Dakshinavarti shankha

[1][2] In scientific usage a dextral (Latin: dexter, right) shell has the opening on the right, when viewed with the spire upwards.

Other right-turning sea snail shells are often mistakenly sold and worshiped in place of the genuine shankha.

Valampuries show some morphological variation depending on origin, and shells with mixed characters of two adjacent localities are seen.

In case such periostracum pustules are removed, dark coloured spots still appear on the conch body.

Genuine Dakshinavarti Lakshmi Conches are only found in the Indian Ocean, between Myanmar (Burma) and Sri Lanka.

The three main localities - near Rama Setu, Sri Lanka, and Ramishwaram to Tuticorin (rare); the Arabian Sea; and the Bay of Bengal.

The shell of the lightning whelk almost always opens on the right (when viewed with the siphonal canal pointing upwards).

Gauri Valampuries showing presence of dark brown or black periostracum (conch skin) spots near its cavity on main body whorl look beautiful and are rare and expensive.

Ritual use may include bathing deities, drinking from the conch, or the use of mantras oriented to goddess Lakshmi.