A #conch is a sea-dwelling mollusc. In Hindu religion, it is popularly called as "#Shankh" / "#Shangu" and considered to be one of the most auspicious objects that emerged from the sea during the Ksheera Sagara Samudra Manthan.
Religious Significance
In Indian mythology, the Shankh is regarded sacred and very auspicious. To initiate religious ceremonies, a shankh (conch shell) is blown. It is a major Hindu article of prayer. God Vishnu, the God of Preservation, is shown with a shankh in one hand and a disc or a chakra in the other. Each hindu shankh has a specific name. The sacred conch shell is an integral part of Hindu symbolic and religious tradition.. Whenever the conch shell is blown, it is said to purify the environment from all evil effects.
Scientific significance
Leaving aside the mythology part, the conch shell's significance can also be corroborated by science. If you try holding a shankh near your ear, the sound of the gently humming ocean can be heard. This is actually the natural vibration or cosmic energy of the Earth which gets magnified on entering the conch shell. The vibrations from these conch shells can overpower evil forces from the Earth. According to science, the blowing of a conch shell enhances the positive #psychological vibrations such as courage, determination, hope, optimism, willpower, etc. in the blower as well as those around him.
Types of Shankha of Religious importance
Dakshinavarti Shankh
The shankh that open towards the right hand are called #Dakshinavarti Shankh or #Valampuri Sangu. These shahkh are rare and are available in white color with brown lines on them that run towards the right or South. Lord #Kubera (God of wealth) resides in South and so this shankh represents wealth and prosperity. The sizes differ and can be from the size of a wheat grain to as large as a coconut. Dakshinavarti type of shankha come from deep seas and are very rare.
Dakshinavarti shankh is considered very auspicious when kept at any sacred place or the place of worship or the locker in the house. It should be kept after being wrapped in a white cloth. This shankh is said to bring good luck and prosperity to the individual and his family. This Shankh is the symbol of Goddess Lakshmi. It is said that she removes sorrows and gives intelligence, success, and worldly freedom. Dakshinavarti shankha not only bring wealth but also purify the atmosphere. All the negatives energies are swept out of the place.
Vamavarti Shankh
The shankh that open towards left hand are #Vaamavarti Shankh. These are the most commonly available shankha and used for all religious purposes. In fact, most of the conches are Vaamvarti, that is, their bulge opens towards left side (facing North).
The special geometry of a natural shankh creates a positive energy field and so they are used as #Yantras. Some astrologers also recommend the types of shankh and the location where these are to be placed to control negative planetary effects. Different methods of worshipping the shankh are also described in the Indian scriptures for benefits varying from wealth, success and peace of mind to health, healing and hypnotism. The blowing of a Vaamavarti shankh removes the ill effects of negative energies and it purifies our surroundings and soul.
Gaumukhi Shankha
#Gaumukhi means face of cow. This Shankh resembles face of Cow.Cow is considered very sacred in Hinduism and so is this shankh. Keeping this shankh in temple/pooja place gives all the benefits (punya) of keeping a cow. It helps in bringing peace, harmony and happiness. A must to have Shankh for every Altar.
Ganesha Shankha
#Ganesha shankh is another precious and largely worshiped shankh. This shankha represents Lord Ganesha and is worshipped to remove obstacles, for learning, for success, for luck and prosperity to family. This shankh is considered a very auspicious item for protection from evil effects and is to get good luck and prosperity to family.
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