Auspicious Shaligram

The stones which appear in that place are called Shalagram shila. According to the Hindu culture, this stone is the shelter for a small insect known as "Vajra-Keeta" that has a diamond tooth that cuts through the Shaligram stone and stays inside it. The Saligram stones are 100’s of million years old when the Himalaya was an ocean floor. The marks on the Shaligram gives it a unique significance, the Discus of Lord Vishnu.

They are generally jet black/blue in color and do not have golden and crystal impressions on them. Some small-sized Shaligrams with white impressions found at the Gandaki river since they are small and can roll down along with bigger jet black Shaligrams. All the Shaligrams which are jet black are categorized in the "Auspicious Shaligram category" on www.shaligram.org. The donation of these shilas is less comparatively. Devotees, please note that now even black Shaligrams are not available in Gandaki river since the villagers around the Gandaki river fish them out and sell them in the market.

Benefits of Auspicious Saligrams:

Worship Shaligram for six values of life: Good living, Wealth, Protection, good health, happiness and Spiritual.
The use of the Shaligram is similar to the use of 'Lingam' as an abstract symbol of Lord Shiva.
Shalagram alongside Tulasi leaves and sankha, placed in one plate is considered as most meritorious.
Any religious observance, gift, consecration, obsequies, and worship should preferably be done in association with a Shaligram.
Regarding the obsequies or the last rituals (shraddha), it is usual to conduct such ceremonies in front of a Salagrama. For that would ensure the departed soul reaching Vishnu’s Loka directly: and subsequent death ceremonies would become unnecessary.
When the dying person is made to sip a little of the water in which the Salagrama-stone is bathed, he will be freed from all sins and will reach heaven.
The rites of expiation of sins become effective more by drinking the water in which these stones are washed than by gifts or fasting or by observances of various kinds.