In Hindu mythology, what is the name of Krishna’s conch shell?

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In Hindu mythology, Krishna’s conch shell is called Panchajanya.

Panchajanya is the shankha associated with Krishna, one of the most widely revered forms of Vishnu. In the Mahabharata, Krishna blows Panchajanya before and during the Kurukshetra war. Its sound is presented as a powerful proclamation and a sign of divine authority.

The name is especially easy to confuse with Vishnu’s other famous attributes. Sudarshana is his discus, Kaumodaki is his mace, and Nandaka is his sword. Krishna’s conch is therefore a specific object rather than a general reference to the sacred conch symbol. In the Bhagavad Gita, Krishna’s blowing of Panchajanya is paired with Arjuna’s blowing of Devadatta, helping identify the main warriors through their distinctive conches.

Source: Wikipedia · fact-checked Sept. 2026

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