Saligrams or Shila Murti

Saligrams are mentioned in ancient Sanskrit texts that date back to the 2nd Century BCE. Our Saligram (also Shaligram, Salagramas, Shila or Sila Murti) stones originate from the sacred Kali Gandaki River in Nepal. This is the only region where these Saligrams are discovered and they are therefore distinct from other fossils found elsewhere. This region is also revered by Buddhists as being especially sacred to the feminine divine and is considered an area imbued with the blessings of the female wisdom Dakinis. Saligrams are worshipped in Nepal and India as the manifestation of the Hindu god, Vishnu. Indeed the word Saligram is actually one of the lesser known names of Vishnu. The largest known Saligram is housed in the famous Jagannath Temple in Orissa, India.

These dark Himalayan fossils are believed to be somewhere between 140 and 165 million years old. In Nepal and India it is possible to find old Saligrams that have been kept within a temple for many centuries and they are highly prized for their potent spiritual blessings. Each piece is unique and they are worshipped according to the markings and shape of the stone. The spiralling stones represent the Sudarshana Chakra, a 'spinning disk-like super weapon with 108 serrated edges'. There are many other special properties attributed to the Saligram. For example, pieces that display areas of golden pyrite inclusions are prized for bestowing wealth and prosperity. Drinking water that a Saligram has been bathed in is believed to purify negative karma and encourage healing.