Conch shells are shells of sea creatures. In India, it is considered a sacred trumpet that is blown during some puja ceremonies and rituals. A shankh is considered auspicious and its sound invites peace, prosperity and luck at home. Shankh or shankham in Sanskrit, stands for shum, meaning something good, and kham, meaning water. Shankham literally means ‘the conch which holds the sacred water’.
According to Vastu, there are various benefits of keeping a shankh at home. The conch shell is associated with abundance, wealth, prosperity and overall well-being. Moreover, blowing the shankh during a pujas or during sunrise, fills the surroundings with auspicious energies. Further, as per Vastu experts, a shankh can eliminate Vastu doshas in the house. In this article, we share interesting facts about conch shell and useful Vastu tips you must follow when placing a conch shell in the house.
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Types of Shankh: Quick facts
| Type of Shankh (Conch shell) | Significance |
| Dakshnivarta Shankh (right-handed) or Lakshmi Shankh | Attracts good luck, peace and prosperity |
| Vamavarti Shankh (the blowing Shankh) | Removes negative energies and purifies the surroundings |
| Ganesha Shankh | Protects from evil energies |
| Gaumukhi (Panchmukhi) Shankh or Cow conch shell | Brings happiness, abundance and good luck |
| Kauri Shankh | Attracts wealth and prosperity |
| Moti Shankh | Brings good fortune, success and peace |
| Heera Shankh | Attracts wealth, fortune and protection |
| Gomati chakra | Activates wealth when placed in cash box |
| Best direction to keep Shankh | East, northeast or north corner |
| Best location to keep Shankh | Pooja room or cash box |
Click to read how to remove negative energy from home
Vastu significance and benefits of shankh at home
Shankh and its associated with deities
It is believed that deities reside in the conch. Varun Dev sits at the centre of the conch, Brahma is at the back and Ganga and Saraswati are in the front. According to Hindu mythology, Lord Vishnu, in his various avatars, blows the Panchajanya Shankh to destroy the negativity in the world. The conch is believed to have originated from the churning of the ocean or samudra manthan.
The shankh is Vishnu’s symbol and is sacred in both Hinduism and Buddhism. In the Mahabharata, Lord Krishna and the five Pandavas each had a conch shell.
Removal of negativity
In religious rituals, a shankh is used at the beginning of prayers or any auspicious beginning. Blowing or keeping a shankh at home helps repel negative energies and create a peaceful and positive environment. To remove negative energies, sprinkle water with a conch shell all over the house. Water kept in a conch shell is sprinkled while performing pujas to cleanse and purify the space. In a house with Vastu defects, regularly blowing the conch nullifies the Vastu doshas.
Symbol of wealth and knowledge
According to Vastu, keeping a shankh at home attracts wealth and prosperity. The presence of shankh at home brings knowledge by evoking Goddess Saraswati. Moreover, keeping conches in the bedroom to strengthen the marital bond among a couple.
Shankh and its sound energy
The sound of the shankh is said to purify the energies as it has healing and vibrational properties. When the conch is blown with controlled breath, the sound of Om emanates from it which helps the mind to relax. The shankh is believed to be one of the first sound-producing tools. When held close to the ear the sound of the ocean can be heard. It is believed that the one who blows the conch gets the blessings of long life and health.
Health benefits
According to Vastu, blowing a shankh is considered good for one’s health. It helps regulate breathing, leading to increased oxygen intake and improved circulation in the body. Further, the sound waves produced by a Shankh helps stimulate the nervous system and boost brain function by activating different aneural pathways. Blowing a shankh in the house also helps calm the mind and reduce anxiety and stress. This promotes a harmonious environment in the house.
Also read about Water fountain for home Vastu: Tips to bring positive energy
Where to keep shankh at home?
- Pooja room: The ideal place to keep a conch shell at home is the puja room. The positive energies of the shankh kept in the sacred space enhances the overall spiritual energies and tranquillity of the space.
- Living room: Conch shells can be placed in the living room in a clean and elevated platform such as shelf or console table in the Vastu recommended direction and where it is clearly visible. This helps attracts positive energies.
- Main entrance area: The shankh can also be placed near the main house entrance or foyer. It will help remove the negative energies and bring positive energies into the house.
- Bedroom: Conch shells can be placed in the bedroom in an area where it is not disturbed or hidden. This helps boost marital relationships.
