Shankh: Spiritual and Scientific Benefits

Divine conch or Sacred chank commonly known as shells 

As per Hindu mythology at the time of Churning of the ocean (Samudra Manthan), the eight Ratna(jewel) obtained was a shell. The word Shankh means pacifying the inauspicious and impure. Therefore, before starting any religious ritual in Hinduism, the conch shell is blown. Shankh (conch shell) has religious ritual importance in Hinduism and Buddhism. In the Hindu epics of Ramayana and Mahabharata, the symbol of Shankh is widely adopted. The 'Shankh' is dedicated to Lord 'Vishnu'. 'Shankh' is highly praised in Hindu scriptures as a giver of fame and prosperity and worship. Shells are the exoskeletons of mollusks such as snails, clams, oysters, and many others. Such shells have three distinct layers and are composed mostly of calcium carbonate with only a small quantity of protein. Shells are found in beach drift, on beaches by the waves and the tides, oceans, etc. Shankh is used in Ayurveda medicinal formulations to treat many ailments. Shankha Bhasma contains calcium, iron, and magnesium and is considered to possess antacid and digestive properties. Conch shell beneficial for health: Positive energy is created from a conch shell, which increases self-confidence. Also blowing the conch shell helps to cure depression and a person hearing the sound of the conch gets into a relaxed state. The blowing of conch shells makes the atmosphere holy, pure, and conducive for the spiritual growth of the individual. By blowing the conch, the face, respiratory system, auditory system, and lungs are exercised. Playing conch increases memory power and concentration. It is found that if you can blow conch shells, that means your HEART is perfectly fine. It is said that one who blows into the shank on daily basis is protected against any heart disease. The daily blowing of the 'Shankh' does save the person from heart diseases. And it is a fact that people with heart diseases can never blow shells. Conch is rich in natural calcium, sulfur, and phosphorus. Those who blow conch shells daily do not get diseases of the throat and lungs. Conch shell destroys all the diseases of the mouth. Apart from these, there are numerous benefits of the shankh and various uses in Vastu, Pooja ceremonies. Do try blowing a conch shell... From: ELESAite Khushboo Jaiswal President, ELESA