The Origin and Usage of Devadatta Conch in Mahabharata

The Mahabharata is one of the most significant epics in Hindu mythology, rich with tales of valor, magic, and divine intervention. Among the many treasures bestowed upon the Pandava prince Arjuna, the Devadutta conch stands out as a symbol of divine power and importance. This article delves into the origin, usage, and significance of the Devadutta conch in the epic narrative.

The Divine Gift of Devadutta Conch

The name Devadutta itself evokes a sense of divine origin, with deva meaning god or deity. This name suggests that the conch was indeed a gift from the devas to Arjuna. According to one passage in the epic, the gods presented Arjuna with the conch:

"Here is the supreme conch shell Devadutta with which you will conquer the danavas. Using this, the great-souled Shakra conquered the worlds."

(462 165 Yaksha Yuddha parva Mahabharata)

Further References to Devadutta Conch

Another passage mentions that Arjuna obtained the conch Devadutta in Indra's realm, where he fought and defeated the daityas and kalaka; his victory was celebrated by the gods:

"He slew the daityas in Indra's world and destroyed all the kalakeyas in a battle. He obtained the conch shell Devadutta there. Who possesses greater fame than him on earth? He faced the immensely generous Mahadeva himself in a battle and satisfied him."

(1207 57 Karna Vadha parva Mahabharata)

Mayasura's Role in the Tale

There have been earlier mentions of Mayasura giving Devadutta to Arjuna. However, it is important to note that this may be an interpolation. After Mayasura provided the conch, there is no further reference to the conch in subsequent chapters.

"After Maya gave the conch to Arjuna, there is no further reference to the conch at all in any of the further chapters."

Items Obtained by Arjuna

According to the narration by Vaishampayana, Arjuna had acquired various items. These include:

Supreme bow: Gandiva Inexhaustible quivers: Akshaya Tunir Chariot Pennant Sabha (a divine hall)

While Maya gave Arjuna a divine Sabha, there is no mention of the Devadutta conch being one of the items obtained during this period. Moreover, during Arjuna's Digvijaya campaign, there is no reference to him using or possessing the Devadutta conch.

"There is no reference of him having or using Devadutta conch either during his Digvijaya campaign."

The Constant Usage of Devadutta Conch in War

The Devadutta conch is consistently mentioned in the context of various battles. It was used in the war with Nivatakavachas, in the Virat war, and inevitably, during the Kurukshetra war. The consistent usage of the conch implies its significance and the divine powers associated with it.

He used it in the war with Nivatakavachas.
He used it during Virat war.
He offcourse used it during the Kurukshetra war.