The sacred Shaligram: 140 mn-year-old stones to be used for the idol of Lord Ram in Ayodhya

Source: The post is based on the article “The sacred Shaligram: 140 mn-year-old stones to be used for the idol of Lord Ram in Ayodhya” published in Indian Express on 9th February 2023.

What is the News?

Two sacred Shaligram stones arrived in Ayodhya for crafting the idols of Lord Ram and Janaki at the Ram Temple.

What are Shaligram Stones?

Shaligram Stone is a fossilized ammonite, a type of mollusk that lived millions of years ago. 

It is found in the sacred rivers of the Himalayas, particularly the Gandaki River in Nepal. 

The stone is considered to be a representation of Lord Vishnu, one of the primary deities in Hinduism, and is revered as a sacred object.

Historically, the use of shaligrama stones in worship can be traced to the time of Adi Shankara through the latter’s works.

The statue of Vishnu in the Padmanabhaswamy Temple of Thiruvananthapuram and Badrinath Temple of Garhwal region, and that of Krishna in Krishna Matha of Udupi and Radha Raman Temple of Vrindavana are also believed to be made from shaligrama stones.

Significance: Shaligram Stone is used in Hindu rituals and is believed to bring good luck, prosperity, and blessings to those who worship it. 

– It is also used as a talisman to ward off negative energies and protect the wearer from harm.