindu god Vishnu

Panchajanya Iconography of Shankha on a Temple Wall Devanagari पाञ्चजन्य Affiliation Vaishnavism Texts Skanda Purana

This article is about the mythological shell. For the RSS publication, see Panchjanya (magazine). For old people, see Pancha-janah

Panchajanya (IAST: pāñcajanya) is the shankha or conchshell of the Hindu god Vishnu, known as one of his four divine attributes. It is said to have been one of the various substances that arose during the Samudra Manthana. According to the Mahabharata, Purushottama (Vishnu) killed a Daitya (a member of an Asura clan) named Panchajana on a mountain called Chakravan[1] erected by Vishvakarma and confiscated the conch shell in which Panchajana had lived for himself. The shell is named after the Daitya.

In the literature[edit]

In the Bhagavad Gita the Panchajanya is mentioned:

Then Sri Krishna blew His conch shell called Pancajanya; Arjuna blew his, the Devadatta; and Bhima, the voracious eater and performer of extremely difficult tasks, blew his grandiose conch shell named Paundram Bhagavad Gita chapter 1 verse 15[2]

According to Harivamsa, Krishna, the avatar of Vishnu, is described as possessing a conch shell called Panchajanya, one of his four attributes along with the mace Kaumodaki, the disk-like weapon Sudarshana Chakra, and a lotus. The conch was used during the Kurukshetra War and in folk tradition is said to have signaled its beginning.

Vishnu holds Panchajanya in his upper left hand

origin [edit]

The scriptures give two origins for the conch shell.

The Panchajanya is mentioned as one of the various substances and beings that arose during the Samudra Manthana:[3]

Then came out the Śārṅga bow, the presiding deity of all weapons. Then Pāñcajanya appeared, the conch shell, the supreme deity of all musical instruments. Skanda Purana, Vasudeva Mahatmya, chapter 12, verse 14

Panchajana was an evil Daitya who lived in a colossal conch shell in the deepest depths of the Prabhasa Ocean. He kidnapped the son of Sandipani, the guru of Krishna, Balarama, Sudama and Uddhava, and devoured him. After completing their studies, Krishna, Balarama and Uddhava persuaded the teacher to ask for the teacher’s dakshina (duties) according to his liking. Sandipani requested the death of this asura as his dakshina after consulting his wife. Krishna got angry hearing this story and threw himself into the sea to bring justice to Sandipani. Krishna successfully killed Panchajana and took the conch shell for himself.[4] Then he went to his Guru Sandipani, who called the conch shell Panchjanya.

In the Skanda Purana, Sandipani states that his son was swallowed by a whale in Prabhasa while he was on a pilgrimage and demands his return as a fee. The ocean itself is said to have informed Krishna of the existence of a great daitya named Panchajana who lived in its depths and who actually swallowed the boy. Krishna killed the Daitya, which was in the form of a whale, and seized from within him the Panchajanya, which had previously belonged to Varuna. Not finding his guru’s son, he descended to Naraka with Balarama and demanded his return. Yama and Chitragupta fought the deities until Brahma intervened and urged Yama to bring the boy back to life. When his wish was fulfilled, Brahma praised Krishna and asked him to blow his conch shell:[5]

The sound of the conch shell was conducive to the liberation of people who had committed sinful activities and were therefore sent to hell. Due to the sound of the conch shell and the memory of Acyuta, they all boarded divine air chariots and went to heaven. This region (of hell) became a void due to contact with Nārāyaṇa. Skanda Purana, Avantiksetra Mahatmya, Chapter 1, Verses 101 – 102

Krishna and Balarama then brought the son back to his father, who rejoiced in surprise and called their names.

worship [edit]

The manner in which the Shankha is to be worshiped is described in the Skanda Purana:[6]

Then he should worship Pāñcajanya, my favorite shell. O dear, by worshiping it, it gives me great joy. During the worship of the Śaṅkha, O dear one, he should recite the following mantras: “O Pāñcajanya, formerly you were born from the ocean. You were held in the hand of Viṣṇu. You were made by all devas. homage to you. Because of your sound, clouds and suras and asuras become fearful. Homage to you, O Pāñcajanya, of the bright splendor of ten thousand moons. The fetuses of the female race of demons perish by the thousands in the underworlds, O Pāñcajanya. Homage to you.” Skanda Purana, Margasirsa Mahatmya, Section 5, verses 41-44

Genuine Valampuri Lakshmi Conch Shell from the Indian Ocean

Dakshinavarti Shankh (Valampuri Sanggu; Sri Lakshmi Shankh) is a sacred Hindu object known in English as a conch shell. It is the shell of a large Indian Ocean sea snail (a shell of the species Turbinella pyrum), but with a rare counter-rotating spiral.

