Durga pooja is one of the greatest poojas and celebrated in different parts especially in West Bengal of India with pomp and grandeur. The pooja represents the integral part of the traditional culture of India. During the special pooja occasions the idols of Hindu Gods and Goddesses are worshipped. The pooja is performed following some definite steps. A lot of pooja items are required to perform the pooja. These pooja items play distinct part in pooja and have great significance. Some of the most important pooja items are, Mukut, Conch Shell, Idols and Sculptures, Diya, Garland, Asana, Betel leaves, Gangajal, Dhoop, Camphor, Peacock lamp, Pooja thali, Vesels and spoon, Bell, Kumkum, Chandan, Haldi, Abir etc.
Through the performance of pooja ritual an ambiance is created and this sets up the spiritual forces in and around us. Shankha one of the most important items of pooja has a significant role in pooja.
The Shankha has a great significance in the Hindu religion. Shankha is actually a conch, sea-dwelling mollusk. According to the Hindu mythology Shankha is one of the most sacred objects, which is thought to have emerged from the sea during the Ksheera Sagara Samudra Manthan.
Shankha is one of the most respected and auspicious objects. India is the home of a lot of religious ceremonies and Shankha is considered as the initiator of any religious ceremonies. Shankha is blown to begin any auspicious ceremony. Shankha symbolizes an object of prayer. In Hindu religion the lord Vishnu is seen with a shankha, which is called
"Panchajanya". A shankha is blown to announce the victory of good over evil. In the epic of Mahabharata Shankha held a significant place.
Shankha plays an integral part in pooja and a mandatory part of the pooja items. Shankha is a sacred conch shell, which forms a part of the religious tradition of the Hindus. Pooja, which is a form of the religious practices of the Hindus, remains incomplete without the blow of the Shankha. Shankha is said to purify the environment from all evil effects. The Shankha has also a scientific significance. Shanks come in great varieties like, Dakshinavarti Shankhas, Vaamavarti Shankhas, Ganesha Shankhas, Gaumukhi Shankhas, Kauri Shankhas, Moti/Pearl Shankhas.
The vibrations from the blow of the Shankhas clear environmental pollution and heal the hole in the ozone layer. It thus prevents global warming. Scientific research proves that the blowing of a conch shell helps to enhance the positive psychological vibrations like, determination, optimism, courage, hope, willpower, etc. in the blower as well as those around him.
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