Chapter Five (From Sri-tattva-nidhi) Identification of Shaalagraama pages 137 - 174. Identification of Salagramas The following account is taken from Sri-tattva-nidhi, an encyclopedia work in Sanskrit compiled by the late Maharaja of Mysore, Krishnaraja-wodeyar III (1780-1865). This monumental work in nine sections (which are called ‘treasures’, ‘nidhis’) is profusely illustrated by miniature paintings, and deals with the iconographical lore, subjects like Agama, Jyotisha, Sangita, and games and pastimes. The work, not yet seen in print, is in the nature of a compilation from hundreds of ancient and medieval manuals and texts. In the Vaishnava-nidhi section of this work, is the account on salagrama-stones as anionic emblems (symbols) of Vishnu, which is reproduced below, with a running translation in English. The authors of this work has preferred the expression ((dental) ‘saligrama’, which is also the more popularly used form in South India as well as North India, to the more correct ‘salagrama (palatal). And the account of these sacred stones has been taken from Narasimha-purana (Brahma-Narada-samvada). It may be seen that the account given in Sritattva-nidhi is rather haphazard and ill-organized, as compared with, for instance, the Salagrama-pariksha of Anupasimha, who was the Maharaja of Bikaner. The text of the relevant and corresponding portions of Salagrama-pariksha have been given in the Appendix. This text, in contrast, is well-organized in three distinct sections (1) murtis relating to the ten avataras; (2) murtis relating to the twenty four forms (chatur-vimsati murti); and (3) miscellaneous forms (prakirna). Although all these forms are dealt with in Sri-tattva-nidhi, the descriptions are confined to those given in Narasimha-purana, whereas Salagrama-pariksha provides information from other puranas also. Not only the order of deity-specific salagramas given here is haphazard, but some of these forms are repeated during the course of narration more than once, with different descriptions. While the major part of the text is taken from Narasimha-purana it is likely that passages have also been incorporated. The text, however, is unsatisfactory, especially when compared with words like that of Anupa-simha. But the matter here represents the South Indian tradition with regard to the Salagrama-lore. (Narada tells Brahma that he was enlightened by the letter on many topics, and requests him that he be pleased to tell him about the other Salagrama-stones; about their origin, characteristics like colour and field, the differentiation in respect of divine form, and their suitability for purposes of worship.) (Brahma proceeds to tell Narada about the salagrama-stones: their origin, identification, colour, field and other details.) There is in the country of Avanti, a sacred mountain around which is the site which is the source of all the salagramastones. Merely to remind oneself of this sacred site is to get rid of all the sins that have accumulated in the past. It is here that the river Gandaki, which destroys all sins, flows. By a touch of the waters of this river, one obtains residence in the realm of Vishnu. At the foot of the mountain in this site is a great stream known as Chakra-tirtha. The source of that river is said to be Vishnu himself; and in that mountain-stream, the god who wields the discus dwells. He abides here along with his consorts Lakshmi and Bhu, and in every stone that occurs in this sacred site. In the bowels of the rocks free from wind and cold the salagrama-stones are formed, with all adorable characteristics. On auspicious moments, these sacred stones get formed by the grace of God. The formation of spiral marks, the chakras, in these stones is explained as follows: After thousands of years, the animal called vajra-kita (the adamentine worm) was born in these stones; the animal was in fact the form which Vishnu himself assumed. Having entered into the bowels of these stones, the animal, golden coloured, mighty and brilliant like a flash of lightning, making a sweet noise, carves out the marks of discus of numerous kinds and various other marks with ease Rama (son of Dasaratha). Vishnu-salagrama is black stone. resides inside these stones for countless years. which is measured in terms of the size of the aperture. The apertures being even are especially meritorious. all the sins that one had accumulated will at once get destroyed. The salagrama stones differ with regard to their circumference (parimana). Buddha and Kalki. the black-stones cause nourishment and prosperity. Excessively red-stone. White) bestows wealth. One should carefully examine the stone before ascertaining the deity-specification. who is Vishnu himself. The salagrama-stone is described as the ‘field’ for the presence of Godhead. The ash-coloured salagrama stone is especially suitable for worship by ascetics. while the faded colours are not useful when worshipped. the presence of Godhead is unbroken here. and if the aperture is located at the spot which marks one-eight of the thread’s length. and has marks of vanamala. If the aperture is crooked. black. multi-coloured stone makes for prosperity. there are also marks of sri-vatsa. tawny or ash-coloured. Balarama). which are deity specific: The Matsya-murti-salagrama has the form like the head of the fish. The manes of the ten incarnatory forms of Vishnu: The forms of Vishnu are: Matsya. lotus and discus. green. The animal. However. The tawny-coloured stone is consort-killer. and it