Puja Aasana /mat - पूजा आसन

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Puja Asana/Puja Aasani/Puja Mat

         Aasana or Aasani means something to sit on. It may be of cloth, wood or wool. Sitting directly on the ground is thought to be a bad manner in Hindu social life. When a guest comes it is a custom to offer him a sitting place so that he feels honored. When a god is invoked he too is offered an Aasana. But during the worship, the devotee also should sit on an Aasana. Worshiping Gods by directly sitting on the ground is not permitted. Here sitting means sitting on the hips with legs crossed (Palthi Marna -पालथी मारना). But there are some exceptions like in temples where there is a rush of devotees. The devotees may offer Puja things there, by standing or by standing with bending forward. Then they come out of the Garbhgrih and put their Aasana at a suitable place in the temple campus and then sitting on it they may complete their Japa or reading holy books (Paath-पाठ).

            While doing the daily Pujan a devotee must sit on an Aasana. There are many types of Aasana for Puja but the best recommended by the religious books is the one made of Kusha or Darbha. It is called as Kushaasana or Darbhasana. Kusha is a type of grass which is known as Halfa Grass in English. It is treated as a holy grass in Hindu religion and there are some rituals to be performed before uprooting it. (Click here to read about the Kusha Grass). Dried Kusha grass is woven to make a mat which is Kushasana. It is said that doing Puja (worshipping gods) by sitting on the Kushaasana is fruitful.
               Woolen Aasana (Blanket -कम्बल) is another type of Aasana which is recommended for Puja. In fact, it is the Aasana which is commonly used in Hindu household. While Kushaasana is thin, the woolen Aasana is somewhat soft and sitting on it more comfortable than the former. It is said that using this Aasana brings peace and wealth to the devotee's house. Some astrologers specify different colors for the this Aasana to fulfill different desires. 
                Aasana of cotton is not recommended but that of silk (Resham -रेशम) is allowed especially in Vishnu Puja.  
                Wooden Aasana is not allowed in daily Pujan but it is used in some special Pujan on occasions like "Upanayana" or "Janeu". It is made of Mango wood and named as Peedha (पीढ़ा). 
                There are other Aasanas which are skins of animals like a deer or tiger but these are not used inside a house or temples. It is also not suitable to present time (देश और काल) as the wild animals are on the verge of extinction and Govt ban it. When the religious holy books were written the earth was full of forest and animals. At that time Mrigaasana (Aasana of deer's skin) and Vyaghraasan (Aasana of tiger's skin) were used by Rishi and Muni in the Jungle. Tiger's skin used to keep the wild animals away thus the Saadhak could go in Dhyana undisturbed.  
               The shape of an Aasana should be square. It is kept on the cleaned ground and before starting the worship it is made "Shuddha" (Pure) by holy water and Mantras. After the Puja is completed it is given a Pranam then it is lifted and kept at its place. 
               It is also to be noted that a devotee should use his own Aasana for the worship. The same Aasana should not be used by different devotees as is the case with Japmala.  
               When gods are invoked they are also offered Aasana. For them, Akshat is put on the ground as Aasana. Some Mantras are also spoken. One of the Mantras is like this:-

अयि विभो शरणागतवत्सल यदपि हीनमिदं भवतां कृते। 

तदपि भक्तजनं खलु वीक्ष्य मां समुचितं प्रियमासनमास्यताम྄। 

 (Ayi Vibho Sharanagatvatsala Yadapi Heenmidam Bhawatam Krite
Tadapi Bhaktjanam Khalu Vikshya Maan Samuchitam Priymaasanmaasyataam)
         Puja Aasanas are also available online at Amazon. 

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पान के पत्ते - Betel Leaves

Belel Leaves - Paan, Tambul

Betel leaves are known as "Paan" or "Tambul" in India. It is in use in India and South Asia from time unknown. It is used as a mouth freshener after a meal. In Hindu worship, it is also used as an offering to gods when all Naivedya is already offered. This Paan offering is in the shape of a roll which is called a "Beeda". But in this "Beeda" lime (Choona) is not applied. It consists of Supari (Areca nut), cloves, small cardamom, camphor (कपूर) and pieces of coconut flesh. There are different Shlokas for the offering of Paan, one of them is as below:-

ताम्बूलं   च   वरं   रम्यं   कर्पूरादिसुवासितम྄| 

सर्वभोगाधिकं स्वादु सलिलं देव (देवी) गृह्यताम྄|| 

(Tambulam ch Varam Ramyam Karpuradisuwasitam. Sarvbhogadhikam Swadu Salilam dev Grihyatam.) 

