In Hinduism and Vastu Shastra, the conch shell (Shankh) is considered extremely sacred and a symbol of Goddess Lakshmi. Keeping an empty conch shell in a temple or worship area is considered inauspicious, as it can increase negative energy and lead to loss of wealth and prosperity in the home. It is essential to always keep the conch shell filled, clean, and in the correct direction.
Religious Significance of the Conch Shell: In Hinduism, the conch shell is considered dear to deities and an auspicious symbol, which is why keeping it empty in a temple or worship area is deemed inauspicious. In India, many families and religious places keep the conch shell filled with Ganges water, flowers, or rice. This practice not only disseminates positive energy throughout the home but also ensures financial and mental stability. The correct placement, maintenance, and worship of the conch shell maintain the blessings of Goddess Lakshmi and reduce negative influences.
Religious and Vastu Significance of the Conch Shell
In Hinduism, the conch shell is considered a beloved and auspicious symbol of deities. The sound of the conch (Shankhnad) purifies the environment and enhances the flow of positive energy. According to Vastu Shastra and astrology, keeping an empty conch shell in the worship area is considered inauspicious. The conch shell embodies divine energy, and leaving it empty can cause it to lose its power, thereby increasing the entry of negative energy and posing a risk of financial loss or poverty in the home.
The conch shell is also considered a miniature form of Goddess Lakshmi. The conch, which emerged during the Samudra Manthan (churning of the ocean), is associated with Lakshmi. Keeping an empty conch shell in the temple is akin to leaving Goddess Lakshmi's place in the home vacant, which can displease the Goddess. Therefore, the conch shell should always be kept filled to maintain its auspicious energy and positivity.
Effects of Keeping an Empty Conch Shell in the Temple
According to scriptures, keeping an empty conch shell in a temple or worship area increases the flow of negative energy in the home. This can make the home environment unstable and disturbed. From an economic perspective, it is also considered inauspicious because the energy contained within the conch shell symbolizes wealth, splendor, and prosperity.
In Vastu Shastra, this is also considered important. Keeping an empty conch shell in the worship area can not only lead to financial loss but also a visible lack of peace, happiness, and opulence in the home. Therefore, emphasis is placed on always keeping the conch shell filled and maintaining its purity.
Daily Practices to Avoid Impoverishment
It is crucial to keep the conch shell filled and maintain its energy. Before or during morning prayers, clean the conch shell and fill it with pure water or Ganges water. This water activates the divine power of the conch shell and spreads positive energy throughout the home.
Sprinkling this water throughout the entire house is considered auspicious. Do not discard it wastefully. Sprinkling this holy water in the home temple, courtyard, or worship area removes Vastu defects and can prevent the entry of evil forces. The water filled in the conch shell can also be used for the Abhishek (ritual bathing) or bathing of deities, which is considered highly fruitful.
Keeping flowers, rice, or other sacred items in the conch shell also brings benefits. Rice, in particular, is considered a symbol of Lakshmi. Filling the conch shell with rice leads to an increase in wealth, prosperity, and opulence in the home.
Other Important Rules for Keeping a Conch Shell
There are certain specific rules for keeping a conch shell that must be followed. First, pay attention to the direction. Placing the conch shell to the right side of Lord Vishnu's idol in the temple is considered most auspicious. Additionally, keeping it in the Northeast (Ishaan Kon) direction is also beneficial.
The conch shell should not be placed directly on the ground. It should be kept on a clean cloth (red or yellow) or established on a copper/brass plate, providing it with an 'asan' (seat). This maintains the purity of the conch shell and ensures the correct flow of energy.
More than one conch shell should not be kept in the temple. It is believed that keeping multiple conch shells can reduce the blessings of Lakshmi. However, keeping an additional conch for specific worship purposes is considered appropriate. A broken, cracked, or fragmented conch shell should never be kept in the temple, as it is considered inauspicious.
Benefits of Regular Care and Worship of the Conch Shell
Regular care of the conch shell is essential. Clean it daily and add water, flowers, or rice as needed. Observing fasts (vrats) and performing puja (worship) of the conch shell in the morning and evening instills positive energy in the home and maintains wealth and prosperity.
Worship of the conch shell brings mental peace, spiritual energy, and happiness and prosperity to the home. Regular maintenance and worship of the conch shell protect an individual from negative influences and negative energy. It is beneficial from both religious and social perspectives.
