How the Shaligram Shilas Identified
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.
From different puranas that in former days Shalagrams were divided into 24 varieties, their names according to the Skandapurana being as follows: Keshava, Madhusudana, Shankarshan, Daamodara, Vaasudeva, Pradyumna, Vishnu, Maadhava, Ananta, Purushottama, Adhokshaja, Janaardan , Govinda, Trivikrama, Shridhar, Hrishikesha, Nrisimha, Vishvayoni, Vaamana, Naaraayana, Pundarikaaksh, Upendra, Hari, Krishna. (Skanda Purana, Nagarckhanda, 244. 3-9)
In the Brahmavaivarattapurana (Prakrtikhanda, chapter21.) we get the following description of the different varieties of Shaligrams:
1. Lakshminarayana : In colour he resembles a new cloud and has a single opening marked with four circular prints. A linear mark resembling a vanamala (a particular kind of garland held by Lord Vishnu, or series of forests) is also printed on his body.
2. Lakshmijanaardan: The above type without the mark of vanamala.
3. Raghunatha: He has two openings with any mark of vanamala. his body also is marked with the footprint of a cow, but not with any mark of vanamala.
4. Dadhivamana: Very small in size with two circular marks, and having the colour of a new cloud.
5. Shridhar : The above type with an additional mark of vanamala.
6. Daamodara : Big in size with a round shape and two circular marks, but not having the mark of vanamala.
7. Ranarama : round and middle in shape with prints of arrows all over hid body. He must have two circular marks and prints of a quiver with arrows on his body.
8. Rajarajeshwara : Middle in size, having seven circular marks and also the marks of an umbrella and grass (or quiver) on his body.
9. Ananta : Big in size with the colour of a new cloud and having 14 circular marks on his body.
10. Madhusudhan : Round in shape, middle in size and charming to look at. He has two circular marks and a footprint of a cow on his body.
11. Sudarshan : With single circular mark.
12. Gadadhara: With a hidden circular mark.
13. Hayagriva : with two circular marks and having the shape of the face of a horse.
14. Narsimha : having a large opening with two circular marks, and glittering to look at.
15. Laxminarsimha : Having a big opening with two circular marks, and also marked with a vanamala.
16. Vaasudeva : Evenly shaped and charming to look at, having two circular marks at the front of his opening.
17. Pradyumna : with the colour of a new cloud, and having a small circular mark and several small holes on his body.
18. Shankarshan : He has two circular marks joined with each other on the top side o his body.
19. Aniriddha: Round in shape, glaced and charming to look at, and having the yellowish or black colour.
Must Read ..
Identification of Natural Shaligram
Puja and Mantras
How to keep Shaligram Shilas
Ledgends associated with Shaligrams
Benefits of Shaligram
Importance of Shaligram
Types of Shaligram
Types in Garud Puran
Types as in Praanatashanitantra
How to Identify Shaligram Shila Traditionally
Traditional descriptions of Shaligram focus on visible characteristics including the shape of the stone, the number and position of openings, chakra-like circular impressions, vanamala markings, colour and distinctive symbolic forms. These features are interpreted within the particular Puranic or devotional tradition being followed.
Because different texts can describe varieties in different ways, it is useful to compare a Shaligram with established traditional descriptions rather than relying on a single visual feature. The varieties listed on this page provide a valuable reference for understanding traditional Shaligram classification.
Why Shaligram Markings Are Important
The natural markings of Shaligram are central to traditional identification. Circular impressions, openings and other characteristic marks are associated in devotional traditions with different forms and manifestations of Lord Vishnu. For this reason, the complete combination of features is traditionally considered more meaningful than colour or shape alone.
Frequently Asked Questions About Shaligram Identification
How is Shaligram Shila traditionally identified?
Traditional identification considers the Shaligram's shape, openings, circular impressions, vanamala markings, colour and other characteristic natural features.
How many varieties of Shaligram are described in traditional texts?
The original page states that Shalagrams were formerly divided into 24 varieties and provides names attributed to the Skanda Purana, followed by descriptions from the Brahmavaivarta Purana.
What is a vanamala marking on Shaligram?
In the traditional description, vanamala refers to a linear marking associated with the garland of Lord Vishnu and is used as one of the identifying characteristics of certain Shaligram varieties.
Can one feature alone confirm a Shaligram's identity?
Traditional classification generally considers a combination of physical characteristics. A single visual feature should therefore not be treated as conclusive identification or authentication.
Explore Shaligram Shilas
Discover traditional Shaligram varieties and explore the Astroshastra Shaligram collection.
Explore Shaligram Collection
