The Sanskrit term Śaṅkhapūjā can be transliterated into English as Sankhapuja or Shankhapuja, using the IAST transliteration scheme (?).

In Hinduism

Ganapatya (worship of Ganesha)

Source: Google Books: Ganapati: Song of the Self

Śaṅkhapūjā (शङ्खपूजा) refers to the “worship of the conch”, representing one of the possible preliminary rites (upacāra) of a pūjā (deity worship).—Each act in a pūjā is not only physical and/or mental, but also symbolic, cosmic, and spiritual. Sprinkling, sipping, and bathing are symbolic of purification, of the worshipped as well as of the worshipper and the surroundings. Various offerings [viz., śaṅkhapūjā] symbolize the surrendering of one’s latent tendencies (vāsanā) as expressed in thoughts, words, and deeds.

context information

Ganapatya (गाणपत्य, gāṇapatya) represents a tradition of Hinduism where Ganesha is revered and worshipped as the prime deity (ishta-devata). Being a minor though influential movement, Ganapatya evovled, llike Shaktism and Shaivism, as a separate movement leaving behind a large body of literature.

General definition (in Hinduism)

Source: ACHC: Smarta Puja

Śaṅkhapūjā (शङ्खपूजा) refers to the “worship of the conch” representing one of the various preparatory rites performed before pūjā (ritualistic worship of a deity) which aim at the purification of the devotee.—[After kalaśapūjā], the devotee washes the conch (śaṅkha) with clean water for its purification. Uttering the sacred syllable oṃ he fills it with water from the vessel (kalaśa). The conch is then placed on its stand (Mar. aḍaṇī). The conch is by its very origin closely connected with the aquatic element and is considered as an auspicious symbol said to bestow plenty and fulfill wishes. Along with the vessel it therefore serves as a container of water which is used in the later worship.

The conch is then worshipped (śaṅkhapūjā) by offering sandalwood paste and a flower. Unbroken rice (akṣata) which had been offered to the vessel is not allowed as an offering to the conch. Finally the saṅkha-mudra is shown which imitates the shape of a conch.

See also (Relevant definitions)

Partial matches: Puja, Shankha.

Full-text: Shankha, Bahyapuja.

Relevant text

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