The Saligram are basically described as fossil-stones and characterized by the presence of discus marks. Saligram-stones (black stones in which fossil ammonites are embedded) are the most celebrated universally. Worship of these stones is widespread and dates back to a distant past. They are worshipped in temples, monasteries and households all over the world, as visible and natural emblems of Vishnu. They are also worshipped in quasi-religious functions like house-warming (grha-pravesa, vastu-puja), pacificatory rites of different sorts (santi), marriages and funerary rituals.
The legend, related at length tells us that Lord Vishnu for benefit of mankind in kaliyuga comes in earth in the form of Saligram and in tulsi tree. Like the worship of Shiva in the form of a Linga, the worship of Vishnu in the shape of a Saligram, is aniconic in character. Saligrams are naturally found in the river Gandaki in Nepal. They are never made by man. In the worship of Saligrams, no initiation is required; there is no special hymnology or specific procedure of worship, nor any need for a qualified priest or master of ceremonies. Worshipped by regular bathing saligram stones in curds, ghee, milk or water will give untold merit and will bestow all the benefits.
Saligram-stones are found only in the river Gandaki, which is a Himalayan stream, celebrated since antiquity as Narayani, Saligrami, Hiranvati and Hiranyavati. The epic Mahabharata speaks of its sanctity (Bhishma-Parva). The Puranas also describe it as a sacred stream in which all the gods and titans abide. By merely looking at it, one would eliminate all his mental dement’s, by touching it his bodily sins are burnt , and by sipping its water the verbal demerits are destroyed. One who comes into contact with this sacred stream will be liberated from the cycle of birth and deaths, even if he be a sinner.
The legend, related at length tells us that Lord Vishnu for benefit of mankind in kaliyuga comes in earth in the form of Saligram and in tulsi tree. Like the worship of Shiva in the form of a Linga, the worship of Vishnu in the shape of a Saligram, is aniconic in character. Saligrams are naturally found in the river Gandaki in Nepal. They are never made by man. In the worship of Saligrams, no initiation is required; there is no special hymnology or specific procedure of worship, nor any need for a qualified priest or master of ceremonies. Worshipped by regular bathing saligram stones in curds, ghee, milk or water will give untold merit and will bestow all the benefits.
Saligram-stones are found only in the river Gandaki, which is a Himalayan stream, celebrated since antiquity as Narayani, Saligrami, Hiranvati and Hiranyavati. The epic Mahabharata speaks of its sanctity (Bhishma-Parva). The Puranas also describe it as a sacred stream in which all the gods and titans abide. By merely looking at it, one would eliminate all his mental dement’s, by touching it his bodily sins are burnt , and by sipping its water the verbal demerits are destroyed. One who comes into contact with this sacred stream will be liberated from the cycle of birth and deaths, even if he be a sinner.
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