        Pann leaves are treated as auspicious. When Naivedyam is offered, it is put in a plate or Thali. But when for different Naivedyam there are not many plates, then these are offered to gods on betel leaves. Laddoos, fruits and Kheer are put on different Paan leaves and offered as Naivedyam to gods. 

          Sometimes like in "Satyanarayan Puja", many other gods are also invoked. To give them seats the Paan leaves are used. First, some Akshat is put on the cleaned surface and over it, Paan leaves are put. Then taking Akkshat, flower and Jal in the hand the concerning god is prayed and called as "Ehagachchha, Ehatishtha" and the things in hand are put on the Paan leaves. "Ehagachchha, Ehatishtha" (इहागच्छ, एहातिष्ठ) are Sanskrit words which means 'Come here and take your seat' (आप यहाँ आएं, यहाँ बैठें).

 

Ready for Kapoor Aarti

        When Arti is shown to gods, generally the Deepak (lamp) or Camphor (कर्पूर, कपूर) is placed over a Paan leaf over some Akshat on a plate.

        Since it is considered auspicious it is used in all auspicious Sanskaras like Wedding and Janeu (Upanayana, Putting the holy thread on the body). Paan has its use in many rituals of the wedding. For example, if some fruits are to be given in the hands of the bride or groom, first a Paan leaf is put on the palms and then over it, fruits are placed. Another interesting ritual in a wedding in Mithila (Bihar) is named as Galsedi. It is a welcome ritual for the bridegroom when the Barat (Marriage Procession - बारात) comes to the bride's home.  Before the groom gets down from the vehicle, a group of married women goes to him with a Deepak on a Thali containing colored Akshat spread on it. They take a Paan leaf warm it over the Deepak and touch the cheeks of the groom with it. It is called Galsedi. 

A Beeda of Paan. Gillori, Khilli

          Paan is a part of Hindu culture. It is a ritual to have a "Beeda" of Paan at a place of pilgrimage when the worship is over.  

          Perhaps in India, Paan is the fondest of people of Mithila (Bihar). It is a part of daily life there. People take it many time a day. Some people carry a box of Paan with them which is called "Panbatta"(पनबट्टा). Either they will keep Beedas of Paan in it or Paan leaves wrapped in a water soaked thin cotton cloth. The Paan eaters enjoy making Beedas of the Paan by taking leaves of Paan out of "Panbatta". If you ask a Maithil (A person of Mithila in Bihar) "Why do you eat Paan?" Then it is sure you will get an answer, "Paan and Makhaan are not available even in the Heaven." Makhaan is the foxnut (Euryale ferox) which is mostly cultivated in the ponds of Mithila.

A Panbatta - A box for Betel Leaves

          Paan of Benaras is famous. It has also been included into Bollywood songs. Remember the famous song of movie "Don" in which Amitabh Bachchan sings-'Khai Ke Paan Banaraswala, Khul Jaaye Band Akal Ka Tala'. Wazid Ali Shah is well known for his love of Paan. From that tradition, Paan in Lucknow includes many aromatic things in it. There is a range of Paan available there - ranging from a few rupees to thousands of rupees. A roll of Paan is also called Gillori here.
      Customs apart it is said to have medicinal properties in Ayurveda. It clears throat in a cough when chewed. Such Paan is taken with cloves, mint and 'Gulukand' (Gulukand is a jelly-like thing made from red rose flower petals). It is said to have aphrodisiac properties. 
          The plant of Paan is a climber which does not bear a fruit. It is cultivated for its leaves only. It requires a lot of water. Warm and humid weather is good for it but it cannot bear the direct sunshine. So for its cultivation in the field, a hut type of structure is made from which sunshine enters partly. 
          It has many varieties. Bengal mainly produces two varieties of Paan - Bangla Patta and Meetha Patta (Patta means leaf). Bangla or Desi variety is the most popular and cheaper too. Meetha Patta has a distinct taste and costs more. In Bihar, a popular variety of Paan is produced which is named as "Magahi". It is smaller in size compared to other varieties and less green too. It dissolves easily in the mouth. It is also costlier. Paan is also produced in Odisha and a variety of it is named after a district in Odisha-Ganjam. And there is Banarasi Patta which is more yellowish.
         As far as Hindu worship is concerned it should be used as per requirement. But daily consumption of it should be avoided because it is taken by most of the people with tobacco (Zarda) which causes cancer. Another ingredient areca nut (Supari) is also said to cause cancer. Again the Paan spitting is very disgusting and its spots on the roads and on the walls are an eye-shore.

