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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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 namostu te
Salutations to Panchajanya
the conch born of the ocean
Held in the hand of Lord Vishnu
and worshipped by all devaas
