Understanding Indian Traditions- Why Do We Blow A Conch?
In temples or at homes, the conch is blown once or several times before ritualistic worship. It is sometimes blown whilst doing arati or to mark an auspicious occasion.
When the conch is blown, the primordial sound of Om emanates.
Om is an auspicious sound that was chanted by the Lord before creating the world. It represents the world and the Truth behind it. The sound of the conch is thus also the victory call of good over evil.
Another well-known purpose of blowing the conch and other instruments, known traditionally to produce auspicious sounds is to drown or mask negative comments or noises that may disturb or upset the atmosphere or the minds of worshippers.
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Ancient India lived in her villages. Each village was presided over by a primary temple and several smaller ones. .
During the Arati performed after all important pujas and on sacred occasions, the conch used to be blown. Since villages were generally small, the sound of the conch would be heard all over the village.
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People who could not make it to the temple, were reminded to stop whatever they were doing, at least for a few seconds, and mentally bow to the Lord. .
The conch sound served to briefly elevate people’s minds to a prayerful attitude, even in the middle of their busy daily routine.
The conch is placed at the altar in temples and homes next to the Lord as a symbol of Nadabrahma (Truth), the Vedas, Om, Dharma, Victory and auspiciousness. .
It is often used to offer devotees tirtha (sanctified water) to raise their minds to the highest Truth.