5 Tips to Identify Original Shaligram Stone & Its Types Leave a comment

Are you looking for a genuine Shaligram Shila for your daily puja? Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you identify original Shaligram Shila and avoid buying fake ones.
Shaligram Shila is an essential item used in Hindu puja and worship of Lord Vishnu. It is believed to be a sacred stone that has the power to purify the soul and bring peace and prosperity. However, with the rise of commercialization, fake Shaligram Shilas have flooded the market, making it difficult for devotees to identify the original ones.

In this article, we will guide you on how to identify original Shaligram Stone Shila and avoid purchasing fake ones.

What is Shaligram ?

Shaligram is a sacred stone that is worshipped by Hindus as a representation of Lord Vishnu. It is a naturally occurring black stone found in the kali gandaki river of Nepal. Shaligram are characterized by their unique markings, which are said to resemble the various forms of Lord Vishnu.

How to Identify Original Shaligram Stone Shila?

Here are top 5 tips that can help you identify original Shaligram Shila:

• Shape and Size: Shaligrams come in different shapes and sizes, and each form is believed to symbolize a different form of Lord Vishnu. The most common forms include the circular, conical, and oval shapes. An original Shaligram will have a natural shape and will not have any signs of artificial modification.
• Markings and Color: Original Shaligram shila stone are characterized by natural markings, such as lines, dots, and swirls, which are believed to indicate the presence of specific forms of Lord Vishnu. The color of an original Shaligram will be black or dark brown, with a smooth, polished surface.
• Weight: An original shaligram stones are usually heavier than regular stones of the same size.
• Origin: An original Shaligram will come from the Kali Gandaki River in Nepal.
• Gold/Silver Test: An original Shaligram is said to have an affinity for gold and silver. Rubbing a small piece of either metal on the surface may leave a faint metallic trace.

If you’re unsure about the authenticity of your Shaligram, it’s always best to consult with a knowledgeable expert, who can examine your Shaligram and determine its authenticity.

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Benefits of Shaligram Stone:

• Spiritual Benefits: Shaligram stones are believed to bring immense spiritual benefits, including the blessings of Lord Vishnu. They are used in rituals and prayers to attain moksha (liberation) and spiritual enlightenment.
• Health Benefits: It is said that keeping a Shaligram at home promotes physical and mental well-being. It is believed to have the power to alleviate stress and promote a harmonious environment.
• Material Benefits: Devotees believe that worshiping Shaligram can bring prosperity, success, and protection from negative energies.
• Positive Aura: The Shaligram is believed to create a positive and sattvic environment in the home.

Bad Effects of Shaligram Stone:

While Shaligram stones are generally considered auspicious, improper handling or disrespect can lead to negative effects:

There are no documented negative effects of keeping a Shaligram at home. However, proper care and respect are essential. If you cannot fulfill these requirements, it’s best to avoid acquiring one.

Caring for Your Shaligram:

• Cleanliness: Regularly cleanse your Shaligram with Ganga Jal (holy water from the Ganges) or clean, distilled water.
• Placement: Keep it in a clean and sacred place on a puja altar or a designated platform.
• Offerings: Offer prayers, flowers, and Tulsi leaves (considered sacred to Lord Vishnu).

How to Keep Shaligram at Home:

When keeping a Shaligram at home, it is important to maintain its sanctity:

• Placement: Place the Shaligram in a clean and sacred area of your home, preferably in the prayer room.
• Cleanliness: Regularly clean the Shaligram with clean water and occasionally with milk.
• Respect: Always handle the Shaligram with clean hands and ensure it is placed on a clean cloth or stand.

How to Keep Shaligram in Tulsi Plant:

Keeping a Shaligram stone in a Tulsi plant is considered highly auspicious:

• Placement: Place the Shaligram at the base of the Tulsi plant.
• Watering: While watering the Tulsi plant, ensure the Shaligram is also washed.
• Offerings: Offer flowers and tulsi leaves to the Shaligram during your daily prayers.

Shaligram Bhagwan Ki Puja Vidhi:

Performing the puja (worship) of Shaligram Bhagwan involves several steps:

• Preparation: Clean the Shaligram with water and milk, and place it on a clean cloth.
• Invocation: Light a lamp and incense sticks. Chant the invocation mantras for Lord Vishnu.
• Offerings: Offer flowers, fruits, and Tulsi leaves to the Shaligram.
• Aarti: Perform the aarti with a ghee lamp, singing hymns and mantras dedicated to Lord Vishnu.
• Prayers: Conclude the puja with prayers, seeking blessings and expressing gratitude.

Types of Shaligram with Photos:

Shaligram stone shilas are natural stones that are worshipped by Hindus as a representation of Lord Vishnu. There are various types of Shaligram Shilas based on their physical appearance and markings, and each type is believed to have a different significance in Hindu mythology. Here are some of the different types of Shaligram Shilas with their photos:

Vishnu Shaligram

Lakshmi Narayan Shaligram

Krishna Shaligram Stone

Shaligram Shila

1. Vishnu Shaligram
2. Lakshmi Narayan Shaligram
3. Damodar Shaligram
4. Krishna Shaligram Stone
5. Hayagriva Shaligram
6. Shaligram Shila
7. Hrishikesh Shaligram
8. Vasudeva Shaligram
9. Narayana Shaligram
10. Madhava Shaligram
11. Laxmi Narayan Sudarshan Shaligram
12. Damodara Shaligram
13. Purushottama Shaligram
14. Achyuta Shaligram
15. Hari Shaligram
16. Sankarshana Shaligram
17. Pradyumna Shaligram
18. Govinda Shaligram
19. Shridhara Shaligram
20. Keshava Shaligram
21. Shesha Naag Shaligram
22. Janardana Shaligram
23. Padmanabha Shaligram
24. Aniruddha Shaligram
25. Madusudhana Shaligram
26. Janeudhari Shaligram
27. Suriya Shaligram
28. Trivikrama Shaligram
29. Upendra Shaligram and
30. Adokshaja Shaligram
31. Hayagriva Shaligram
32. Paremeshthin Shaligram
33. Hiranyagarbha Shaligram
34. Chaturbhuja Shaligram
35. Gadadhara Shaligram
36. Rupinarayana Shaligram
37. Madhusudhana Shaligram
38. Trivikrama Shaligram
39. Shridhar Shaligram
40. Padmanabha Shaligram

These are just a few examples of the different types of Shaligram Shilas. Each type of Shaligram is believed to have a different significance, and devotees choose the type of Shaligram based on their personal beliefs and needs.

FAQs

Q. Can I buy Shaligram Shila online?
A. Yes, you can buy Shaligram Shila online, but be cautious and buy only from trusted sources.

Q. Can fake Shaligram Shilas harm me?
A. No, fake Shaligram Shilas cannot harm you, but they do not have any spiritual significance.

Q. Is it necessary to perform puja with original Shaligram Shila?
A. No, it is not necessary to perform puja with original Shaligram Shila, but it is believed that performing puja with original Shila brings more spiritual benefits.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, identifying original Shaligram Shila requires knowledge and experience. Always buy from trusted sources and perform a few tests to ensure the authenticity of the Shila. By following the tips mentioned in this guide, you can avoid purchasing fake Shilas and perform puja with an original and genuine Shaligram Shila.