Why blowing conch is forbidden in the worship of Lord Shiva, know its mythological story
The holy month of Sawan is going on, in which, after the worship on Monday, a series of festivals is going to start. Festivals like Hariyali Teej Vrat, Nag Panchami, and Rakshabandhan will be celebrated. The month of Sawan is known as the most special month for the worship of Lord Shiva. By worshiping Lord Shiva on Monday, Shiva devotees get the blessings of Baba.
There are many rules in the worship of Lord Shiva, but blowing the conch is considered forbidden during worship. There is a rule of blowing the conch during any worship, but why is it forbidden during Shiva worship? Let’s know about it…
dear lord vishnu
It is believed in Sanatan Dharma that the conch should be blown during all religious functions and worship in temples. Here, the conch, which brings happiness and prosperity, is known as an auspicious symbol in Indian culture. The conch is dear to Lord Vishnu. It is said that Lord Vishnu becomes very happy when water is offered from the conch. On the contrary, no method of water, Abhishek and blowing the conch, is adopted in the worship of Lord Shiva.
Here is the mythological story of the conch shell (Shankh) in point form, based on the Shiv Puran:
Mythological Story Related to the Conch Shell (Shankh):
- Birth of Shankhachud:
- Daityaraj Dambh performed severe penance to please Lord Vishnu for a child.
- Pleased with his devotion, Vishnu granted the boon, and a son named Shankhachud was born.
- Penance of Shankhachud:
- Shankhachud later performed intense penance to please Lord Brahma.
- Brahma granted him the boon of invincibility against gods and gave him the Sri Krishna Kavach (divine protective armor).
- Brahma also instructed him to marry Tulsi, daughter of Dharmadhwaj, and the marriage was solemnized.
- Shankhachud’s Arrogance and Power:
- Empowered by the boon and the Kavach, Shankhachud became arrogant and conquered all three worlds.
- The gods, terrified, sought help from Lord Vishnu.
- Intervention by Lord Shiva:
- Vishnu, who had granted the original boon, worshipped Lord Shiva to resolve the crisis.
- Lord Shiva went to battle Shankhachud, but could not defeat him due to:
- The power of the Sri Krishna Kavach.
- Tulsi’s unwavering devotion to her husband, which protected him.
- Vishnu’s Deception:
- Vishnu took the form of a Brahmin (Vaman) and tricked Shankhachud into donating the Kavach.
- Vishnu then disguised himself as Shankhachud and violated Tulsi’s chastity, breaking her protective power.
- Death of Shankhachud:
- With Tulsi’s protection gone and the Kavach removed, Lord Shiva killed Shankhachud with his trident (Vijay).
- Origin of the Conch (Shankh):
- After his death, Shankhachud’s bones turned into the conch shell.
- Hence, the conch (Shankh) is never used in the worship of Lord Shiva, as it is associated with a demon.
ALSO READ: Benefits Of Keeping A Conch Shell In The Home
