Guest guest Posted March 8, 2006 Report Posted March 8, 2006 Turbinella pyrum Indian Chank Shell(right-handed) India: Hindus: The god Vishnu holds his staff crowned with a very rare left-handed Chank shell (Note: Hold a shell up, with the siphon (the open end) down. Most shells will open to the right. Sometimes, a specimen will coil the other way; so it opens to the left - so we can say shells are "right-handed and left-handed - or, "dextral" and "sinistral". Most Chank shells are right handed, so the left-handed ones are rare, and treasured far more!) The Hindu, when praying, often clasps a sacred Chank or other venerated object in his hands, believing that it will help his or her petitions be heard. Priests also use it for holding sacred oils. Asia: Buddhists: The Chank shell also plays a large role in Buddhist ritual music and ceremonies, and figures into Buddhist iconography. Relax. Mail virus scanning helps detect nasty viruses! Quote
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