    

Panchamrita - पञ्चामृत !

Panchamrit (पञ्चामृत)

Panchamrita is made of two words -Pancha + Amrita.

Pancha means Five.

Amrita means something that makes immortal, Nectar.

So the word "Panchamrita" means a preparation that has five ingredients each equivalent to nectar. Panchamrita has a special place in Hindu worship. It is prepared by mixing following five liquids in equal proportions:- 

1. Milk  (Unboiled)

2. Yogurt (Indian Household 'Dahi')

3. Honey  (शहद)

4. Liquid Jaggery (गुड़)

5. Ghee (Clarified Butter)

          The ingredients may differ in different regions in India. In South India ripe banana may also be added. Sometimes if one of the ingredients is not available the "Gangajalam" may be added. 

         This holy liquid (Panchamrita) is used in puja to give a bath to the god which is called -Panchamrita Snana. In the "Satyanarayana Puja" the God Vishnu in the form of "Shaligrama" is given a Panchamrita Snana by dipping Him in the Panchamrita kept in a pot. At the end of the Puja when Prasada is distributed among the devotees this Panchamrita is also distributed.

           In the Shiva-Puja, the Panchamrita is poured over the Shivalingam and spread all over it with the hand. After the Panchamrita Snana to Gods, it is necessary to give water bath or Gangajala bath so that He is clean. It is termed as "Shuddhodak - Snana" (Purifying Bath).

           At the time of Panchamrita Snana, the following Mantra is recited:-

पयोदधिघृतं चैव मधु च शर्करायुतं। पंचामृतं मयानीतं स्नानार्थं प्रतिगृह्यताम।।

(Payodadhi-Ghritam Chaiwa Madhu ch Sharkarayutam, Panchamritam Mayanitam Snanartham Pratigrihyatam)

O, God! I have brought Panchamritam for your Snanam (Bath) which is made of Milk, Curd, Ghee, Honey, and Jaggery. Please accept it!

  

           Some scholars recite the Mantra in the following form:-

पञ्चामृतं मयाSSनीतं पयो दधि घृतं मधु।

शर्करा च समायुक्तं स्नानार्थं प्रतिगृह्यतां। 

(Panchamritam mayaaneetam payo dadhi ghritam madhu |

Sharkara ch samayuktam snanartham pratigrihyatam ||)

Its meaning is same as the previous Mantra.

In detailed worship like at the time of "Prana-Pratishtha (प्राण -प्रतिष्ठा), after Panchamrita - Snana, separate Snanam is performed with each of the ingredients of the Panchamrita in the order as - Milk, Curd/Yogurt (Dahi), Ghee, Honey and Jaggery (Sarkara). For each of these "Snanam", there are separate Mantras. After these baths, the holy water bath is given as "Shuddhodak - Snana" (Purifying Bath).

            The Panchamrita in which the God is given a bath is also termed as "Charnamita". It is distributed among the devotees after Puja a teaspoonful each. "Charnamrita" means the Nectar which washed the feet of God". This term is also used for the holy water in which The God is given a bath. As in temples after the worship when we go to the Panditji, he puts the "Tilak" on our forehead and gives this "Charnamrita" (Holy water with Tulsi-dal) in our hand.  

