Shaligram Mystical Stone – the Divine and Mystical Stone of Lord Vishnu

A Shalagram Sila (murthi) on the left and on the right a rare Dakshinavarti Lakshmi Shankh with 3 ridges visible in the conch cavity

The ‘Shaligram’, a dark-colored stone, is a sacred and divine gift from Lord Vishnu to his ardent devotees. On the whole, the Shaligram Mystical Stone is a boon to the welfare and betterment of mankind in this world. The worship of the shaligrams can uplift an individual’s spiritual life. It leads us to a life of salvation and austerity.

The shaligram mystical stone is popularly known as the ‘shaligram shilas’ or the ‘shalagrams’. It is regarded as the most auspicious stone by the followers of Lord Vishnu known as the Vaishnavas.

The worshipping of the shaligram is considered as worshipping of Lord Vishnu in an abstract form. The shaligrams are generally found in the River Gandak near Muktinath in the country of Nepal. It is also known as the divine and mystical stone of Lord Vishnu.

There is a region near the river Gandaki in Nepal which is abundant in Shalagram shilas. Hence this place is called Shalagram. It is believed that these stones provide a shelter to an insect. It is very small in size and is known as the ‘Vajra Keeta’.

It is said to have a diamond tooth, which has the capability to cut through the Shaligram stone. Long ago the Himalayas were just an ocean bed with many shaligram stones lying inside them.

Markings on the Shaligram Resemble the Sudarshan Chakra of Lord Vishnu

Mahabharata

An amazing fact about the shaligram is the significant markings on it that resemble the ‘Sudarshan Chakra’ of Lord Vishnu. Different shapes and forms of Shaligrams represent the different forms of Lord Vishnu like the ‘Kurma Avatar’ and the ‘Narsimha Avatar’.

The shaligrams are not only regarded as the symbol of Lord Vishnu but they are known to be the home of Lord Vishnu. They say that the Lord resides in the shaligrams. The person who keeps a shaligram in the house must offer daily prayers to it to receive its benefits.

There are some other rules that a keeper of the shaligram should follow. Rules like not touching it without cleansing oneself or bathing and never placing it on the floor. Non-satvic food should not be eaten too by the person. He must lead a pious and righteous life.

Nearly all the shaligrams are auspicious and sacred. While some others are thought to be a good luck charm to bring about luck, wealth and happiness in one’s life. The shaligrams are considered very invaluable by the Vaishnavas.

All the wealth of this world put together cannot be worthy enough to be equal in terms of value with the shaligram. This is because the shaligrams are one of the four incarnations that Lord Vishnu had taken. The incarnations are due to the curse of Sati Brinda’s sati dharma.

It is said that even Lord Shiva said that worshiping a thousand Shiva lingams is equal to worshipping one Shaligram. This is amazing. Why, because the Lord himself stated the greatness and auspiciousness of this divine symbol of Lord Vishnu. This also shows the greatness of the deities. They gave more importance to each other and shunned away their personal ego.

A Shaligram’s Worshipper is Always Fearless

Lord Vishnu

According to the Skanda puranas and the other religious scripts, a shaligram’s worshipper is always fearless. They are blessed to get all the worldly pleasures and comforts. He also stays protected against all bad things.

All the mental stress of the person vanishes and nearly all his desires get fulfilled. There is yet another interesting fact about the shaligram. The water run over the shaligram turns into ‘Amrit’ and the person suffering from any disease, must drink it if he wants a speedy recovery.

Many people used to follow the concept of making a witness hold the Shaligram in one hand to testify his statements. This custom is still followed by many Indian Village Panchayats where many disputes are settled. Many Indian homes have seen keeping beautiful Shaligrams in their homes. They serve the purpose of both a decoration as well as a religious object.

This is why many people prefer to gift a Shaligram on special occasions like a housewarming occasion. Actually on any other auspicious event held in the homes. The Shaligram stone has always been taken as an object of great value in the Indian culture.