Shankha: A Sacred Instrument
A Shankha (Queen conch) is obtained from a large predatory sea nail. It belongs to species Turbinella pyrum, family Turbinellidae. It is found in the Indian Ocean, the Bay of Bengal and Arabian sea. The surface of the shell is healthy, hard and shiny. The shape of the main body of the shell is oblong or conical, protuberance in the middle and tapers at each end. The upper portion (the siphonal canal) is cork-screw shape while the lower portion (the spire) is twisted and tapering. The colour of the conch shell is dull. The inner surface of the shell is gleaming, but the outer surface shows high tuberculation.
Types of Shankha
Shankha is of two types based on their direction of coiling. They are:
i. The Dakshinavarti Shankha – the shell coils or whorls expand in an anti-clockwise spiral. It is rarely found. In Hinduism, a Dakshinvarta Shankha symbolizes infinity space. It is associated with Lord Vishnu.
ii. The Vamavarta Shankha - the shell coils or whorls expand in a clockwise spiral. In Hinduism, the Vamavarta represents the reversal of laws of nature. It is associated with Lord Shiva.
The history behind Shankha in Hindu Mythology
In Hindu mythology, the Shankha is a sacred emblem of Lord Vishnu. The sound of Shankha symbolizes the sacred Om sound. According to Hindu scripture, Shankha is praised as a giver of fame, longevity, prosperity, the cleanser of sin and abode of goddess Lakshmi (Goddess of wealth and consort of Lord Vishnu).
In ancient time, it was used as a trumpet in Hindu ritual ceremony such as aarti, marriage and thread etc. and nowadays still is in use. Also, it was used as a war trumpet, which was known as Shankhanad.
According to Varaha Purana, describes that the bathing with the Dakshinavarta shankha free one from sin. The Skanda Purana tells us about that bathing Vishnu with this Skandha grant freedom from sins of seven lives. The Sankha Sadma Purana describes that bathing an image of Vishnu with cow’s milk resembles as performing a million yajnas (fire sacrifices). The Padma Purana describes the same as described in Sankha Sadma Purana. Also, it added pouring water from a Shankha on one’s own head before a Vishnu image is equivalent to bathing in the holy Ganga river.
It was observed that incarnation of Lord Vishnu like Matsya, Kurma, Varaha and Narasimha holding the Shankha. Lord Krishna described possessing a Shankha called Panchajanya. Other deities such as God Surya, Indra and Kartikeya and Goddess Vaishnavi, Durga and Gaja Lakshmi holds Shankha.
Uses
1. Conch shell ash (Shankha bhasma) is used as antacid and digestive properties.
2. Shankhavati ( a compound pill) is used in dyspepsia.
3. Blowing a Shankha purifies the lungs by expelling the impurities. When the conch is blown, then energy is emitted from it. Thus reduces the strength of distressing frequencies.
4. Conch is a good source of protein.
5. It provides a small amount of iron, potassium, vitamin B12 and vitamin E.
6. It is used as a material for making bangles, bracelets and other decorative objects.