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Articles: Philosophy | Vedic Science - Shankha - Ms. usha tipparaju
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As per the scholarly analysis of Shastric terminology, that which leads to welfare is called 'shankha'. It is with the sounding of conch that the doors of temples are opened. Another well-known purpose of blowing the conch with or without some devotional instruments, known traditionally to produce
auspicious sounds, is to ward off negative vibrations or noises that may disturb the ambience or the minds of the devotees.
Some German scientists are reported (http://mailerindia.com/ hindu/veda) to have experimented on conch shell's sound and found that diseases like those of thyroid and some other hormonal disorders are healed or significantly cured by this sound. Surprisingly the sound waves generated by collective
blowing of shankhas are also believed to prevent spread of plague, cholera etc in the surroundings. This indicates the existence of an advanced knowledge and scientific use of sound in Vedic India.
In ancient India, each village was presided over by a main temple deity and several smaller ones. During performing the Aarti (devotional prayer-song after pooja worship) and before and after all the important sacraments and on sacred occasions, the blowing of conch was a must. Since villages were
generally small, the sound of the conch would be heard all over the village.
People who could not make it to the temple were enjoined to stop their work, at least for a few seconds, and mentally bow to the Lord. The conch sound served to awaken people's minds to a prayerful attitude even in the middle of their busy daily routine.
The shankha is placed at the altar in temples and homes next to the Lord as a symbol of Nada-Brahma, Om, the Vedas, Dharma, righteous victory and auspiciousness. It is often used to offer devotees sanctified water (of sacred oblation) to uplift and focus their minds towards nobility and truth.
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