Shankh mudra is the body markings worn by Lord Vishnu
devotees. The body markings are applied with gopichandana or a ball of yellow
clay. The clay is rubbed on the palm of the left hand with water to form a watery
paste and then applied. The paste is applied curved or straight lines moving
upwards (rarely downwards).
Shankh mudra is worn two on the left side of the stomach, three
on the left chest, one on the left neck, one close to the left eye, two on the
left shoulder and on one on the right shoulder. In total ten mudras are
associated with Shankh mudra. The benefit of wearing it is that it enables a
person to cross the ocean of life without committing sins.
Adopting mudra is not mere convention. These markings ward
off sins and make a the devotee pure for subsequent rituals and meditations.
The religious significance of mudras are explained in Krishnamrita Maharnava,
Sadachara Smriti and Tantrasara (samagraha) of Madhvacharya.
Some mudras are only followed by the Madhwa school –
followers of Madhvacharya.