Bhagavad-gita Verse 1.12 - 1.13 Bhismadeva’s Blowing of Conchshell

In the beginning of the battle of Kurukshetra, Bhismadeva blew his conchshell very loudly making a sound like the roar of a lion. This caused two effects. He could understand the inner meaning of the heart of his grandson Duryodhana, and out of his natural compassion he tried to cheer the prince by blowing his conchshell very loudly, befitting his position as a lion. This gave Duryodhana false joy and made the Kauravas to sound their conchshells, drums, bugles, trumpets and horns causing a combined tumultuous sound.

What is the symbolism of sankha or conchshell? Before and after arati (worship), conchshell is blown to herald auspiciousness. Lord Sri Krishna is all auspiciousness and Bhismadeva acknowledged the presence of the Supreme Lord by blowing the conchshell. Indirectly, by the symbolism of conchshell, Bhismadeva informed his depressed grandson Duryodhana that he had no chance of victory in the battle, because the Supreme Lord Krishna was on the other side. But still, it was his duty to conduct the fight, and no pains would be spared in that connection.

Conchshells and cow dung are nothing but the bones and the stool of some living entities, but according to the Vedic version they are both considered very pure. According to Vedic principles, bones and dung are generally considered very impure. As per Vedic injunction, if one touches a bone or stool, he must take a bath immediately. Yet the Vedas also enjoin that a conchshell, although the bone of an animal, and cow dung, although the stool of an animal, are very sanctified. Even though such statements appear contradictory, on the basis of the Vedic version we still accept the fact that conchshells and cow dung are pure and sanctified.