          Apart from the purpose of worship, the Panchamrita has medicinal qualities. In Ayurveda, it is recommended for vigor and vitality. But the quantity should not be more than a teaspoonful each day. It is better to take it after used in God-Snanam as the medicine along with the 'faith' has a double effect. 

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Availability of ingredients:-

Though most of the ingredients are locally available in India, some of these are also available online at Amazon and Flipkart.

1. Milk  (Unboiled) - It is a perishable item hence not to be purchased online. 

2. Yogurt (Indian Household 'Dahi') - It is a perishable item hence not to be purchased online. 

3. Honey  (शहद) - It is available online in two varieties.
(i) Organic Honey - At Amazon ..... At Flipkart
(ii) Honey - At Amazon ........ At Flipkart

4. Liquid Jaggery (गुड़) - Many Brands, Hand Made
    Others Palm Jaggery Organic
    Sugarcane Jaggery Organic Jaggery Powder Jaggery Powder
    Palm Jaggery

5. Ghee (Clarified Butter) - Ghee at Amazon, Organic-pure-cow-ghee Cow-ghee-at-Flipkart Organic-Ghee 

Gomati Chakra - गोमती चक्र!

Gomati Chakras (गोमती चक्र!)

                  Gomati Chakra (गोमती चक्र!) is a shell-like thing found on the seashore. But not on every seashore. It is found abundantly in a tidal river named Gomati near Dwarika. It is not the Gomati river that flows in UP but it is in Gujrat. I have written about this river in my blog - 

The Somnath, Dwarka and Nagesh Jyotirlinga Yatra 2014

     Gomati is a holy river and the level of water in this river does not remain constant even for a day. At one time you may see the river without water and easily cross the river walking on the riverbed while another time it will be filled with six feet deep water and people crossing it in boats. And these scenes can be seen on the same day. You may see it flowing towards the sea at a time while at another time you may see the water rushing from the sea into the river. This is because the level of the sea fluctuates twice a day.  When there is no water in the river you will notice many types of shells and seaweeds on the riverbed. Among them, you may notice the Gomati-Chakras. Mostly in off-white colors, their shape is like a plano-convex lens, it means that one face of the Chakra is plane while the other is round like a magnifying lens. On the plane side, you may find spiral curve like lines. It is considered a holy thing like a conch shell. Just like Shaligram which represents Vishnu and Ekmukhi Rudraksha which represents Shiva, the Gomati Chakra represents Goddess Lakshmi. Goddess Lakshmi had come out of the sea during Samudra-Manthan and She was accepted by Vishnu. The Gomati-Chakra also comes out of the sea in River Gomati and Vishnu in the Avatara of Dwarikadhish Krishna is here just beside the river. Due to the availability of Gomati Chakra only here, the Tirth of Dwarka is also called Chakra-Tirth (चक्र तीर्थ). 

The plane and convex sides of a Gomati Chakra

                  The Gomati Chakra is kept in Puja place and in the chest (Tijori). In the Puja place, it is worshiped as Lakshmi while in the Tijori it is said to increase the wealth. In the Puja place, it is better to keep it wrapped in a red cloth in a brass Bati or plate. In Tijori also it is kept wrapped in a red or yellow cloth. 
                    It is found in many sizes. In the riverbed, numerous small sized Chakras are found but very small sized Chakra is not used. The Gomati Chakras of good shape and size can be bought from shops in holy places like Dwarka and Jagannthpuri. Some people wear it in rings like semiprecious stones. It is also available online at Amazon at this LINK.

