A Shalagram Sila (murthi) and a rare Dakshinavarti Lakshmi Shankh with 3 ridges visible in the conch cavity

The Dakshinavarti Shankh, or Sri Lakshmi Shankh, is a sacred Hindu object otherwise known as the Conch shell with a reverse-turning spiral. When held with the spout pointed up, the conch's spiral will turn to the right (Dakshinavarti) rather than the far more common variety which turns left (Vamavarti). A Shaligram Sila decorated for worship with tulsi and a rare Dakshinavarti Shankh Sila, (also spelt as Shila or Sheela) refers to a Vaishnava (Hindu) murthi in the form of a spherical, usually black-coloured stone found in the sacred river Gandaki. ... This article discusses the adherents of Hinduism. ... Species Strombus gigas Strombus pugilis A conch (pronounced konk (IPA: ) or konch (IPA: )) is a sea-dwelling mollusk, and more specifically, a marine gastropod. ...

Genuine v/s fake

Traditionally this shell is a member of the family Sinistral turbinella pyrum, although other right-turning shells such as the Lightning Whelk, or Busycon Contrarium, are often mistakenly sold and worshipped in place of the genuine Shank. Genuine Lakshmi Shank must be a Conch, not a Whelk, and the real Lakshmi Shank will have 3 to 7 ridges in the conch cavity. Whelk shells have no ridges, being unrelated to Conch.
A whelk is a large marine gastropod (snail) found in temperate waters. ...

Origin

While genuine Dakshinavarti Lakshmi Conch are only found in the Indian ocean, between Myanmar (Burma) all the way to Sri Lanka. The imitation (Lightning Whelks) mostly come from North America.

Rarity

Real Lakshmi Conch (right side spinning) are estimated to occur only one per 100,000 conch shells; but Lightning Whelk always open on the right.

Powers ascribed

The Lakshmi Conch is said to bring all manner of blessing, but particularly material wealth, upon the owner. Ritual use may include bathing deities, drinking from the conch, or the use of mantras oriented to goddess Sri Lakshmi. For South Indian actress, see Laxmi (actress). ... In Tibet, many Buddhists carve mantras into rocks as a form of devotion. ...

Current Value

Indian Rs. 3,000 to 6,000 per gram, depending on size, type and quality

External Links

http://www.navaratna-museum.info/Shells.html
http://www.p-g-a.org/lakshmi-shank.html