Shankha

Carved Conch

Śankh MET DP353270

Shankha with rosette

Hindu priest blowing conch during punja

Flag of Kingdom of Travancore

Conque (Musée des arts asiatiques, Nice) (5941349262)

Shankha (Sanskrit: शङ्ख, Śaṅkha) is a conch shell of ritual and religious importance in Hinduism and Buddhism. In Hinduism, the shankha is a sacred emblem of the Hindu preserver god Vishnu. It is still used as a trumpet in Hindu ritual, 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 Lakshmi - the goddess of wealth and consort of Vishnu.

Etymology and Symbolism

The word Shankha is derived from the Sanskrit root Śaṅkh, meaning "to pacify" or "to bring peace". The conch shell is symbolically important in Hinduism, representing the primal sound Aum from which creation is thought to have originated. It is associated with the element of water, and thus Vishnu, who is traditionally depicted holding a shankha in one of his four hands, symbolizing his role as the god of preservation.

Types of Shankha

There are mainly two types of shankha used in Hindu rituals: the Dakshinavarti Shankha, which spirals to the right and is considered very auspicious and rare, and the Vamavarti Shankha, which spirals to the left and is more common. The Dakshinavarti shankha symbolizes prosperity and is believed to be the dwelling of the goddess Lakshmi.

Usage in Rituals

In Hindu rituals, the shankha is used in various ceremonies, including pujas (worship rituals), weddings, and temple ceremonies. It is often blown at the start and end of a ritual. The sound of the shankha is believed to purify the environment, ward off evil spirits, and make the mind more receptive to receiving blessings.

Shankha in Buddhism

In Buddhism, the shankha is one of the eight auspicious symbols, known as the Ashtamangala. It represents the spread of the teachings of the Buddha through the sound of the shankha. Tibetan Buddhism uses the shankha as a musical instrument during rituals.

Medicinal Uses

Traditionally, shankha powder, made from the shell, has been used in Ayurveda for its medicinal properties. It is believed to have benefits in treating digestive issues, skin disorders, and providing calcium for bone health.

Cultural Significance

The shankha holds a significant place in Indian culture and mythology. It is often depicted in the hands of Hindu gods and goddesses, especially Vishnu, and is a symbol of purity, brilliance, and auspiciousness. Its sound is considered to bring good luck and ward off evil spirits. The shankha is also used in Indian classical music and in traditional practices such as Vastu Shastra for its spiritual significance.

Conservation

The collection and trade of certain types of shankhas, especially the Dakshinavarti, are now regulated due to their rarity and ecological impact. Conservation efforts are in place to protect marine life and ensure that the use of shankha in religious practices does not lead to the depletion of these species.