Why Don’t Devotees Blow a Conch During Shiva Worship? Here’s the Mythological Belief

New Delhi: Belpatra is considered to have special importance in the worship of Lord Shiva. Be it Sawan or Mahashivratri, devotees offer Belpatra, water and flowers on Shivalinga. But have you ever wondered why while offering Belpatra on Shivalinga, its smooth surface is kept downwards? Similarly, there is generally no tradition of blowing conch during Shiva puja. Different religious beliefs and mythological stories are told behind these two traditions.

What is the belief of offering Belpatra upside down?

While offering Belpatra on Shivalinga, the tradition of keeping its smooth surface downwards i.e. towards Shivalinga is mentioned in many worship methods. According to religious belief, Belpatra is very dear to Lord Shiva and its three leaves are associated with the Trinity and various forms of Shiva.

It is believed that by offering Belpatra in the right manner one gets the blessings of Lord Shiva. However, there are differences in the method of offering Belpatra in different regions and worship traditions.

What things should be kept in mind while offering Belpatra?

There is a belief that some traditional rules should be followed while offering Belpatra on Shivalinga. First of all the Belpatra should be clean and unbroken. That means the leaf should not be broken or torn. It is considered auspicious to offer it to Shivling only after washing it thoroughly.

In some religious traditions, it is said that the stalk of Belpatra should be removed and offered. There are also different beliefs regarding the special marks present on the leaves. Therefore, while performing puja, it is considered appropriate to follow the rules laid down in your family or local tradition.

Why is the conch not blown in Shiva worship?

Conch is not usually used in the worship of Lord Shiva. There is a popular mythological story behind it. According to belief, the demon named Shankhchud was killed by Lord Shiva. In the story, conch is seen to be associated with Shankhchud. For this reason, the tradition of blowing the conch shell and offering water on Shivlinga with the conch shell is not considered in Shiva worship. Another religious belief also says that Lord Shiva is a god who remains absorbed in meditation and samadhi. Therefore, a tradition of avoiding the loud sound of the conch in his worship developed.

Then why is conch shell so important in the worship of Lord Vishnu?

In the Hindu religious tradition, the conch is considered especially related to Lord Vishnu. Conch is also included in the four weapons of Lord Vishnu. The story of the origin of the conch from the churning of the ocean is also found in religious texts. For this reason, the tradition of blowing the conch and offering water from the conch in the worship of Vishnu and Lakshmi is prevalent in many places.

Are the rules of worship the same everywhere?

Not necessary. In Hinduism, there are differences in the worship methods of different regions, sects and families. There are different beliefs regarding offering Belpatra or using a conch shell. Therefore these rules should be understood in the context of religious faith and tradition. The stories told behind these are mainly based on religious beliefs, they should not be seen as scientific facts.