A spiral curve on the plane side
of a Gomati Chakra

                People do many "Totakaas" (टोटके) with the Gomati chakras for different purposes as directed by their Pandit/Jyotishi and the YouTube is full of such videos but do not follow them without an advice from a learned person. It is so because there is no authenticity of such "Totakaas".   ,

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नैवेद्यम - Naivedyam and भोग - Bhog

Mango Fruit in Naivedyam

          After a God is given a bath, clothes, decoration and seat during the worship, it is time to offer Him foods. The eatable offerings to the God are named as नैवेद्य (Naivedya) or नैवेद्यम (Naivedyam). It includes sweets, the porridge of rice (खीर), fruits and dry fruits. Some items are favorite of a particular God. Like, the "Laddoos" are favorite of Ganesha, Bal-Krishna and Hanuman. "Laddoos" are Indian sweets made of Gram-Powder, sugar and ghee. Ripe bananas and mangos are typical Indian fruits which are offered to Gods. There are special occasions when some special eatables are offered to Gods. For example, "Thekua" which is made from wheat flour, ghee and sugar, is offered to Sun God and "Chhathi Maiya" Goddess on the occasion of the festival of "Chhath". Similarly, on the eighth day of "Navaratra" (अष्टमी) during Dussehra, the homemade "Thekua", "Purukiya" (Gujhiya-गुझिया), "Pua" and "Kheer" are offered to the Goddess as "Naivedyam". These homemade items are known as "Pakwan". So, these are following types of Naivedyam:-

Pakwan (Thekua) in Naivedyam

1. Fruits - फल 
2. Sweets - मिष्टान्न 
3. Cooked - पकवान 
                 Though salt is not made a part of Cooked (पकवान) Naivedyam as it is considered 'Tamasic' (तामसी) thing. In general, the Naivedyam is even not let to be touched with the salt. In rural areas, the things with salt, onion and garlic are termed as "Sakhari" and without it is termed as "Arba". So only "Arba" items are allowed to the God as Naivedyam. 
           But there are also exceptions to it. First, in some families, Child form of God Krishna is worshiped - called 'Bal-Krishna'. Those Vaishnava families offer Naivedyam whatever is cooked in their kitchen even including salt - It is called "Bhog". The First food is offered to 'Bal-Krishna' and the rest of the food is consumed by the family as Prasadam. In Jagannathpuri, God Krishna is offered cooked rice as "Bhog" and there too there is no restriction on salt.    
         Second, during the Durga Puja celebrations in the temples, the Goddess is offered "Khichdi" as Bhog on the seventh, eighth and ninth days (Saptami, Ashtami and Navami). Khichdi is a recipe in which rice, vegetables, oil and salt are cooked together. 
            Naivedyam is topped with Tulsi leaves. Since a person also requires water when eating, so after Naivedyam a bit of pure water (Jalam-जलं) is offered as "Achman Jal". 
            In "Shiva_Manas_Puja" Strotam we can see what Shiva is being offered:-

Sauvarne  navratna  khand  rachite          paatre   ghritam   paayasam

Bhakshyam panchvidham payodadhiyutam rambha phalam panakam

Shakanamyutam     jalam        ruchikaram     karpur    khandojjwalam

Tambulam   mansa   maya   virachitam    bhaktya   prabho   sweekuru

(O God! I am offering you the porridge of rice (खीर) and Ghee (Clarified butter) in a golden pot that is embedded with many precious stones. Please consume the drink which is made by ripe bananas and curd (दही). Please drink the water that is scented with different leaves and a piece of Camphor (Karpoor or Kapoor). I have made a "Paan" (Betel leaves roll) in my imagination with full devotion, please O God accept these things.)
               Bhagwan Tirupati Balaji is offered special 'Laddoos' as Naivedyam which is famous. The same type of Laddoos are also sold at Mahavir Mandir, Patna.  
              The Coconut is one of the fruits which is mostly offered to The Goddess (Bhagawati) and Shiva. While offering to the Goddess Kali it is considered as a sacrifice (Bali). It is due to the fact that in the Hindu Mythology the coconut is considered as a human being made by Great Rishi Vishwamitra with his force of 'Tapa'. It is broken in front of the Goddess as a sacrifice.
                  When the worship is complete the Naivedya becomes Prasad or Prasadam. There is the importance of taking prasad with respect. 
                 One thing is to be noted that though Naivedya offered to Gods is consumed as Prasada but if something is touched to Shivalinga as Naivedyam it is not consumed as Prasada until it is given to you by a priest with his own will. 

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Saubhagya Dravya - सौभाग्य द्रव्य !

