Why Is Arjuna’s Conch Named Devadatta in the Mahabharata?

In the Mahabharata, Arjuna’s conch is named Devadatta because it was a divine gift bestowed upon him by the gods. The name “Devadatta” literally means “given by the gods” (deva = gods, datta = given). According to the Mahabharata, during the time when Arjuna visited Swarga (heaven) to acquire divine weapons from Indra and other gods, he received this conch as a celestial gift. The conch was not only a symbol of his divine favor but also a powerful instrument used in battle to inspire allies and strike fear into enemies.

प्रदीयमानं देवैस्तं देवदत्तं जलोद्भवम्।
प्रत्यगृह्णां जयायैनं स्तूयमानस्तदाऽमरैः ।।

स शङ्खी कवची वाणी प्रगृहीतशरासनः।
दानवालयमत्युग्रं प्रयातोस्मि युयुत्सया ।।

Arjuna receiving the Devadatta conch, hearing praises from the gods, and proceeding to battle against the demons (danavas) equipped with his armor, arrows, and bow. In the Mahabharata, Arjuna’s conch is frequently mentioned alongside those of other Pandavas, such as Krishna’s Panchajanya, Bhima’s Paundra, and others, each with its unique name and divine origin.

Why the Name Devadatta?

• The name reflects its divine origin, as it was gifted by the gods, likely during Arjuna’s sojourn in heaven (described in the Vana Parva, Book 3, when Arjuna visits Indra’s court).
• In the broader context, the Mahabharata emphasizes the divine support for the Pandavas, and the naming of their weapons and conches (like Devadatta, Gandiva, etc.) underscores their sacred mission to uphold dharma.

Context in the Mahabharata:

• The Devadatta conch is prominently mentioned in the Bhishma Parva (Book 6) of the Mahabharata, where the conches of the Pandavas and Krishna are blown to signal the start of the Kurukshetra war. For example, in Bhishma Parva 25.14, it is stated: “Arjuna blew the Devadatta, and Krishna blew the Panchajanya,” highlighting their divine significance.
• The conch’s sound was believed to have a psychological and spiritual impact, boosting the morale of allies and terrifying enemies, as described in the epic.