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
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