- Kitchen: Conch shells can also be placed in a kitchen area to purify the surroundings and create a positive environment.
- Office area: A shankh, especially a Dakshinavarti shankh, can be kept in the office to attract financial abundance.
Two important types of shankh
Some shankhas or conch shells have a clockwise (left to right) spiral while others have an anticlockwise (right to left) spiral and each of these have special significance as per Vastu. Of all the shankhs, there are two main types:
- Dakshinavarti (south or right-turning shankh): Shankh used for worship
- Shankha for puja rituals – Vamavarthi (north or left-turning shankh): Shankh for puja rituals
Let us discuss the various types of shankh in detail.
8 types of Shankh (conch shells) as per Vastu
#1. Dakshnivarta shankh attracts good luck and prosperity
The dakshinavarti shankh is also known as the Lakshmi shankh. Daksinavarta or dakshinavarti shankh is open on the right side that is considered the abode of the lord of wealth, Kuber. It has a closed mouth, therefore, it is only worshipped and does not emit any sound. Right-handed conch shells are auspicious and attract good luck, peace and prosperity.
Right-handed or dakshinavarti conch shells should be placed in the puja room designed in the north, the east or the northeast. A swastika should be drawn on this shankh and it should be worshipped with sandalwood, flowers and diya.
Benefits: Used in puja and has spiritual, health and financial benefits. It is used for:
- Correcting Vastu defects
- Purifying the surroundings and removing negative energies
- Attracting wealth and prosperity to the house
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#2. Vamavarti shankh – the blowing conch shell
Vamavarti shankh opens towards the left hand and its mouth opens in the middle. Held by the left hand, this is the most commonly available shankh and is used for all religious purposes. The blowing of a vamavarti shankh removes negative energies and purifies the surroundings. It is regarded as the brother of Goddess Lakshmi and a favourite of Lord Vishnu.
Benefits: Vamavarti shankh has the following benefits:
- Removes negative energies from the house through its sound
- Enhances spiritual growth
- Brings good health and strengthens the thyroid glands
- Attracts good luck and wealth
#3. Ganesha shankha – removes obstacles
Ganesha shankh represents Lord Ganesha and is worshipped to remove obstacles and bring success, knowledge, good luck and prosperity. This shankh is considered auspicious as it gives protection from evil effects. Ganesha shankh is ideally kept in the temple at home and can be worshipped daily or during religious festivals. It can also be kept in the locker of the house wrapped in a red cloth.
Benefits: The Ganesha Shankh is said to have the following benefits:\
- Enhances the spiritual vibrations in the house
- Creates a harmonious environment
- Helps overcome fears and challenges
- Gives protection against black magic, evil spirits, etc.
- Invites wealth and new opportunities
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See also: Tip for selecting a Ganesha idol for home
#4. Gaumukhi shankha – invites abundance and blessings
Gaumukhi shankh or panchmukhi shankh is also called the cow conch. Keeping gaumukhi shankh in the temple gives the same blessings and benefits as that of keeping a cow. The cow is considered a sacred animal and a symbol of abundance. Keeping this shankh in a temple or pooja room can give you happiness and good luck.
Benefits: The Gaumukhi Shankh brings the following benefits:
- Gives the same blessings as keeping a cow at home
- Clears the mind and helps achieve a meditative state
- Enhances lung capacity by blowing this conch and overall health
- Promotes positive energy flow
#5. Kauri shankh – attracts wealth
Benefits: The Kauri Shankh is a Vastu-compliant conch shell with these benefits:
- Attracts positive energies and prosperity to the house
- It is used as a symbol of fertility
- Helps ward off evil energies
Since ancient times kauris have been considered to bring wealth and prosperity. In ancient times it was used as a currency and was a part of the bride’s wedding attire. As per Hindu mythology, kauri was obtained from samudra manthan along with Lakshmi and other holy things. As per Hindu shastras, kauri is said to be the loving product of Mahalakshmi. It is also related to Lord Shiva and is used to decorate Nandi. Kauri shankh is kept in the cash box for prosperity and wealth.
See also: Easy Feng Shui and Vastu tips for home
#6. Moti shankh – prosperity and peace
Moti shankh is as lustrous as a pearl and difficult to find. This is a precious variety of shankh and is available in all sizes. Keeping this shankh in the house is considered to be auspicious and gives good fortune, prosperity, success and peace of mind.
