Fossil Gastropod Shaligram

 Fossil  Gastropod Shaligram from Nepal.

Weight 295 gr.  9,5  Χ 5cm  4 cm  thick

The Shaligrams are specifically described as fossil-stones which have taken shape in the Gandaki-river, and are characterized by the presence of discus marks. Shaligrams are always naturally found in the river Gandaki. These also include the famous Kali-GandakiRiver ,Muktinath, DamodarHimal, DamodarKunda, Devghat, etc.

Shaligrams are sacred ‘shilas’ or stones representing the abstract form of Lord Vishnu. His followers, the Hindu Vaishnavas, place these stones in their puja altars for daily worship. Just as the abstract form of Shiva is the stone ‘lingam’ which the Shaivites worship in their temples and homes, so is the ‘shila’ of Lord Vishnu.