Panchajanya is the holy conch of Lord Vishnu. The image of Lord Vishnu in the temples is depicted with having the Conch and Chakra in his hands. According to Ramayana, Rama’s brother Shatrugna is considered to be an avatar of Conch also known as Shankha. The conch is considered as a holiest one and it can be kept in our puja room.
There is an ancient and famous Stotra called as “SRI PANCHAJANYASHTAKAM”, and the contents present in that popular Ashtakam are as follows:-
Oh, Sri Panchajanya, the holy conch of Lord Vishnu, during the Ramayana period, you served faithfully to your brother Lord Rama in the form of Shatrugna. You are a sacred puja thing like Sri Saligrama, and you are holiest among the holy things present in the world.
Oh, Sri Panchajanya, the holy conch of Lord Vishnu, you have brought victory to Lord Krishna in the Kurukshetra war, since Lord Krishna has blown you. You are improving the physical and mental strength of the people through your abundant powers.
Oh, Sri Panchajanya, the holy conch of Lord Vishnu, those who keep you in their puja room would prosper in their life, and all of their problems would come to an end. You are a holy aspect of Lord Vishnu, and through your presence, Ma Lakshmi Devi would permanently dwell in our homes.
Oh, Sri Panchajanya, the holy conch of Lord Vishnu, you have been born as Sri Poigai Alvar and sung songs in praise of Lord Vishnu. You would surely bring good luck, name and fame in the lives of the devotees. You are the permanent holy object of Lord Vishnu and you are the one, who was held by him permanently.
Oh, Sri Panchajanya, the holy conch of Lord Vishnu, Your devotees used to keep your names like Shankasudan, Shankarshanan, Panchajanyan, Pancharajan and PanchaShanka. We can find you in the places where Saints, Sages and noble people would dwell, and you would be available in most of the temples of Lord Vishnu.
Oh, Sri Panchajanya, the holy conch of Lord Vishnu, Lord Krishna considered you as an auspicious thing similar to his flute, and you would increase the efficiency of the people, through your Shanku Teertha(Holy water given as Prasad to the devotees by the temple priest from the worshipful Shanku).
Oh, Sri Panchajanya, the holy conch of Lord Vishnu, similar to Sri Sudarsana you are also praised by Vishnu Devotees, you are the one who is capable of burning the sins, diseases and sufferings of your devotees, you are the one who would even grant liberation to your devotees.
Oh, Sri Panchajanya, the holy conch of Lord Vishnu. Please help us to cross the ocean of life in this difficult Kaliyuga, Please shower your grace like the heavy rain.
Those who recite the above praise of Lord Panchajanya with sincerity would get the entire grace of Panchajanya, and they would be treated as the best devotees of Lord Vishnu.
“OM SRI PANCHAJANYARE NAMO NAMAHA”
WRITTEN BY
R.HARISHANKAR