Benefits: The Moti shankh benefits in the following ways:
- Increases the spiritual connection with divine feminine energy
- Protects against negative energies and misfortune
- Boost peace and harmony in the house
- Corrects energy imbalances and Vastu defects
- Helps in resolution of legal issues
Source: Indiamart
#7. Heera shankh – good fortune
Heera Shankh is also called pahadi shankh (conch from the mountains). It is used in the worship of Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Vishnu. Heera shankh is a right-sided conch shell, available in different colours. The heera shankh bestows immense wealth, fortune and protection when kept at home.
Benefits: Heera Shankh is known to have the following Vastu benefits:
- Promotes peace and harmony in the house
- Helps attract wealth, fortune and abundance
- Proves useful with its medicinal benefits
- Corrects Vastu defects in the house
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#8. Gomati chakra – eliminate Vastu dosha and attract good fortune
Gomati chakra, a form of shell stone, resembles the sudarshan chakra of Lord Krishna. It is used as a yantra in puja or religious ceremonies. As per Vastu, burying gomti chakra in the foundation of buildings eliminates Vastu dosha and blesses the occupants with prosperity and long life. In some regions of India, this sacred symbol is worshipped on Diwali along with Goddess Lakshmi. Gomti chakra wrapped in a cloth and kept inside a cash box activates wealth.
Benefits: The Gomati chakra is considered to provide the following benefits as per Vastu:
- Brings wealth and prosperity
- Promotes happiness and peace in the family
- Ensures healthy growth and protection of children
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#10. Shankh of Lord Shiva
According to Hinduism and Vastu principles, shankh is not used for worshipping Lord Shiva. As per legend, when Radha saw Lord Krishna with her companion Virja, Radha became furious and cursed them. Sudama, Krishna’s friend, became angry while listening to Radha’s wrathful comments. He was cursed by Radha and became a demon known as Shankhchur. He ascended to the throne of all three planets and started tormenting the sages and saints. At that moment, Lord Shiva became enraged and killed Shankhchur. Thus, it has been a tradition to offer water to Vishnu and other deities from shankh. However, since Lord Shiva killed Shankhchur, the shankh is considered prohibited in Lord Shiva’s worship.
See also: Useful tips for designing the bedroom with bed direction as per Vastu Shastra
Types of Conch shell for healing purposes
Owing to the positive sound energies and symbolism, conch shells have been used for healing purposes in different cultures.
- Shankha conch (Sacred chank or Turbinella pyrum): This type of conch shell is considered revered in Hinduism. The sound emitted by this conch shell is believed to purify the surroundings.
- Triton’s Trumpet Shell or Charonia Tritonis: This is a large, spiral-shaped conch shell known for its sound healing properties when played like a trumpet.
- Queen Conch or Strombus gigas: In Caribbean, this type of conch shell is popular for its healing purposes and energy-clearing properties.
- Horse Conch or Pleuroploca gigantea: This is among the largest sea snail shells widely used in healing rituals associated with ocean-based spirituality. It is said to carry the energy of the sea and helps cleanse and balance energy.
- Melo Melo Snail Shell (Melo melo): The type of conch shell is popular in Buddhist and Taoist practices for meditation and healing.
- Conus Shells: Some species of Conus shell are associated with healing and protection in certain indigenous cultures. They are used in rituals to ward off negative energy or as talismans for healing purposes.
Which type of Shankh is best for financial prosperity?
According to Vastu, one can keep a Dakshinavarti Shankh in the house, which is believed to bring financial abundance. It is also called Lakshmi Shankh, the Hindu goddess of wealth. This shankh can be kept in the house or office space to boost financial stability and growth.
Scientific benefits of shankh
According to scientific studies, blowing a shankh works like a breathing exercise and helps boost the lung capacity, which is beneficial for those with respiratory illnesses. The sound created by blowing a conch shell creates a positive environment and reduces stress and anxiety.
Which direction should we keep Shankh at home?
The ideal direction to place a Shankh or conch shell at home is the northeast, east or north corner. Keeping the conch shell in these directions is considered auspicious and will attract positive energies and maximum benefits. Always keep the Shankh on an elevated platform. Avoid placing the Shankh is areas such as the staircase, kitchen or bathrooms.
Shankh for puja room
When to place a shankh at home?
According to religious belief, the conch shell has to be placed in the temple at home on the auspicious day of Shivratri or Navratri.