      Saubhagya Dravya (सौभाग्य द्रव्य) is Sanskrit/Hindi word. Saubhagya means "Good Luck" while Dravya means material. So Saubhagya Dravya literally means the materials that bring good luck. In Hindu worship, Saubhagya Dravya is in form of powder and they consist,

1. Aveer (अवीर)

2. Gulal (गुलाल)

3. Kumkum (कुंकुम)

4. Turmeric powder (हल्दी चूर्ण)

5. Vermilion (सिन्दूर)
6. Ashtagandh Chandana (अष्टगंध चन्दन)
    

Saubhagya Dravya in Puja ki Thal

        These things can be seen in the above picture where a "Puja Ki Thal" has some items used in worship. At the start of worship jal/gangajal is offered to Gods for giving a bath (Snanam) and then one by one item of "Soubhagya Dravya" is offered. Instead of applying these with the hand it is better to sprinkle these powders with the help of a flower. Generally, a small "Genda" flower is used for this purpose. The flower is held at its lower part and the petal area is touched to the powder and then with a light stroke by forefinger the powder is sprinkled over the Gods. With each sprinkle, a Mantra is spoken. Example:-

अबीरं  च  गुलालं  च  चोवा  चन्दनमेव च।

अबीरेणार्चितो देव!अतः शान्ति प्रयच्छ मे।।

(Abiram ch Gulalam ch chova chandanmev ch,

Abirenarchito dev ! Atah Shanti prayachh me)

And

सिन्दूरं शोभनं रक्तं सौभाग्यम सुखवर्धनं।

शुभदं  कामदं चैव  सिन्दूरं  प्रतिगृह्यतां।।

  

(Sindooram Shobhanam raktam Saubhagyam sukhvardhanam

Shubhdam   Kamdam   chaiv   sindooram   pratigrihytam) 

            As someone makes up his/her face with different items to look beautiful, in the same way, these items of "Soubhagya Dravya" give a beautiful look to Gods and they are pleased. When Gods are pleased, it is bound to bring good luck (Saubhagya) to the devotee.
              Mahadeva (Shiva) too likes these specially Aveer, Gulal, Kumkum, and Chandana. When performing worship on a Shivalinga people like to rub these with hand. This offering looks beautiful at Baba Basukinathdham Shivalinga where one can see a devotee coming out from "Garbh-Gruh" with his right-hand red up to the wrist due to Abeer and Gulal offerings. 
               Apart from worship, these things are part of Hindu culture. Whenever there is an occasion of happiness,  people apply it to one another's faces. Remember the victory procession of an elected public leader or "Idol immersion-मूर्ति विसर्जन" procession. Hindu New Year's day ie Holi is nothing without Abeer and Gulal. God Krishna's Holi with Gopees is well known and has its spiritual significance.             
            These Puja items are available everywhere in local markets. Most of the things are also available at online shop Amazon for which link is given below:-

1. Aveer (अवीर)

2. Gulal (गुलाल)

3. Kumkum (कुंकुम)

4. Turmeric powder (हल्दी चूर्ण)

5. Vermilion (सिन्दूर)
6. Ashtagandh Chandana (अष्टगंध चन्दन)

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Conch Shell,Shankh - शंख

Dakshinawarti Shankh/दक्षिणावर्ती शंख /Right Handed Conch Shell

            Conch shell-(शंख) has a special place in Sanatana Hindu worship. It is associated with Hindu culture from time unknown. Many Gods and Goddesses hold it in their hands but it is closely related to Vishnu and Lakshmi. There are descriptions about the emergence of "Shankh" (Conch shell) in "Puranas". One description is related to a demon king "Shankhasur" while other is to "Samudra Manthan" (Churning of Sea) by Gods and Demons. It is said that during "Samudra Manthan" many 'Ratna"(Precious Items) emerged from the sea. Goddess Lakshmi and Conch shell-(शंख) were two of them. So Goddess Lakshmi accepts "Shankh" as her brother. That is why respecting and worshiping it makes Goddess Lakshmi happy. Vishnu holds a Conch shell in one of his four hands.

                     There are mainly two types of Conch Shells on the basis of turnings. "Vamawarti" (Anti-clockwise) and "Dakshinawarti" (Clockwise).  

