The Conch Shell Silver Ghau Prayer Box Silver Pendant from Patan, Nepal

 Ghau / Pendant / Prayer Box

Ghau is a small prayer box worn as pendant by Buddhists as portable shrines where prayers and sacred relics are kept and used during their travel to hold their sacred deity inside. Now, Ghau or Prayer Box pendants are often used as jewelry or personal adornment. They are used to carry prayers or prayer concerns or photos, poems, small items, or memories. Ghau pendants can carry your prayers near to your heart throughout the day. They are jewelry that has a history. The Ghau opens to a concealed inner space and is traditionally used by Tibetan Buddhists to hold a picture of their favorite deity or Lama, a folded-up scroll of sacred mantras, special herbs or sacred relics. The Ghau is used as an amulet to help the wearer to ward off negative energy and attract blessings. A Ghau are also used as a portable shrine and are worn on a cord around the neck and hung close to the heart.

These Ghau is mostly made of silver; however, the artisans also use copper, brass, gold and other metals. Ghau often have intricate designs of deity, auspicious symbols and mantras inscribed on their outer and inner surface Ghau is often decorated by semi-precious gemstones which have various healing effects on the wearer. Turquoise, considered by many as a master healing stone, Lapis Lazuli and Coral are especially popular in Ghau or Prayer Box design for their beauty and healing properties. Other gemstones used by the craftsman include: amber, carnelian, amethyst, malachite, onyx and topaz.

The Right – Turning Conch Shell

A conch shell spiraling to the right in a clockwise direction relates to the mighty conch shell horns of ancient heroes, which were blown to proclaim valor and victory in battle. The shell symbolizes power, authority and sovereignty, and also represents the beautiful sound of the Dharma teachings.

About this Ritual item

This beautiful Ghau or Prayer Box is made of Silver and has intricate carvings decorated with Coral and Turquoise stones. This beautiful Ghau or Prayer Box is hand made by the master artisans of Patan, Nepal who have been in the business from generations.