How to keep Shankh in pooja room and what is the right direction?
- Pointing the idols: Always keep the conch in the temple with the pointed portion facing the idols.
- Facing upwards: The shankh should be kept with its open part upwards, and the beak should be kept on its side. It is believed that the energy and the frequencies radiating from the idols come towards the pointed portion of the shankh and spread favourable energies all around the house.
- On the right side: Vastu suggests placing shankh on the right side of the room. Before chanting a mantra, wash the shankh to maintain the purity of the pooja room. The shankh should be filled with crimson threads.
How to worship a shankh?
According to Vastu, the shankh should be placed on a silver base for support. Silver is a material considered compatible with the conch.
Shankh or conch shell is usually worshipped during puja rituals, including special occasions such as Dussehra and Diwali. Before worshipping, the shankh must be cleaned.
- Fill the shankh with water and worship the Kalasha (ritual pot).
- Worship the shankh using tulsi leaves, sandalwood paste and flowers
- Sprinkle water from the shankh on the everyone present.
- The water inside the shankha is as sacred as the waters of the holy river Ganga.
Things to avoid
- Do not use the ritual shankh for other purposes, including blowing.
- Avoid touching the Shivling with the shankh.
- Do not use the conch shell for bathing deities such as Surya (Sun God) or Shiva.
How to keep Shankh in pooja room?
Always keep the conch in the temple with the pointed portion facing the idols. The shankh should be kept with its open part upwards, and the beak should be kept on its side. It is believed that the energy and the frequencies radiating from the idols come towards the pointed portion of the shankh and spread favourable energies all around the house. Vastu suggests placing shankh on the right side of the room. As per pooja room Vastu, before chanting a mantra, wash the shankh to maintain the purity of the pooja room.
Shankh as a remedy for Vastu dosha
Shankh is used to remove Vastu flaws in the house. Lord Vishnu, in his various avatars, blows the conch to destroy the negativity around the world. It is believed that Goddess Lakshmi resides in a house with a conch shell. If there is a Vastu dosha in any part of your house, place a conch in that corner to eliminate the dosha and the bad energies. Vastu shankh yantras are placed in the northwest to rectify the flaw of the direction.
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Vastu rules for shankh
Vastu rules for blowing shankh
- Shankh that is blown during prayers should not be used to offer water to the deities.
- Regularly worship the conch shells and ensure that they are blown into at least twice daily.
Conch shell and water
- The conch shell should always be kept filled with water at the place of worship.
- Do not use a shankh to offer water to Lord Shiva.
- Do not offer water for dieties using the shankh that is blown during prayers.
Avoid keep two conch shells
Two conches should never be kept together in a temple at home for worship.
Never keep broken conch shells
Broken chipped or cracked shankh should never be kept in the mandir.
Do not keep thorny conch shells
Avoid keeping thorny conches and corals as decoration pieces as they create an imbalance in a home’s healthy atmosphere.
Avoid keep shankh on the floor
Never keep a conch on the floor as it is equal to a deity.
Shankh cleaning rituals
- Perform the cleansing rituals before putting the shankh in the pooja storage.
- Clean the shankh daily by immersing it in a concoction of holy water and particular herbs. It will help remove the negative energy associated with the shell.
- Purifying the conch shell gives it positive vibrations and boosts the spiritual environment in the pooja room.
- Keep the conch shell dust-free and shiny by cleaning it with a soft cloth and gentle cleanser.
- Cover the conch shell in white or red cloth.
See also: Vastu Shastra tips for placing 7 horse painting in the house
How many Shankh can you keep at home?
According to Vastu, one should not keep more than one Shankh for worship. However, one can keep more than one Shankh at home, which is said to increase the positive energies and good luck in the house.
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Also read: Buddha statue for home Vastu tips
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Which shankh is not good for home?
According to Vastu, one should avoid thorny or coral Shankh at home as it can affect the flow of positive energies in the house. Similarly, a broken or cracked conch shell should not be kept at home.
Tips for blowing Shankh at home
According to Vastu, blowing the shank eliminates the frequencies of raja-tama particles are destroyed and the saviour and destroyer principle of a deity is awakened. Here are some tips to blow conch shell at home.
- Clean the conch shell with holy water and worship it regularly.
- Blow the shankh before beginning a puja or aarti.
