salagramam

The salagramam is a sacred fossil stone used in Hindu rituals and regarded as a manifestation of Vishnu.

The salagramam, also known as shaligrama, is a sacred fossil stone primarily found in the Gandaki River in Nepal. These black or dark stones, often featuring natural spiral patterns, are considered physical manifestations of Vishnu in Hindu tradition. They are worshipped in households and temples, often placed in shrines for daily rituals.

According to ancient texts like the Garuda Purana, each type of salagramam carries specific significance based on its shape, color, and patterns. These stones are also linked to cosmic creation and are sometimes incorporated into sanctuaries, such as in the Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple, where the principal idol is made of thousands of salagramams.