has golden spots. it is terrible. Narasimhasalagrama is red. the faded colours destroy the lineage. red. Parasu-rama). The Vasudeva-salagrama is white in hue. Of tree Butea ftrondosa). the lord of Lakshmi. (However. The stones occur thus in many colours and forms. shaped like a tortoise. Rama (son of Jamadagni. and they may be multi-coloured. unless it be Ananta-salagrama. the aperture on top will be useful only in magical rites of driving away the enemy. and the stone with indistinct and uncertain colours destroy everything. the colours which are indistinct and uncertain make for death. Makes one impoverished). By a mere look at these stones. Highly coloured stones cause misery. it causes disease. its colour is green (viz. the stone having an opening in the one-third part is to be rejected. dots and scratches resembling vanamala (garland of wild-flowers) The Maha-kurma-murti-salagrama is round. the fair-coloured stone (viz. they may contain stains. however. If the aperture is downward. Brahmanda-purana has a different prescription: There are different effects in terms of locations of operators. viz. The wise one will tie round the middle of the salagrama-stone a thread. Linum usitatissimum) The colours have their own effects and influences. deals death. The differentiations in this regard are dependent on the colours. the Hiranya-garbha-salagrama is yellow. and the red-stone brings in sovereignty. while the aperture on the sides will take away fortune. a chakra is seen on the face. There is some confusion here with regard to the expression ‘bahu-varna’. then the stone is of superior variety. . the bluish-stone brings wealth. colours and other characteristics of the salagrama-stones.in the stones. The characteristics of the salagrama-stones. if long-mouthed it devours everything (viz. the multi-coloured stones are also unfit for worship. and Vamana-salagrama is like the atasi flower in colour (flax. White coloured stones facilitate the obtainment of emancipation. the Pradyumna-salagrama is red. Narayana-salagrama is greenish in colour. Narasimha. Rama (viz. The colours might be excessive or faded. the colours may otherwise be difficult to determine. The sacred stones may be white. The variety of forms. it may also be of the middling variety. Kurma. yellow. The stones which are stained bring decay and destruction. and two chakras in the interior. The Parasu-rama-murti-salagrama is distinguished by the line-scratches resembling an axe. and has line-scratches of vana-mala. and dark stone has many fissures. The Hayagriva-murti-salagrama has the form of a ripe jambu-fruit (rose apple. it has marks of vana-mala and lotus. a chakra. and by marks of golden and silver lines. is black in colour and has spots (viz. Pradyumna murti). The Sri-gopala-murti-salagrama has the markings of the five holy weapons (mentioned above). but is recognized be an aperture with a minute chakra. The Vamana-murti-salagrama is shining blue in hue. is has a minute chakra. it is either round in shape or elongated. This stone is suitable for worship by ascetics. The Sri-krishna-murti-salagrama has markings of the five weapons (conch called Panchajanya. The Kalki-murti-salagrama is recognized by the line-markings resembling a horse. Its worship bestows whatever one longs for. it has an aperture which resembles the elephant-goad. The Srighana-murti-salagrama is white in colour and exceedingly smooth to touch. and is characterized by a big belly (viz. it is small in size and perfectly round in shape. The Dadhi-gopala-vamana-salagrama has a chakra on top. and of the pestle-like weapon on it. The Narasimha-salagrama has an elongated mouth. and also a chakra. It may be longish in shape. Eugenia Jambolana). The Sri-rama-murti-salagrama is large. and is distinguished by a shining chakra at the opening. The Santana-gopala-murti-salagrama has marks of cudgel and horn (which cowherds carry) on its sides. The Lakshmi-Narasimha-salagrama has a chakra on its left side. there is a chakra at the navel. Middle portion). mace called Kaumodaki. and has a long mouth. This salagrama can have identification marks of a single deity or of a combination. it has no apertures. arrow and lotus. it is dark blue-green like the blade of the durva-grass. it is whitish in colour. This is the abode of Samkarshana. The worship of this stone ensures progeny. there are also dots like honey drops. has an encircling mark of earth. Dots). and sword called Nandaka). elongated and has spots on its body. tawny-hued. it has scratches resembling flute-openings. It has a thousand (viz. The Buddha-murti-salagrama has two apertures. and the weapon called Kunta (lance). or they are at the sides. a vana-mala mark is seen on it. The Pradyumna-murti-salagrama is of the colour of a hibiscus flower (viz. The Dadhi-vamana-murti-salagrama has a downward chakra at the top which are spots like honey drops. Middle portion being big). bow. The Bala-rama-murti-salagrama has marks of the plough-share. Its worship makes for worldly prosperity as well as emancipation. The chakras are upward-inclined at the head. The Aniruddha-murti-salagrama has the same characteristics as the above (viz. Red) and is marked by lines and scratches resembling vana-mala. there are also line-markings resembling bow and arrow.The Varaha-murti-salagrama is long-mouthed. it is high in stature and is adorned with a chakra at its navel. Many) spots on the surface. The stone may be multi-coloured. a longish chakra and a big belly (viz. vana-mala and