The shankh is held with the spout (siphonal channel) pointing upwards; its spiral twists to the right rather than the more common form, which twists to the left. [1] [2]

Terminology[edit]

In scientific parlance, a dextral (Latin: dexter, right) shell has the opening on the right when viewed tip-up. The opposite is sinistral (Latin: dark, left). This corresponds to the terms for right-hand screws in engineering and physics. Most species of sea slugs are dextral. Within a typically dextral species, rare individuals may develop a sinistral whorl.

In religious usage, the shankha (sacred conch shell) is depicted facing downwards. In this orientation, a common right bowl has its opening on the left side (Sanskrit: vamavarti).

For Sanskrit Shankha, the Hindi pronunciation is usually written as Shankh in Latin script. The Tamil equivalent is sangu.

True vs Fake[edit]

Sea Shell from the Indian Ocean, Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal.

The true Lakshmi Shank is a rare Indian Ocean sinistral Turbinella clam, usually from Turbinella pyrum.

Other right-handed sea snail shells are often mistakenly sold and revered in place of the true shank. A common substitution is the lightning slug (Sinistrofulgur perversum, formerly called Busycon perversum) from the Atlantic coast of North America. The true shank has 3 to 7 ridges or plaits on its columella, while whelks have no such plaits.

The so-called “flower bud opening test” and the “rice pulling test” (Valampuri is said to rise through a pile of rice) are not scientific. The best test of authenticity is an X-ray of the Valampuri. Valampuries show some morphological differences depending on their provenance, and shells with mixed characteristics from two neighboring localities can be seen.

In southern India, people only trust the Rameshwaram variety of Valampuries and do not trust other varieties from the West Coast and Bay of Bengal, although these are also true Valampuries.

In South India people especially worship ‘Gauri Valampuri’. This Valampuri shows small dark spots on its body vertebra near the shell cavity. These points are of shell skin, i. H. of periostrachus in the form of small dark-colored pustules firmly adherent in very small ditches or cavities and difficult to remove. If such periostrach pustules are removed, dark spots still appear on the mussel body. The Gauri type (with periosteal spots) from Valampuri is rare and more expensive than other types.

origin [edit]

Genuine Dakshinavarti Lakshmi Conches are only found in the Indian Ocean, between Myanmar (Burma) and Sri Lanka. The three main places – near Ram Setu, Sri Lanka, and Ramishwaram to Tuticorin (rarely); the Arabian Sea; and the Bay of Bengal. Shells from each location show different morphological variations, although varieties with mixed characters have been observed.

The main imitations (lightning snails) mostly come from Florida and the Gulf of Mexico. This imitation is known as the African Valampuri. Aside from busyconid species, few other species that exhibit cavity folds are incorrectly referred to as Dakshinavarti. These shells, although sinistral and wrinkled, are from other species.

Rarity[ edit ]

Varieties of Valampuri mussels are defined by where they are found. The three main places are Rameshwar, Ram Setu and Sri Lanka. The second is the west coast of India or the Arabian Sea and the third is the Bay of Bengal. All three types have variations.

It is estimated that true Lakshmi shells (turning on the right side) occur once in every 100,000 shells. The shell of the lightning snail almost always opens to the right (when viewed with the siphonal canal pointing upwards). Valampuries with five braids or folds in their socket are known as “panchajanya” and are rare.

Most Indian Valampuries display an orange inner lip. Valampuries with an orange-brown inner lip and with orange stripes on the main whorl are also seen. Fully milky white Valampuries are rare and expensive. Gauri Valampuries with dark brown or black periostrache (shell skin) patches near their socket on the main body vertebra are beautiful to look at and are rare and expensive. Huge Valampuries over 10 kg are extremely rare. Valampuries over 3 feet and many freak types in Dakshinsvarti have been reported.

Powers [edit]

The Lakshmi shell is said to bring all sorts of blessings, especially material wealth. Ritual use may include bathing deities, drinking from the conch, or using mantras inspired by Goddess Lakshmi. It is a wonderful object for vastu that offers high positive energy. It is believed to bring power and spiritual and physical prosperity to the inner and outer world. It also heals relationships, making them healthier.

See also[edit]