Does blowing conch shell have a negative impact on women’s health?

In Hindu religion, conch is considered very sacred and auspicious. Any puja, aarti, house warming, kalesh rites or religious program starts with blowing of conch. It is believed that the sound of the conch removes the negative energy present in the environment and creates positive vibrations in the surroundings. For this reason, the tradition of blowing conch during puja has been going on in every house for years. The sound of the conch is not only special from the religious point of view, but it is also considered a symbol of energy, courage and victory. Even in the Mahabharata, the conch was blown before the war started and it was considered a sign of victory, but in the meantime a question often arises in people’s minds – are women prohibited from blowing the conch?

Even today in many homes it is said that women should not blow conch shells, or it is not appropriate for them to do so. Sometimes it is called superstition and sometimes it is supported by calling it a religious belief, but what is the truth? Are there really any restrictions on women in the scriptures, or is it just an old belief? Conch shell is considered very sacred in Indian culture. It is played during worship of deities, aarti, religious rituals and auspicious functions. The sound of conch is considered very beneficial not only from religious point of view but also from health point of view.

It is believed that the vibrations and sound waves generated by blowing the shankha remove negative energy from the environment. This increases positivity in the house and provides mental peace. This sound helps in reducing stress, anxiety and fear in the mind. Blowing conch is very beneficial from health point of view. The act of deep breathing done while blowing conch increases the capacity of the lungs. Playing conch regularly strengthens the respiratory system and helps in reducing problems like asthma and cold and cough. This strengthens the muscles of the throat, stomach and chest. The sound of conch shell has a positive effect on the nerves and blood circulation of the body. Since it has a mild vibratory effect on the abdominal organs, it also helps in improving digestion. From the religious point of view, blowing the conch is considered a symbol of divine power. It is a symbol of auspiciousness, victory and energy. This energy is indicated by the fact that the aarti or puja in the temple is started by blowing the conch. Are women prohibited from blowing the conch in religious scriptures? Talking about religious scriptures, it is not written anywhere in any religious book, Veda or Shastra that women should not blow the conch. There is no mention of such restrictions on women in any chapter of Rigveda, Atharvaveda, Yajurveda. Rather, the conch is considered dear to Lord Vishnu and is used in every auspicious work. Therefore, the ban on women is only a belief, not a scriptural rule. Many people used to say that women’s lungs were less strong than men’s, so it was considered difficult for them to blow the conch. In earlier times, women were busy with household chores and hence their physical capabilities were considered low. Gradually, this tradition of women not blowing the conch became a tradition, but in reality it is just a fantasy, not a reality. Even today, women in many states regularly blow shankha in temples and festivals without any restrictions. The biggest example of this is Durga Puja in Kolkata, where women blow conch shells with pride.

There are many examples in history where women blew the conch. In the Mahabharata, Draupadi is mentioned as blowing the conch. Whenever there has been any major crisis or war-like situation, women have also blown the conch. Therefore, history also proves that women cannot blow the conch. There is no prohibition of this in the scriptures. There are beliefs and legends, but it is not a religious system. Some physical reasons for pregnancy are specifically mentioned in astrology. In normal times, women can blow the conch like men. It completely depends on our convenience, health and desire.