Blowing the conch symbolises purity, divinity and the triumph of good over evil

 Lord Krishna resounded throughout the world with the blast of a conch during the Mahabharata. The act of blowing the conch is an integral part of daily rituals performed during poojas and ceremonies in temples, households, and various events. In the Bhagavad Gita, at the onset of the great battle, Lord Krishna initiated this divine ritual by blowing the conch, followed by others such as Yuddhisthira, Bheema, Arjuna, Nakul, Sehdev, and so forth.

The conch, held in Lord Vishnu’s hand, symbolizes the essence of life and the primal sound. Blowing the conch signifies the primordial creative voice linked to the sacred sound "Aum," the breath of Lord Vishnu pervading all space. This primordial sound serves as the source of divine energy in all living beings, including humans, animals, plants, vegetables, flowers, and galaxies. The sound emitted from the conch resonates with the divine presence. The spelling of the word "shankha" varies across different regions of India depending on the local language, such as Shankha in Sanskrit, Kannada, and Marathi, and as a "chank" shell in English.

The significance of Conch (Shankha) and its blowing lies in its representation of purity, primal energy, brilliance, wisdom, auspicious beginnings, divinity, and victory over evil. It purifies and energizes the environment positively, enhancing courage, willpower, determination, and optimism, thereby signifying the triumph of good over evil.

The act of blowing the conch three times before any ritual aims to diminish negative energy and reduce the vibrations of Tamas and Rajas while enhancing Sattva's vibration. Blowing the conch symbolizes the dispelling of evil thoughts and actions before auspicious events.

The conch holds historical and mythological significance, such as its emergence during the churning of the ocean (Samudra Manthan) in Hindu mythology. It represents righteousness and the victory of good over evil, often referred to as the “victory call of good over evil.”

Another purpose of blowing the conch is to create auspicious sounds that mask negative noises, fostering a serene atmosphere for worship. It serves as a reminder for people to pause and acknowledge the divine presence, even amidst their daily routines.

Scientifically, spiritually, artistically, and in terms of humanity, the primordial sound "Aum" produced by conch blowing generates divine energy and vibrations, harmonizing the internal and external environments. These vibrations have healing properties, promoting well-being, calmness, and happiness, and strengthening the immune system. They also stimulate the energy zones (Chakras), fostering creativity, confidence, compassion, peace, harmony, prosperity, and protection from negative influences.

It has several health benefits too, especially for the heart. Conch Blowing enhances blood flow in the Coronary Arteries of the Heart and 1 billion capillaries all over the body, thereby, being responsible for a healthy heart and healthy blood vessels. It also stabilizes activity of the sympathetic nervous system, thereby preventing palpitation, the conch blowing is important to practice at a young age with no underline comorbidities to enhance a healthy heart. A healthy Heart, healthy Brain, healthy Lungs and healthy blood vessels can be achieved by conch blowing daily from a young age.Heart attack at a young age is caused by increased sympathetic nervous activity, uncontrolled hypertension, uncontrolled diabetes, high cholesterol, obesity and optimization of lifestyle right from childhood by practising amalgamation of optimised lifestyle and spirituality in the form of meditation and yoga will reduce the rising menace of young heart attacks in India and the world. Conch blowing holds immense significance in Hindu rituals while also providing therapeutic benefits for individuals and the environment.

(The writer is Chief Cardiologist, at Medanta Moolchand Heart Institute; views are personal)