“Secrets of the Deep: Ancient Vishnu Statue Surfaces on Indian Beach, Sparking Mystical Theories!”
The shankha, or conch shell, also holds deep symbolic value in Hindu belief. It has divine connections to Vishnu, serving as one of his four primary attributes (along with the chakra/discus, gada/mace, and padma/lotus). His consort Lakshmi is also often depicted holding a shankha as well.
Wikimedia CommonsA sculpture of Janardana, one of the divine forms of the Hindu deity Vishnu, in Somanathapura.
The sound produced by blowing into the shankha likewise holds ritualistic value. The sound, “Om,” is recognized as primordial, a sort of representation of the cosmic vibration from which creation emerged, and is believed to drive away negative energies and evil spirits. The sound is often produced at the start of religious ceremonies and temple worship.
The shankha also naturally has a connection to the ocean, which likewise extends into a religious connection. Hindu belief speaks of a cosmic ocean, Samudra Manthan, meaning the conch shell is in many ways seen as a symbol of creation itself. In many homes and temples, the shankha is used to store and sprinkle holy water, and it symbolizes wealth, prosperity, and good fortune.
Perhaps it’s fitting, then, that this Vishnu statue emerged from the ocean. Now, it’s up to researchers to try to figure out more about how it ended up there in the first place.
After reading about the Vishnu statue that washed ashore, discover the story of the colorful Holi festival. Then, read about the ancient mass-suicide practice known as Jauhar.
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