Comprehensive Guide to Worshipping Dakshinavarti Shankh in Hinduism
The Dakshinavarti Shankh (right-handed conch shell) is a sacred object in Hinduism, considered a manifestation of Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity. Worshipping this conch is believed to bring material wealth, spiritual growth, and remove obstacles. This guide provides a simple, eco-friendly method for performing the puja, including details on cleanliness, attire, puja items, mantras, and concluding the ritual.
1. Cleanliness and Preparation
Cleanliness is paramount in Hindu rituals, especially when worshipping sacred objects like the Dakshinavarti Shankh.
- Personal Cleanliness: Take a bath before starting the puja and wear fresh clothes.
- Puja Area Cleanliness: Clean the puja space using water mixed with a few drops of Gangajal (Ganges water) to purify the area. Avoid chemical cleaners.
- Shankh Cleanliness: The Dakshinavarti Shankh should be cleaned with water and milk before the puja. You can also use water mixed with turmeric and sandalwood paste for added sanctity.
2. Time for Puja
The puja can be performed during Brahma Muhurta (approximately one and a half hours before sunrise), which is considered an auspicious time. Alternatively, you can do the puja in the morning or evening during the Sandhya Kaal (dawn or dusk).
3. What to Wear
- Prefer white or yellow clothes, which symbolize purity and devotion.
- For men, a white dhoti and for women, a white or yellow saree or salwar are ideal.
- Ensure the clothes are clean and preferably made from natural fibers like cotton or silk, avoiding synthetic materials.
4. Puja Items Required (Eco-Friendly Products Only)
The items used in this puja should be natural, eco-friendly, and biodegradable to align with traditional Hindu values of environmental respect.
- Dakshinavarti Shankh – The sacred conch shell.
- Pure Ghee Diya (oil lamps) – Made from earthenware.
- Natural Incense Sticks – Prefer incense made from flowers and herbs.
- Cotton Wicks – For lighting the diyas.
- Eco-Friendly Puja Thali – Choose a brass, copper, or earthen thali (plate).
- Fresh Flowers – Lotus, jasmine, and marigold are ideal, and ensure no plastic is used.
- Haldi (Turmeric) and Kumkum – Natural powders, preferably homemade or eco-certified.
- Chandan (Sandalwood Paste) – From sustainable sources.
- Panchamrit – A mixture of milk, yogurt, honey, ghee, and sugar.
- Gangajal – Sacred water from the Ganges, or any purified water if unavailable.
- Fresh Fruits – Banana, coconut, and seasonal fruits as offerings.
- Betel Leaves and Nuts – For traditional offerings.
- Tulsi Leaves – Tulsi (holy basil) is auspicious in all rituals.
- Uncooked Rice – White rice for offering.
- Cloth for Dakshinavarti Shankh – A clean yellow or white cloth to cover the Shankh after worship.
5. Steps for Dakshinavarti Shankh Puja
Purification of Self and Space: Begin by sprinkling a few drops of Gangajal on yourself and the puja space for purification.
Placement of Shankh: Place the Dakshinavarti Shankh in the center of the puja altar, on a clean cloth.
Lighting the Lamp and Incense: Light an eco-friendly ghee lamp (diya) and incense sticks to create a sacred atmosphere.
Offer Panchamrit: Bathe the Shankh in Panchamrit, which symbolizes the five elements. You can later use this as a sacred prasad.
Offer Flowers and Fruits: Offer fresh flowers (especially lotus) and fruits, reciting mantras dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi.
Apply Haldi, Kumkum, and Chandan: Apply a small amount of turmeric, kumkum, and sandalwood paste on the Shankh.
Aarti and Chanting: Perform the aarti while reciting the following Lakshmi mantras:
Mantras:
- "Om Shreem Hreem Kleem Mahalakshmi Namah" (108 times or at least 11 times)
- Recite the Lakshmi Ashtottara Shatanamavali (108 names of Lakshmi).
You may also chant:
- "Om Shankhaya Namah" for invoking the blessings of the conch.
Offering Prasad: After completing the worship, offer the prasad (prepared sweets or fruits) to the deity.
6. Prasad to Prepare
Simple, eco-friendly prasad such as:
- Panchamrit (mixture of milk, yogurt, ghee, honey, and sugar)
- Coconut Sweets – Ladoo or barfi made from jaggery and coconut.
- Fruits – Fresh fruits such as bananas, apples, or grapes.
7. Concluding the Puja
- Circumambulate the puja altar three times in a clockwise direction while reciting the names of Goddess Lakshmi.
- Aarti: Perform the aarti with a ghee lamp in front of the Dakshinavarti Shankh and other deities.
- Silent Meditation: Sit for a few minutes in silence, focusing on the blessings of Goddess Lakshmi.
8. Disposal of Puja Leftovers (Eco-Friendly Approach)
- Flowers and Organic Items: Offer the used flowers and biodegradable items like rice and leaves to a garden or under a sacred tree. Avoid throwing them in rivers or lakes.
- Gangajal or Panchamrit: If any leftover Panchamrit or Gangajal remains, it can be sprinkled in the home for purification or offered to plants.
- Puja Clothes: Ensure to wash and reuse your clothes for future rituals.
- Diya (Lamp) Leftover: The leftover ghee can be used in the next puja or lighting lamps at home.
9. Importance and Benefits of Dakshinavarti Shankh Puja
- Spiritual Benefits: Worshipping the Dakshinavarti Shankh symbolizes invoking the blessings of Goddess Lakshmi, leading to spiritual prosperity, peace, and harmony in the home.
- Material Prosperity: It is believed that regular puja of the Shankh brings wealth, prosperity, and the removal of financial difficulties.
- Removes Obstacles: The sound of the Shankh is said to remove negative energies, purify the surroundings, and bring good fortune.
- Protection: The Dakshinavarti Shankh is also seen as a symbol of protection, safeguarding the household from evil influences.
10. Eco-Friendly Focus
Emphasize the use of eco-friendly products throughout the puja. Avoid plastic, chemical-based products, and synthetic items. Focus on natural, biodegradable products to keep the ritual in harmony with nature and Hindu traditions of respecting the environment.
By following these simple and traditional steps, you can perform a meaningful and environmentally respectful worship of the Dakshinavarti Shankh, aligning with both ancient practices and modern sustainability values.