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Why do we blow the conch? |
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When the conch is blown, the primordial sound of
Om
emanates.
Om
is an auspicious sound that
was chanted by the Lord before creating the world. It represents the world
and the Truth behind it. |
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As the story goes, the demon Shankhaasura defeated devas,
the Vedas 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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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Another well-known purpose of blowing the conch and the
instruments, known traditionally to produce auspicious sounds is to drown or
mask negative comments or noises that may disturb or upset the atmosphere or
the minds of worshippers. |
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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 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. |
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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. |
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Twam puraa saagarot pannaha
Vishnunaa vidhrutahakare
Devaischa poojitha sarvahi
Panchjanya namostu te |
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Salutations to Panchajanya the conch born of the ocean
Held in the hand of Lord Vishnu and worshipped by all
devaas |
