7 Interesting Facts About Original Shaligram (Fossilised Ammonites)

Fossils of ammonites have long been in demand globally for their unique properties. These fossils are a rich source of our understanding of history and life that existed millions of years ago. Besides being a collector’s favorite and a way for geologists to study the past, fossilized ammonites are also profoundly connected to spirituality. 

In the Hindu culture, fossilized ammonites are known as ‘Shaligrams’ and are highly revered. An original Shaligram with varying discus marks is considered a blessing by the Divine. Here, we look at some of the most interesting facts about these fossilized ammonites. 

1. An original Shaligram, in the Hindu religion, is believed to be a form of Lord Vishnu himself and is often dark-colored. The dominant source of these fossilised ammonites is the river bed of Gandaki in Nepal. These ammonites are located initially at the top of Damodar Himal, at a fair distance from Muktinath Temple. The flow of the river Gandaki allows these fossilised ammonites to be better accessible to people visiting these sacred places. 
2. Several ancient and religious texts have written about Shaligrams making them a prominent aspect of the Hindu religion. These fossils of ammonites are also used in prayers and ceremonies owing to their Divine qualities. It is said that these fossilised ammonites offer far more value than any precious metal, including gold and silver. Additionally, the water where these ammonites are held is also considered blessed. The texts state that the water which brushes past these ammonites will transform into an immortal liquid that has the ability to heal illnesses and bless one’s physicality.
3. The Divine prowess of these fossils is also believed to wash away one’s sins, making them highly revered in the Hindu religion. People worship the Shaligram to reduce their karmic burden and seek forgiveness for their mistakes. As observed in Hindu mythology, cow worship or cow donation is still a widespread practice done by devotees of Lord Vishnu and Lord Krishna as part of their spiritual journey. It is believed that worshipping an original Shaligram equals the blessing of 1000 cow donations.
4. Shaligrams are often placed near a Tulsi (Holy Basil) plant. As per the Hindu religion, the tulsi plant holds excellent value in the worship of Lord Vishnu. By offering tulsi leaves in the prayer of a Shaligram, one can attain the blessings of Lord Vishnu. While praying, some specific mantras or chants are considered beneficial. Some of these include:
   1. Om Shree Damodaraya Namah
   2. Om Shree Anantaya Namah
   3. Om Namo Vagvate Vasudevaya Namah
5. Other benefits of the Shaligram as per ancient Hindu texts have also been listed. It is said that a true worshipper of the Shaligram will be blessed with positivity, and negativity in various aspects of their life will be released. Further, it helps remove fear, make one more centered and confident, overcome obstacles in life, receive good physical and mental health, be blessed with wealth, and be protected from evil forces. At the spiritual end, Shaligram prayers are associated with opening and activating one’s Kundalini energy, regulating the body’s energy centers, and promoting wellness.
6. Traditionally, black-colored Shaligrams are considered to be original and promising. However, they can be found in numerous colors ranging from blue and white to even yellow. Some devotees may pray to different colored Shaligrams associated with specific properties such as wealth, family protection, etc., but the most commonly worshipped in the black fossil. The darker Shaligrams are related to holistic wellness in all aspects of life, while certain colored ones are used for specific prayers and blessings by devotees.
7. As Shaligrams are available in numerous shapes, colors, and sizes, they have different names of Lord Vishnu associated with their unique qualities in Hindu culture. The number of wheels or chakras in each Shaligram also holds importance, and the characters also reflect this. Some of the names of these fossils include Sudarshana, Ananta, Vishnu, Govinda, Madhav, and Janardan, among others.

Conclusion

Thus, fossilised ammonites or Shaligrams offer tremendous benefits to devotees of Lord Vishnu in various aspects of their lives. Not everyone can visit the original hub of these fossils in Nepal and rely on shops to purchase their Shaligrams. Here, one must be careful in purchasing only an original Shaligram for prayer purposes as several fakes are filled in the market. Even some shops that claim to be registered Shaligram shops may not offer the actual fossil. Please do not buy from roadside vendors or local shops as they may not provide the real Shaligram. To ensure you receive all the benefits of the Original Shaligram and enhance your spiritual practice, only purchase Shaligrams from trusted stores and dealers.