What is shaligram?
Shaligrama is a natural and the most pure form of shila, found
in the Gandaki river .Hence Shaligrams are also called as Gandaki Shaligrams.
There is a wide belief that Shaligram is a most direct form of Lord Vishnu
available to man. Since it is natural and untouched by human civilization, it
is said to have unique sannidhana of Lord Shri Vishnu himself and is thus of
great auspicious value .
It is considered that the shaligrama shila will have the
sannidhana of Lord Vishnu irrespective of days and time. Thus the presence of
shaligram in the home is considered to be one of the most meritorious achievements
in a haribhakta’s life. Shaligrama also enables one to conduct a religious
ceremony or a function with a strong belief of conducting either of the two in
the presence of Lord Vishnu himself.
Shaligrams are widely worshiped by Grihastas and as well as
Sanyasis . It is the only form of Lord Vishnu accepted by all Haribhaktas .As
the shaligrama has the power of making a man devoid of his sins not only of
this life but also of his past life by simple touching the shaligram shilas .Hence it is an ultimate punya to even be
around a soul worshipper of the shaligram.
It is a very important tradition to keep shaligram along
with idols of deities in the temple and homes. It is an ultimate dream and aim
of every pious haribhakta to have shaligrama at his Prayer sanctum . As it is
said that Shaligrama enhances and helps oneself to surge ahead in the path of
sadhana. But one must be very clear before possessing shaligrama what he needs
to follow. He needs to perform Pooja every day after taking bath. He should
keep it in a clean and neat place .He should never keep shaligrams on the
Ground. He must without fail worship it along with Tulsi. He should avoid all
non vaishnavite food. He must have a very pure mind and character. The list goes
on .
article source: http://www.divyashaligram.com
