Thread by @VivanVatsa

What’s this weird shaped TRUMPET that Shri Krishna blew in Kurukshetra War?

This sacred Hindu 'Tool' TRIGGERS a lot of EXTREME religious intolerant groups in India; It produces the sound of ॐ (Om).

Every Unapologetic Hindu blows this in 'Aartis', and it’s called a “Shankha”…

शंख

Shankha.

Vishnu Ji’s sacred symbol. One of the anmol Ratan from Samudra Manthan.

This is the story of Sanatan History of “Shankha”…

The historical story of the shankh dates back to ancient times described in the Puranas. During the great cosmic event known as the Samudra Manthan, or the churning of the ocean of milk, the devas (gods) and asuras (demons) sought the nectar of immortality, Amrita.

Devtas and Rakshas used Mount Mandara as the churning rod and the serpent Vasuki as the rope. From this manthan came a lot of Ratnas.

Among these treasures was the shankh, symbolizing the primordial sound and the essence of creation.

The shankh is considered the embodiment and true representation of Sanatan Dharma because it signifies the origin of existence itself. Its spiral shape represents the infinite cycles of life, death, and rebirth, mirroring the Hindu belief in samsara, the continuous cycle of existence.

The clockwise spiral of the shankh is also said to represent the expanding universe, reflecting the cosmic dance of creation and dissolution. The sound produced when the shankh is blown resonates with "Om," the sacred syllable considered the sound of the universe. This connection to the cosmic sound underscores the shankh's role as a bridge between the material and spiritual realms.

In Hinduism, the shankh holds immense power. It is believed to possess the ability to purify the environment, dispel negativity, and attract divine energies. Blowing the shankh during rituals and ceremonies is a common practice, as it sanctifies the surroundings and invites the presence of deities.

Ancient Hindu scriptures such as the Puranas, the Bhagavad Gita, and the Mahabharata highlight the significance of the shankh in a Hindu's life. In the Mahabharata, the shankh plays a pivotal role on the battlefield of Kurukshetra. Before the commencement of the great war, warriors from both sides blew their conch shells, signaling their readiness for battle and their commitment to righteousness.

The Mahabharata describes the various conch shells of the Pandava brothers and Krishna Ji. Yudhishthira blew the Anantavijaya, Bhima blew the Paundra, Arjuna blew the Devadatta, Nakula and Sahadeva blew the Sughosha and Manipushpaka, respectively, while Krishna Ji blew the Panchajanya. The resounding sound of these shankhs filled the sky, causing fear in the hearts of the Kauravas. This act was not merely a war cry but a declaration of their commitment to dharma and justice.

The prime reason for the shankh being a symbol of Hinduism lies in its representation of the eternal truths and cosmic principles that underpin Sanatan Dharma. It is a tangible manifestation of the divine sound and the cyclical nature of existence.

Vishnu Ji's relationship with the shankh is deeply rooted in his role as the preserver and protector of the universe. Often depicted holding the shankh in his upper left hand, Vishnu Ji uses it as a symbol of the divine sound that creates and sustains the cosmos. The shankh, named Panchajanya, is associated with his power to uphold dharma and maintain cosmic order. Its sound is believed to have the ability to destroy negativity and evil forces, reaffirming Vishnu Ji's role as the guardian of righteousness.

According to the Puranas, the story of Panchajanya is significant. A demon named Panchajana had kidnapped the son of Sandipani, Krishna Ji's guru. To rescue the child, Krishna Ji confronted Panchajana, who had taken the form of a conch shell and was hiding in the ocean. Krishna Ji defeated the demon and retrieved the conch shell, which he named Panchajanya. From that moment, the shankh became an integral part of Krishna Ji's identity, symbolizing victory over evil and the protection of the innocent.

Krishna Ji, an incarnation of Vishnu Ji, is intricately involved with the shankh. In the Mahabharata, Krishna Ji serves as Arjuna's charioteer and guide. Before the battle begins, Krishna Ji blows his conch shell, Panchajanya, instilling confidence in the Pandava army and symbolizing the divine support for their cause. The sound of Krishna Ji's shankh reverberates across the battlefield, signifying the presence of divine will and the imminent triumph of dharma over adharma (unrighteousness).

The shankh holds immense power in the entire universe as it represents the primordial sound and the vibrational energy that sustains creation. Its resonance is believed to align the chakras, balance the energies within the body, and connect the individual with the universal consciousness. In spiritual practices, the shankh's sound is used to deepen meditation, enhance focus, and facilitate spiritual awakening. It serves as a tool for transcendence, aiding practitioners in reaching higher states of consciousness.

The shankh's significance extends to its representation in art and architecture. Temples and sacred structures often feature shankh motifs, symbolizing the presence of divine energy and the sanctity of the space. The shankh is one of the eight auspicious symbols (Ashtamangala) in Hinduism, further emphasizing its importance in conveying spiritual concepts through visual means.

The shankh's influence is also evident in Hindu cosmology and philosophy. It is associated with the element of water, one of the five fundamental elements (pancha mahabhuta) that constitute the universe. The shankh's connection to water signifies its role in sustaining life, and its fluid nature reflects the ever-changing yet continuous flow of existence. This association reinforces the concept of unity in diversity, a key principle in Sanatan Dharma.

For Hindus, the shankh is a symbol of their rich spiritual heritage and a conduit for connecting with the deeper aspects of their faith. Its presence in rituals and its depiction in sacred art reinforce its role as an integral part of Hindu culture and spirituality. The shankh's resonance continues to inspire and uplift, echoing the timeless wisdom of Sanatan Dharma across generations.

In times of turmoil and uncertainty, the shankh serves as a beacon of hope and a reminder of the enduring power of righteousness. It encourages individuals to remain steadfast in their convictions and to seek alignment with the cosmic order. The shankh's symbolism transcends cultural and temporal boundaries, speaking to the universal human quest for meaning, purpose, and connection with the divine.

The shankh's enduring relevance in contemporary times highlights the timeless nature of its symbolism. In an age where materialism and external distractions often overshadow spiritual pursuits, the shankh serves as a reminder of the inner journey and the importance of cultivating a connection with the divine. Its sound cuts through the noise of everyday life, drawing attention to the eternal truths that lie at the heart of human existence.

The shankh's power in the universe is not confined to esoteric realms; it has practical implications for personal transformation and societal harmony. By embracing the values represented by the shankh—purity, courage, devotion, and adherence to dharma—individuals can contribute to creating a more just and compassionate world. The shankh inspires action rooted in ethical principles, fostering a sense of responsibility towards oneself and others.

For Hindus, the shankh is more than an artifact; it is a living symbol of their faith and a reminder of their place in the cosmic order. Its sound continues to resonate through temples and homes, echoing the timeless wisdom of Sanatan Dharma. The shankh embodies the eternal principles that guide humanity towards truth, righteousness, and spiritual fulfillment.

The shankh's story, its connection to Vishnu Ji and Krishna Ji, and its profound significance in Hinduism underscore its importance as a symbol of Sanatan Dharma. It serves as a bridge between the material and spiritual worlds, a tool for personal and collective transformation, and a reminder of the eternal truths that govern existence. The shankh's power and symbolism continue to inspire and guide, holding a revered place in the hearts and minds of those who seek to align themselves with the divine.

Indian history is filled with such grand stories, never to be forgotten.

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