"Vamawarti Shankh" (Left-handed Conch-Shell)

Vamawarti Shankh/वामावर्ती शंख 

                  This type of Conch-Shell is used to blow for making a sound that resembles the holy sound of "Aum-ॐ". It is the sound that represents "Nada-Brahma". During the worship (Puja) and "Aarati" Conch-Shell is blown. In fact during the "Satyanarayan Puja," it is blown at the end of each chapter along with the charged slogan of "Bolo Satyanarayan Bhagawan ki Jai" (Hail the God Satyanarayana)  and hearing it the persons away from the place of worship make a hurry to reach there. After the worship, it is blown throughout the "Aarati" along with "Ghanta"(Bell).

                       In ancient times the Conch-Shells were blown at the beginning of a war. In "Sri-mad-Bhagwat-Geeta" there is a description of blowing of "Shankh" by Krishna, Pandavas and Kauravas at the start of the war. Each warrior had his personal "Shankha" with a proper name. The name of Krishna's "Shankh" was "Panchjanya" which he blew at the start of the war at Kurukshetra. This "Shankh" is also one of the four attributes of God Vishnu. 

                A "Vamawarti" (Left-handed or Anti-clockwise) Conch-shell infolds anti-clockwise from opening to its center. If it is kept on a surface with its opening upwards then the open end will be on the left of a viewer if seen from the head end. It means this type of "Shankh" can be held in left hand easily for use. 

                  "Shankh" used for blowing is prepared by making a hole at the center of its head end. To blow it this hole is pressed softly against the closed lips and the air is allowed to go between the lips into the hole with a vibration in the lips. The "Shankh" amplifies the vibration of the lips into "Aum" sound.
                "Shankh" is in fact shell of a snail-like creature found in the sea. It is harder and bigger than snails and is found in different shapes and sizes. A "Vamawarti" (Left-handed or Anti-clockwise) Conch-shell is the most common variety among all shapes and sizes. 
      Blowing "Shankh" is available online also at Amazon at this link. 

"Dakshinawarti Shankh" (Right-handed Conch-Shell)

Dakshinavarti Shankh

                  This type of Conch-Shell is rarely found and remains in much demand. It is not used to blow, only worshiped. Just like one faced "Rudraksha" which is worshiped as if it be Shiva Himself, similarly 'Right Handed Conch Shell' is worshiped as if it be Vishnu Himself. It is believed that keeping "Dakshinavarti Shankh" in the house near 'Puja Place' brings prosperity (Lakshmi). It is placed on a red cloth with its open end facing upward. Some people fill it with "Arva" rice. 
         Dakshinavarti Shankh is available online at Amazon at this link.
                   Conch-Shells are also used to pour holy water over God which is called "Abhishek". Such water has as much significance like "Gangajalam".
                     Conch-Shells are composed of mostly calcium carbonate and many types of items are made of it. One such item is "Shaankha-शांखा" which is a type of bangle. It is made by cutting Conch-Shell along cross-section and joining it to give a round shape. Such white bangles are worn by married women (Suhagins) in Bengal, Orrisa and Mithila. Shankha and Pola Bangles are also available online at Amazon. 

"Ganesha Shankh" (Ganesha shaped Conch-Shell)

Ganesha Shankh

                        Among the many varieties of Conch-Shells found in the sea, this one is also considered holy by Hindus. Used only for worshiping this "Shankh" looks like Ganesha with a trunk, crown and big belly. It has some thorny ridges. Since Ganesha is the first worshiped God (Pratham Pujya), this natural occurring 'Shankh' has a great significance. Worshiping or simply keeping it at 'Puja' place with honor keeps hurdles of life away. On Amazon, mostly metal Shankh (Show-pieces) are available at this link. Few Ganesha-Shankh is available at this link.


          Whatever be the type of "Shankh", it is important that it should be given good respect because Lakshmi accepts "Shankh" as a brother. Respecting it Lakshmi is pleased and showers her "Kripa" on the devotee otherwise She would be angry. Tapping of the hole with palm on a "Vamavarti Shankh" to clear the voice is taken as a disrespect and it should not be done. 

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