Sent: Tuesday, February 08, 2005 11:22 AM
To: brindavan@gururaghavendra.com; articles@gururaghavendra.com; info@gururaghavendra1.org

Subject: [IGR]: Shaligrama Mahima In English Part 1

As many devotees requested for english version of shaligrama mahima now we are publishing in english. Soon we also publish in kannada language. Send your comments to webmaster@gururaghavendra.com  (this was sent via VMS Vishva Madhwa Sangha yahoo groups)

WONDERS OF THE SALIGRAVA PART 1

      It is believed that GOD appeared the very moment stone was formed. 'SARGARA', 'PASHANAM'. 'SILA', 'PRASRAM' and 'SARGARA' all refer to rocks, pebbles and black mountainous stones. The above words can be found in all the four VEDAS (holy scriptures ).  Of these, the word "GRAVA' appears in the RIG VEDA.  Refer to the mantra, "GRAVANA THUNTHO ABISHTOOTHAR". When combined with the word 'GRAVA', it becomes 'SALISA ASOWGRAVASA' abbreviated as 'SALIGRAVA' or 'SALAGRAVAM'. Various minerals, rocks, an alloy of metals, iron, glass and asbestos collect in the crevices of rocks, mountainous streams, rivers and sand-beds where they settle and stagnate. This process, in due course causes the formation of Saligrava stones. As they are self-formed, these are known as 'suyambu statues'. The factors that determine the quality of a saligrava are its colour, brightness, well-rounded shape, impressions and wheels. These types of stones can be found in very, very ancient river-beds too. These stones possess inherent energies that render them worthy of worship as they have been lying underneath the waters for a very long time, perhaps for thousands of years and have been duly energized spiritually through constant prayer and worship, upon their discovery, by our elders for generations. It is a firm belief that the worship of the Saligrava alone can assure one of salvation (moksha) and happiness (boham).  I have written about the glory of these stones, to the best of my knowledge for the benefit of the believer,  based on information extracted from the 'Garuda', 'Agni' and the 'Vishnu' Puranas (legends) and on my own experience and research. Saligravas can be categorized into several types. Some say there are 24, 48 and even 64 types. Let me refresh what I've learnt in the 46th chapter of the 'Agni' Purana. Circles, lines and dots are generally found in these stones. A Saligrava with a hollowed interior has circles in this region. Such circles are absent in unacclimatised stones. It is said that the formation of the circles are due to the burrowing of these stones by a particular worm called the 'vajrathamshtra keedam' This, infact is true.

(to be continued)

TRANSLATED BY: SUSILA