Many of us might have heard the word
" Saligramam " or " Salagramam "
It is related to a naturally formed stone like substance, believed to be of the "Amsa" or part of Lord Mahavishnu.
Vaishnavaites consider it very sacred and holy.
They worship " Saligramam". (In Marathi, there is a surname, " Saligram".
It may have something to do with the " Saligramam " I am discussing here.)
In Chennai, there is a locality by name, " Saligramam".
No idea whether the locality has anything to do with the " Saligramam " that I am discussing here.
Some families inherit this " Saligramam"
from their forefathers and ancestral lineage.
Such ancient " Saligramams are considered to be very auspicious.
Only an expert in " Saligramam " can identify a genuine and natural one.
There are sellers, dispensing fake stones as Saligramam.
Saligramams originate in the " Gandaki " river in Nepal, in the Himlayan ranges.
Picutres of " Saligramams" are given below along with a write-up in " Tamil ".
For, those who do not know Tamil, this small write up which is not ofcourse translation of the Tamil version below is given in English.
Caution : As Saligramam is considered to be very pious and sacred, its worship can be done only by those who are extremely sincere in its worship.
It has very rigid rules and traditions.
So if one wishes to attempt worshiping a Saligramam, kindly consult an experienced person who worships it or an expert.