Shankha holds a special place in Hindu tradition. It is common to see various types of Shankha in Hindu rituals/ ceremonies. Shankhas are considered sacred in the spiritual world, but they hold an equally important position in Ayurveda. Shankha has been used in Ayurveda to cure many diseases and ailments. A Shankha is the natural cover of a creature (Turbinella pyrum) which is commonly found in the ocean. This Natural calcium cover protects these creatures from the outside dangers when it grows and its heavy weight provides stability in turbulence of oceanic water. Shankha is among the 14 gems (ratna) received from samundra manthan (churning sea). It is a symbol of victory in Vedas. Blowing of Shankha produces the sound ‘OM’. There are many types of shankha available in the Ocean, which can mainly be classified into two types i.e. Dakshinavarti and Vamavarti.Dakshinavarti shankha which opens from the right side is very rare in its occurrence and used mostly for puja. These Shankhas are not used for blowing purpose. Vamavarti shankha however, are mostly used for blowing purpose in religious ceremonies. These Shankhas opens from left side. Astrologers and priests blow Vamavarti Shankha to remove the negative energy and Vastu Doshas
