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" Srimathe Ramanujaya Namaha !"
134 Q .: kindly enlighten us on salagrama stones, where they are found, which is the best one, etc...
Ans .: I would be glad to share findings about saligrama. Its taken from this link.
http://dvaitavedanta.wordpress.com/2007/07/09/divine-saligrama-with-questions-and-answers/
Let me tell you some thing about the POWERFUL Saligrama stone with its history and types.
Saligrama, a sacred Gandaki river stone is a special Avatara of Maha Vishnu. It is always placed with Tulasi (signifying Lakshmi). In some parts of India, Tulasi vivaham with Saligramam is conducted- sort of Kalyanotsavam for Saligrmam and Tulasi. In a way we can compare Saligramam worship as the Vaishnavites equivalent of worship of tiny Lingam by Veera Shivas.
1. Is Saligrama in the form of black stone only ?
Yes. Mostly black stone only. Reddish black are also there, but they are very rare. Red Saligrama are not worshipped in houses.
2. Is it available at gandaki river in nepal only or else where also ?
In gandaki river only.
3. Does it have the symbol of sudarshana chakra or other holy weapons of lord vishnu? Chakra symbol only.
No other symbols.
4. Is it a naturall formation or impression of any river worm or insect due to passage on the black stone or it used as a shell by the insect ?
It is not a stone-formation by nature. The chakras on the stones are formed by the river worms called Vajra-keeta. Its teeth/nails are said to be harder than granite stone. The chakra formation is found not only on the outer surface of the Saligrama. There are chakras inside Saligrama also. This can be seen through the hole or holes on the Saligrama with the aid of torch light. The holes are termed as vadana (mouth). Chakras can be seen inside these holes. At the very face of this chakra one can confirm or suspect whether a particular Saligrama is original or duplicate.The Vajra keeta worms drill the stones, get inside and live there. During their stay inside the stones, they cause these chakras. Similarly outside Chakras also are caused by the worms only. Saligrama are used as living place by the worms not used as shells. The puranic declaration is that the Lord Himself causes these chakras in the guise of worms.
He reveals His presence in Saligrama through the Chakras. Because He is already present there by his own choice, We do not perform any pratishta-ritual for Saligrama just as we do for other idols.There are also some normal size, small and very small size Saligramas with no hole and ni chakra. They look like mere black stones. But if you hold it against the lamp and look through the stone, you will be surpraised to find it is transparent. That is, the reddish light will be visible insid the stone. These Saligramas are called Ratna Garbha. They are very rare.
Jai Srimannaryana !
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