Introduction
The shankh (conch shell) is an indispensable part of Hindu puja. Whether you are performing daily worship at home or participating in a grand temple ritual, the shankh plays multiple sacred roles — as a vessel for holy water, a purifier of space, and a divine instrument. This guide walks you through exactly how to use a shankh in puja, step by step.
The Two Types of Shankh Used in Puja
Before we begin, it is important to understand that different shankhs serve different purposes in puja:
- Vishnu Shankh (Dakshinavarti / Right-handed) — Used as a sacred vessel to hold and offer Shankh Jal (holy water). It is placed on the altar and used for abhishek (ritual bathing of deities). It is generally not blown.
- Blowing Shankh (Vamavarti / Left-handed) — Used to produce the sacred sound during aarti, at the start and end of puja, and during festivals. This is the shankh that is blown.
Explore our Shankh for Puja collection to find both types.
Step 1: Purify the Shankh Before Puja
Begin by cleaning your shankh with clean water. Many devotees also sprinkle Gangajal (holy water from the Ganges) on the shankh while chanting a purification mantra. Wipe it dry with a clean cloth before placing it on the altar.
For detailed cleaning instructions, read our guide on How to Clean or Remove Odor from Your Shankh.
Step 2: Place the Shankh on the Puja Altar
The Vishnu Shankh should be placed on the right side of the deity on your puja altar, ideally on a small stand or plate. It should never be placed directly on the bare floor. Traditionally, it is kept on a bed of raw rice or a red/yellow cloth.
The blowing shankh can be kept nearby, ready to be picked up when needed during the ritual.
Step 3: Prepare Shankh Jal (Sacred Water)
Fill the Vishnu Shankh with clean water — ideally Gangajal or water mixed with a few drops of Gangajal. This water, once held in the shankh, becomes Shankh Jal and is considered highly sacred. It is used to:
- Sprinkle on the deity as part of the purification ritual
- Perform abhishek (ritual bathing) on idols of Vishnu, Lakshmi, or Shiva
- Sprinkle around the puja room to purify the space
- Offer to devotees as prasad (blessed water)
Step 4: Offer Shankh Jal to the Deity (Abhishek)
During abhishek, gently pour the Shankh Jal over the idol or image of the deity while chanting the appropriate mantra. For Lord Vishnu, the Vishnu Sahasranama or simple “Om Namo Narayanaya” works beautifully. For Goddess Lakshmi, chant “Om Shreem Mahalakshmiyei Namaha”.
Pour slowly and reverently, allowing the water to flow over the deity and collect in a plate or vessel below.
Step 5: Blow the Shankh During Aarti
The blowing shankh is sounded at key moments during puja:
- At the beginning of puja — to purify the space and announce the start of worship
- During aarti — as the lamp is waved before the deity, the shankh is blown to accompany the ritual
- At the conclusion of puja — to mark the end of the ritual and offer the sound as a final offering
The sound of the shankh is believed to drive away negative energies and create a sacred atmosphere. New to blowing a shankh? Read our step-by-step guide on how to blow a shankh.
Step 6: Mantras to Chant with the Shankh
Before blowing the shankh, many devotees chant this traditional mantra:
“Tvam puraa saagare janma Vishhnunaa vidhrutah kare,
Nammitah sarva devaishcha Panchajanya namostute.”
This mantra honours the shankh as Panchajanya — the divine conch of Lord Vishnu — and invokes its sacred power before use.
Step 7: Care for the Shankh After Puja
After puja, empty any remaining water from the Vishnu Shankh, rinse it gently, and dry it thoroughly. Store both shankhs in a clean, dry place — wrapped in a red or yellow cloth. Never leave water sitting in the shankh for extended periods, as this can cause odour.
Auspicious Times for Shankh Puja
The shankh is especially significant during:
- Ekadashi — the 11th day of each lunar fortnight, sacred to Lord Vishnu
- Diwali and Dhanteras — for Lakshmi puja
- Navratri — during Devi worship
- Janmashtami — celebrating Lord Krishna’s birth
- Daily morning and evening puja — at sunrise and sunset
Find the Right Shankh for Your Puja
Whether you need a Vishnu Shankh for abhishek or a blowing shankh for aarti, we have a curated selection of authentic, natural shankhs for every puja need. Browse our Shankh for Puja collection or explore our Premium Shankhs for something truly special.
