In Sanatan Dharma, conch is considered very sacred and auspicious. Conch shell has been given special importance in worship, yagya and religious rituals. According to Hindu beliefs, conch is considered a symbol of happiness, prosperity and positive energy. The conch held in the hands of Lord Vishnu is one of his main weapons. It is believed that the sound of conch purifies the environment and removes negative forces.
While conch is specially used in the worship of Lord Vishnu and offering water from the conch is considered extremely auspicious, the use of conch in the worship of Lord Shiva is considered prohibited. Water is not offered to Shivalinga with a conch shell nor is the conch blown in Shiva worship. An interesting story is mentioned behind this in Shivpuran.
Story of Daityaraj Dambh and Shankhchud
According to Shivpuran, Daityaraj Dambh had no children. With the desire to have a son, he performed rigorous penance for Lord Vishnu. Pleased with Dambh’s devotion, Lord Vishnu appeared before him and asked him to ask for a groom. Then the demon king wished for a mighty son. Lord Vishnu gave him this boon. After some time, a son was born to Dambh, who was named Shankhchud. When Shankhachud grew up, he pleased Lord Brahma by doing severe penance. Pleased with his penance, Lord Brahma asked him to ask for a boon.
Got divine armor from Brahmaji
Shankhachud asked for the power to be invincible for the gods as a boon. Then Brahmaji gave him Shri Krishna Kavach, which was considered extremely powerful and auspicious. Brahmaji also blessed him to marry Tulsi, daughter of Dharmadhwaj. With the permission of Lord Brahma, the marriage of Tulsi and Shankhachud took place. Tulsi was famous for her patriotism, due to which Shankhachur became even more powerful.
atrocities on gods increased
After receiving the boon and divine armour, Shankhachur became extremely arrogant. He started establishing his authority over the three worlds and started troubling the gods. All the gods were frightened by his power and came to Lord Vishnu. Lord Vishnu told that the boon given to Shankhchud and the effect of Tulsi’s Pativrata are making him invincible. After this, Lord Shiva came to fight to protect the gods, but due to Shri Krishna’s armor and Tulsi’s chastity, even Lord Shiva was not able to kill him.
How did the conch shell originate?
To protect the gods, Lord Vishnu took the form of a Brahmin and received his Shri Krishna armor from Shankhchud as a donation. After this, he broke Tulsi’s vow to marry by taking the form of Shankhchud. As soon as Shankhachud’s protection ended, Lord Shiva killed him with his trident. According to mythological beliefs, conch shell originated from the bones of Shankhachur. For this reason conch is not used in the worship of Lord Shiva. It is believed that conch water is not offered to Lord Shiva, whereas it is considered extremely auspicious in the worship of other gods and goddesses.
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