- The Shankhanaad ritual of blowing the shankh during sunrise is a popular practice to mark the start of the day.
Correct method for blowing conch shell at home
- Raise the neck and slightly bend it backwards.
- Keep the mind focused and take a deep breath
- Start blowing the conch shell, gradually increasing the intensity.
- Complete blowing the shankh in a single breath.
Best time to blow shankh
Shankh or conch shell is often blown during auspicious events, puja and festive celebrations. According to Vastu, shankh should be blown before starting a puja or at the end of the puja or a religious ceremony.
Can women blow shankh?
According to scriptures, shankhs were used in wars as a representation of strength of the warriors. However, in earlier days, women were restricted from blowing shankh as it was considered that the energy in the intense sound of the shankh reduces the fertility rates in women and could result in miscarriages in pregnant women. According to Vastu, there are no religious or cultural norms that restrict women from blowing shankh. In reality, women are often seen blowing shankh during festivals and celebrations such as Durga Puja.
Disadvantages of blowing shankh at home
- Physical strain: Shankh or conch shell should be blown with the correct technique. Some disadvantages of blowing shankh include physical strain, causing pressure on facial and lung muscles.
- Injury risk: Incorrect method of blowing shankh can pose risk of injuries. It can lead to damaged ear and eye muscles or rupture diaphragm.
- Negative energies: Not complying with Vastu Shastra guidelines when blowing shankh can lead to the flow of negative energies.
How to identify the right conch shell for home?
- Conch shells are available in different types. To choose the right conch shell, it is necessary to first determine the type of shell you want based on its specific purposes.
- Another crucial point to note is the legal considerations. It is necessary to check the local regulations regarding the collection and trade of conch shells.
- Similarly, one has to keep in mind the ethical considerations – that is by checking of the conch shells are obtained without harming any living creature.
- Further, one should consider the traditional beliefs and customs before choosing the right conch shell.
What is Shankhini?
Shankhini, the female version of shankh, is a type of conch shell that is neither supposed to be blown nor kept in the puja ritual. It is characterised by a rough and thorny surface and does not emit pleasant sounds. According to Vastu, Shankhini comprises several crisscross circles on its inner surface. Upon blowing through it, these circles create obstruction in the interrupted flow of sound vibrations that rub against these circles. Thus, they produce distressing frequencies and negatively impact the environment. These negative energies flow towards the puja area, making the surroundings impure. Hence, Shankhini is not kept during the puja ritual.
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Whether you are using a conch shell to keep in the puja room, use it for other rituals or gift it someone, it is essential to understand the various types of shankh and their significance. When selecting conch shells at home, it is important to understand the purpose for which it is being used. You can also use a conch shell as a décor item, but ensure that it is placed in a Vastu-compliant manner.
Besides, there are rules associated with blowing a conch shell. You can consult a Vastu expert for guidance.
FAQs
What is a Shankhini?
A shankhini is a female shankh and a form of shell stone with a rough surface. The shankhini produces negative energies, therefore, it is not used during auspicious rituals or for blowing.
What are the benefits of the metal conch on the tortoise figurine?
Tortoise figurines help to reduce Vastu faults as it has tremendous power to balance and harmonise the environment. Tortoise also helps in enhancing career luck, longevity and health, wealth and family luck. The shankh is sacred and attracts fame, longevity and prosperity. It is the cleanser of sin and the abode of Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and consort of Lord Vishnu.
Which type of shankh is good for home?
The right-handed shankh is auspicious and brings good luck, wealth and prosperity to the house.
What are the rules for blowing Shankh at home?
Clean the conch shell with holy water and worship it regularly. Blow the shankh before beginning a puja or aarti. The Shankhanaad ritual of blowing the shankh during sunrise is a popular practice to mark the start of the day.
Why do we blow Shankh 3 times?
Blowing a shankh three times before any ritual removes negative energy and reduces the vibrations of Tamas and Rajas while boosting Sattva's vibration.
How to keep shankh in front of God?
When placing a conch shell in front of god, make sure the beak is kept on its side and the open portion is positioned up. This helps direct the energies and vibrations sent by the idols towards the pointed part of the Shankh and disperse positive energy around the home.
Can we gift shankh to someone?
A conch shell or shank is considered an auspicious symbol in Hinduism and Buddhism. It can be presented as a gift, especially to someone starting a new venture or on a special occasion.
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