🏔 What is a Shaligram? 🏔

A Shaligram (saligrama) is a natural ammonite fossil collected from the Kali Gandaki River (Mustang region, near the Muktinath shrine) and revered in Hinduism as an uncarved murti of Vishnu . The internal swirls and spiral markings evoke the Sudarshana Chakra , a symbol of divine discernment that cuts through ignorance. Traditionally, they are kept in the home, home temple, or altar to attract blessings, peace, and clarity.

🪔 Origin, legends and traditions 🪔

According to tradition, the Shaligrams descend from the high Himalayan valleys and are shaped by the powerful waters of Kali Gandaki. Their lakshana (distinctive signs) allow the stone to be associated with forms of Vishnu: Narayana , Sudarshana , Narasimha , Vamana , Hayagriva , etc. For centuries, pilgrims and Brahmins have honored them with ablution, anointing and the recitation of mantras during daily puja .

✨ Spiritual virtues and benefits ✨

• Protection against negative influences and calming of the home.
• Prosperity and ethical success, supported by merit and inner discipline.
• Mental clarity and discernment, under the sign of the Sudarshana Chakra.
• Devotional connection to Vishnu: stability, peace and continuity of Dharma.

🙏🏽 Practical and maintenance tips 🙏🏽

1. Place your stone on a clean cloth (yellow, saffron or white) on the altar.
2. Perform a simple abhisheka purification: pure water, then gentle wiping.
3. Provides light (ghee lamp or candle) and natural incense.
4. Recite the Vishnu mantra 9, 27 or 108 times.
5. Avoid abrasives/chemicals and never drill into the stone.

🌊 Listen to the ancient rumble: beneath the stone skin, the river still sings. Spiral after spiral, the Chakra opens the way, cuts the knots, flattens the fears. Carry the stone to the heart: what you thought was still breathes, what you thought was lost returns to the light. Vishnu watches, and the house becomes a sanctuary.

🧙 Choose your Shaligram 🧙

Each stone is unique: spiral patterns, cavities, lines, and markings vary from one specimen to the next. Trust your vision and your devotion: select the piece that resonates with your practice, then install it permanently on your altar.