Every Hindu who visits a temple is well acquainted with the conch shell and its uses. It is part of every temple devotional item. Many homes like to use one during their own worship; it is kept in a place of worship, for it is very auspicious.
The majority of conch shells open on the left-hand side, that is, they are formed anti-clockwise. In contrast, those that are open on the right-hand side, that is clockwise, are rare and very auspicious, when kept at home. They are extremely expensive.
It is believed that Goddess Lakshmi resides permanently in white conch shells that open on the right side. Hindus believe that as both Goddess Lakshmi and the right-sided conch originate from the same area of the sea, they have a very close relationship.
In whatever home you find a right-sided conch shell, happiness, joy, good health and well-being will always be there. It is believed that whoever owns a pair of right-sided conch shells shall always hold exacted positions and be successful in what undertaking they pursue, misery and failure are never encountered. Daily reverence and systematic offerings of prayers, chanting of Mantras will bring success in their endeavours.
When the conch shell is placed in a shop it promotes business. At home, it attracts wealth and happiness. The right-sided conch shell is a symbol of glory and prosperity.
When water is filled in the right-sided conch shell and sprinkled in the home on possessions and family members, it is believed the effect of curses, misfortune, evil thoughts and bad planetary [astrological] influences are neutralised.
When milk is filled in the right-sided conch shell and offered to Goddess Lakshmi, one receives great wealth.
Offering continuously, 108 times, prayers to the conch shell also brings honour and fame to a person. It is also believed this helps childless couples become parents. The conch shell has its origin in the sea and is blessed by the moon, the air, the universe, overcomes one’s enemies, dispels diseases, poverty and imparts wisdom and knowledge.
It is particularly recommended for worship, when placed near the ear, one hears melodious celestial sounds.
A conch shell is an important part of religious ceremonies. Blowing the conch shell during a religious ceremony, wedding or important function is both important and auspicious. In temples, it is customary to blow conch shells in the morning and evening prayers. Without the sound of the conch shell, the prayer ceremony is considered incomplete. The sound of the conch shell is considered auspicious in other religions also.
The conch shell is blown before sunrise and after sunset, since the rays of the sun are believed to interfere with waves from the conch shell. The sound of the conch shell effectively clears pollution. Indian scientist Jagadish Chandra Bose conducted an experiment showing that as far as the sound of the conch shell penetrated, disease-causing bacteria became ineffective or died.
Investigations at Berlin University confirmed that the sound of the conch shell was an effective and cheap way of destroying bacteria in the atmosphere. It is said that it also helps control cholera and malaria and is useful amongst patients of hysteria, epilepsy and leprosy.
Amongst Hindus, there is a saying ‘Shankh baje, bhoot bhage’, meaning, ‘when the conch is blown, ghosts flee.’ Its continuous sound is said to ward off heart attack and it is also good for people who stammer.
It is customary to make small children wear little shells stringed together around their neck, as it helps them speak sooner and clearly. Blowing of the conch shell enhances lung capacity and protects one from lung ailments. It also helps in getting rid of mental tension, regulating blood pressure, controlling diabetes and preventing diseases affecting breathing and digestion.
It is customary to fill a conch shell with water and leave it at the place of prayer. This water is later sprinkled on devotees, since it is believed to have curative qualities and improves health. In some areas, ladies wear bangles made of conch shell.
Temples where bells keep ringing are ones where the deities are awakened to the call of the devotees. Bells are usually hung at the entrance of the temple and are rung [tintinnabulation], this tells the deity/deities of the devotee’s presence.
The use of bells during arti indicates that prayers are ongoing. During prayers, a variety of bells are often used, they create different beats and rhythms. It is believed that the ringing of bells arouses the divinity within the deities; the ringing bells are believed to help protect one from problems and sin.
The bell also symbolises death. When the body is about to be cremated, one rings a bell.
