6-tonne ‘Panchjanya’ conch a huge draw at Jyotisar

The Panchjanya Memorial, based on Lord Krishna’s sacred conch, installed at the Mahabharata-themed Anubhav Kendra at Jyotisar in Kurukshetra is the latest attraction for devotees and visitors.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his Kurukshetra visit on Tuesday, inaugurated the memorial, a tribute to the sacred conch. The PM also toured Anubhav Kendra.

Naresh Kumar Kumawat, the artist behind this monumental work, said, “It has been one of the most demanding and inspiring artistic journeys of my career. I am fortunate to get the opportunity to build the Panchjanya, one of the Ratnas that emerged from the Samudra Manthan. The time-bound project required seamless coordination at every stage, including designing, modelling, casting, assembling, finishing, transporting and installation, all executed with precision and devotion. We were fortunate to receive continuous guidance and encouragement from the Chief Minister, who closely monitored the progress and ensured timely support at critical phases of the project.”

From casting to installation, the project was completed in nearly 20 days. “It was a challenging task as the conch weighs around 6.2 tonnes. It features a robust internal structural framework and is crafted in Ashtadhatu to represent the divine aura of Panchjanya. A distinctive feature of the creation is the illuminated Aura Chakra — a circular halo. Enhanced with sharp LED lighting, it elevates the spiritual presence of the sculpture and symbolises the harmony of ethics, technology and Dharma,” he added.

From conception to inauguration by the Prime Minister, the milestone stands as a testament to dedication, teamwork and unwavering commitment to artistic excellence. The realisation of this vision is truly a dream come true, Kumawat said.

Honorary Secretary of Kurukshetra Development Board Upender Singhal said, “The Panchjanya holds immense significance in the Mahabharata. Standing for justice and righteousness, Lord Krishna sounded his divine Panchjanya conch at the onset of the Mahabharata. The Mahabharata-themed Anubhav Kendra has been established in which various events and episodes of the Mahabharata have been depicted. The Kendra is open for the public.”

The newly installed conch, crafted in an advanced Vedic architectural style, symbolises purity, courage and the triumph of dharma, Singhal said. “The memorial features inscriptions of 18 verses from the Shrimad Bhagavad Gita. Since the Prime Minister was scheduled to visit the Anubhav Kendra, it was decided to get the memorial inaugurated from him. Soon after getting the confirmation from the PMO about the schedule, the preparations for the installation of the conch were started. It was installed in a record time of 20 days. It also conveys India’s timeless message of righteousness and spiritual wisdom,” he added.