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According to Hindu tradition,
the Shaligram stone is the shelter for a small insect known as the
'vajra-keeta' that cuts through this stone and lives inside it. In
actuality, however, these stones are the fossils of the common ammonite
that lived millions of years ago when the Himalayan mountain range
formed the bed of a vast ocean floor.
Characteristics
Of Shaligrams
The marks made by the shell of the ammonite give a Shaligram its
characteristic appearance, with the pattern often resembling and
representing the 'Sudarshan Chakra' or the discus with a sharp-toothed
edge which rests on the index finger of Lord Vishnu. Shaligram stones
come in dfferent colors such as red, blue, yellow, green and black.
Of these, the yellow, blue and black varieties are considered more
sacred. The yellow and golden-colored Shaligrams are considered
most auspicious and are believed to bestow great wealth and prosperity
on its worshippers.
Shaligrams of different shapes are often associated
with the different ‘avtars’ or incarnations of Lord
Vishnu such as: Matsaya avtar, Kurma avtar, Narasimha avtar and
so on. In the epic Mahabharata, Lord Krishna while giving a discourse
to Yudhistra refers to the qualities of Shaligrams.
The Vaishnavas believe that a Shaligram is the
dwelling place of Lord Vishnu and any one who owns it must worship
it daily. He must also adhere to strict rules while handling a Shaligram.
He must not touch it without bathing, never place it on the ground,
avoid intake of non-Vaishnavite food and should not indulge in bad
habits or practices.
All Shaligrams are considered auspicious: some
are very sacred, others are considered to bring good luck, good
fortune, peace and happiness, spiritual enlightenment and so on.
Individual worshippers can choose the Shaligram that will bring
them the most beneficial effects based on the positioning of the
planets in their horoscopes. Temples can, however, use any kind
of Shaligram in their prayers and rituals.
THE VIRTUES OF SHALIGRAM: Wherever Shaligram is kept Lord Vishnu
lives there along with Goddess Laxmi. The umbrella shape Shaligram
has power to give kingdom and the one having elliptical shape gives
lots of wealth. Shaligram purifies a person and gives success in
all walks of life. The benefits that one get by reading all the
Vedas and doing penace (tapasya) is obtained by a person who worships
Shaligram. The one who does Abhishek of Shaligram with water gets
lots of benefits and happiness. It is said that if a dying person
is given the water of Shaligram then he is purified from all the
sins committed by him and goes to Vishnu Lok and get Nirvan.
POOJAN VIDHI: Shaligram is worshipped like one
worships Lord Vishnu. Normally tulsi is used essentially and also
a counch shell (Shankh) is also kept near the Shaligram. Daily worship
with purity of heart and body is required to get full benefits from
Shaligram. (Ref.: Shrimaddevi Bhagwat).
To perform puja of the Shaligram which you have selected to install
in your altar of worship, you will need the following 'samagri'
or ingredients:
Ganga Jal, Panchgavya (a mixture of 5 auspicious
articles that include: Cowdung, Cow's urine, Milk, Ghee and Curd),
fresh Tulsi leaves, Kusha grass, Pipal leaves, Incense sticks, Camphor,
Sandal paste, Lamp burner, and a conch shell. You may substitute
any item that is not available with uncooked rice.
Offerings to the Shaligram can be of Milk, Fruits,
Flowers, Sweet dishes or a Coconut.
Procedure To Be Followed For The Puja
1. Sit in a position in which you can face the East or North-East
direction.
2. Wash the Shaligram with Ganga Jal poured from the conch shell.
Then wash it again with punchgavya, and then wash it once more with
Ganga Jal.
3. Place some kusha grass in a stainless steel glass filled with
water to sprinkle over the Shaligram.
4. Now, put the Shaligram on some pipal leaves placed on a plate.
Light the camphor, incense sticks and the lamp filled with ghee.
5. Apply some sandal paste on the Shaligram and place some fresh
tulsi leaves in front of the Shila.
6. Light the lamp and move it in a circular, clockwise movement
of the hand in front of the Shaligram.
7. Chant the mantra: "Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna,
Hare Hare" nine times.
8. Offer milk, fruits or sweets to the Shaligram. Offer some money
and then give that money to a poor person.
Note: If you are worshiping more than one Shaligram,
make sure they are in even numbers. This means you should have either
two, four or six Shaligrams. Place a tulsi mala around them or offer
fresh tulsi leaves every where. It is important to remember that
even the water that has touched the Shaligram becomes 'amrit' (holy
water), while you are bathing it, has tremendous properties. If
you drink this water, it can help bring relief from various physical
ailments and poor health so you can lead a more healthy life.
Mantras Of Shaligrams
"Salagrama silarupi yatra tisthati kesavah
Navadhante’suras tatra bhuta vetalak ayah
Salagram sila yatra tat tirtham tat tapovanam
Yatah sanniihit as tatra bhagavan madhusudanah"
Acording to the Bramha Naradiya Purana, if Lord Keshava is
placed in the form of a Shaligram shila at any place, then neither
demons, ghosts, nor evil spirits can create any obstacles nor harm
that person or place. Wherever the Shaligram shila is installed
for worship, that place turns into a pilgrimage spot for the performance
of austerities. Because then the supreme personality of Godhead,
Madhusudana (Killer of the Madhu demon) resides there personally.
Kamaih krodhaih pralobhais ca vyapto yo’tra naradhamah
Sopi yati harer lokam salagrama silarcanat
The Padama Purana says that even people who are the lowest rungs
of humanity, who are ruled by anger, lust and greed – even
such people if they worship the Shaligram shila can be elevated
to the abode of Lord Vishnu.
Striyo va yadi va sudra brahmanah ksatriyadayah
Pujayitva sila cakra labhante sasvatam padam
The Skanda Purana says that everyone – brahmans, sudras, kshatriyas
and even women can worship the Shaligram shila. Everyone can hope
to reside in the eternal abode of Lord Krishna. |
