SYMBOLISM

Conch Shell

In the Indian context, conch shells symbolize water, the source of all life.

Cowrie Shell

Since their shape alludes to the vulva, cowrie shells represent the generative organ of a woman thus symbolizing the fertilizing power of water.

Serpents

Snakes continually renew themselves, replacing old skin with new, and therefore represent regeneration. Their form is reminiscent of meandering life-giving rivers. And in order to copulate, the male and female snakes must constantly move conveying that the flavour of material life is in movement and change.

Parrots

Like desire, parrots can fly in any direction and never sit still for a long period of time. Since the bird symbolizes desire, it is also associated with love. Hence Kama, the god of love, rides a parrot.

Pairs of parrots often adorn temple spires and ritual paintings of gods of fertility.

Fish

Fish indicate the abundance of water, and hence life. In Hindu mythology fish are the first beings to be created and the only creatures to live after every cosmic deluge. Fish are the vehicles of various river deities and Vishnu, the King god, wears fish earrings.