The secret behind blowing a conch

Category: Samhitas | Author : Admin | Date : 14 August 2021 22:32

When the conch is blown, the primordial sound "Om" emanates. "Om" is an auspicious sound that was chanted by the Lord before creating the universe. It represents the cosmic universe and the truth behind it.

According to Hindu scriptures, the demon Shankhaasura once defeated Devas, stole the Vedas and went down to the bottom of the ocean. The Devas appealed to Lord Vishnu for help. Lord Vishnu incarnated as Matsya Avataara (incarnation in the form of fish) and killed Shankhaasura. The Lord then blew the conch-shaped bone of Shankhaasura's 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 Shankaasua. The conch blown by the Lord is called Paanchajanya. He carries it at all times in one of His four hands.

It represents dharma or righteousness which 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, known traditionally, to produce auspicious sounds to drown or mask negative comments or noises that may disturb or upset the atmosphere or the minds of worshippers.

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 poojas 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 few seconds, and mentally bow to the Lord. The conch sound served to briefly elevate people's minds to a worshipping 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 a symbol 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 namostute

Salutations to Panchajanya, the conch born of the ocean, held in the hand of Lord Vishnu and worshipped by all Devas.