White Conch Shell
The Conch shell or Shankha shell is used as an important ritual object in both Hinduism and Buddhism. The shell is used as a ceremonial trumpet, as part of religious practices, for example puja. The Conch shell is sounded during worship at specific points, accompanied by ceremonial bells and singing.
Also, the sound of the conch is believed to drive away the evil spirits. The blowing of the conch or "the Shankha" needs a tremendous power and respiratory capacity.
Vajrayana Buddhism adopted the conch as a symbol which fearlessly represented the truth of the dharma. Among the eight symbols, it stands for the fame of the Buddha's teaching, which spreads in all directions like the sound of the conch trumpet.
The conch is used in Tibetan Buddhism to call together religious assemblies. During the actual practice of rituals, it is used both as a musical instrument and as a container for holy water
One of the 32 major signs of a Buddha’s body is his deep resonant voice which is artistically symbolized in images of the Buddha by three conch like curving lines on his throat.
In addition to Buddha's throat, the conch also appears as an auspicious mark on the soles, palms, limbs, breast or forehead of a divinely endowed being.