lotus. It is white in colour. with a face in the . with spots like honey-drops at its upper end. discus called Sudarsana. bow called Sarnga. and at the head position can be seen the mark of a flute. is blue-black in colour. the stone has a bluish tinge as well as reddish hue. This stone is blue in colour and elongated in shape. it has no apertures. there are marks on its body of conch. The Achyuta-murti-salagrama is bluish in hue and large in size. the marks of the five weapons of Vishnu (mentioned above). mace. and has a chakra at its navel. discus. has uneven chakras and there are marks on it resembling vana-mala. The Madana-gopala-salagrama is partly black in colour and partly reddish. The Govinda-murti-salagrama is dark blue like the blade of a fresh durva grass. The worship of this stone secures the fulfillment of all desires. and there are scratches on its body which look like vana-mala. The Lakshmi-narayana-murti-salagrama has a low or depressed look. discus. and brilliant in appearance. it has a long aperture on its left side. there are two apertures and there are four chakras either to the left or to the right. and has a shape like a spear. and cold to touch. discus. The Upendra-murti-salagrama is also shining blue in colour. It is hard to obtain. and in the central portion thick lines are seen. bow and sword). mace and vanamala. The Hiranya-garbha-murti-salagrama is blue-black in colour and cold to touch. it has a chakra on its head. The Ananta-murti-salagrama is always cold to touch. The Sridhari-murti-salagrama shines like fresh green grass. it has ten apertures and twenty chakras. mace and vana-mala. and shines like moon-light. discus and lotus. it has also longish spots on its body.shape of an elephant god. and also of vanamala and lotus. mace. and is of the colour of a rose apple (Eugenia Jambolana). it is smooth and has minute chakras. The Janardana-murti-salagrama is characterized by its blue colour and marks of conch. it bears the marks of the five weapons of Vishnu (conch. it has marks of vanamala on its body. bow and sword). and also of Srivatsa-mark on the chest. but it contains gold within (viz. it has an even number of minute chakras. and its worship quickly fulfills ones desires. The Damodara-murti-salagrama is longish in shape. discus. and brilliant in appearance. The Vishnu-murti-salagrama has the dark colour of the Vishnu-kranta flower (Clitoria Ternatea or Evolvulus Alsinoides). The Narayana-murti-salagrama is recognized by the shape of the serpent’s hood that seems to surround it. Its worship secures the fulfillment of whatever one seeks for. discus and mace on its body. Its worship will cause happiness and good fortune. Its worship will bring about worldly prosperity as well as final beatitude. The Vasudeva-murti-salagrama has the appearance of tranquillity. but its worship secures all desires. with marks of the classical five weapons of Vishnu (conch. and is perfectly round. and . it is cold like ice. The Padmanabha-murti-salagrama has a lotus-like chakra at its navel. but shines like a blaze of fire. The Siva-nabha-murti-salagrama is roundish like an elephant’s body. with marks of conch. there are marks on its body of conch. It has spots in golden colour in the middle portion of the stone). At the entrance to the aperture are lines which resemble the flying bird Garuda (the vehicle of Vishnu). The Lakshmi-narayana-murti-salagrama is hard to obtain. The Trivikrama-murti-salagrama is longish in shape. The Visvarupa-murti-salagrama is known by its twelve apertures and twenty four chakras. there are marks of conch. the aperture is crooked. there are line marks of eight weapons of Vishnu. The Sveta-varaha-murti-salagrama has a long snout. there is a single chakra seen at the aperture. and marked by vana-mala. The Janardana-murti-salagrama shines like blue water-lily (utpala. it is recognized by the vanamala mark which goes round the stone. tawny or black. The Lakshmi-nrsimha-murti-salagrama is tawny in hue. The Siva-nabha-murti-salagrama has a linga-like form on top where there is also an aperture. and also a mark of vana-mala. there is a chakra. the chakra is there in the aperture. The Vaikuntha-murti-salagrama is blue-black in colour and soft to touch. and also the mark of vana-mala going round. The Lakshmi-narayana-murti-salagrama has two chakras on top and two chakras at the bottom. and near it can be seen a structure like the single tusk. and there are spots on the body of the stone. The Keshava-murti-salagrama is blue black in colour with minute chakras. it has a chakra on the surface and two chakras within the aperture. it has golden and silver spots. It is auspicious and secures all prosperity. but unseen. The Vanamala-murti-salagrama is of tawny hue. raised on top. The Bhu-varaha-salagrama has a raised body with a head shaped like an elephant goad. The Hrshikesa-murti-salagrama is dark blue (or black) in colour. This is fit for worship only by mendicants. The Buddha-murti-salagrama is muddy coloured and has spots on it. and has a gaping mouth (aperture). soft to touch. and has an aperture at the sides of which are fang-like structures and inside which are two chakras. Elsewhere. and by its side is the vanamala mark. The Maha-jvala-nrsimha-murti-salagrama is thick in shape. slippery to touch. variegated hue. and as exceedingly ferocious in aspect. There is a chakra at the entrance of the aperture. discus. minute in size. it is whitish in colour and exceedingly clear. Nymphala caerulea). The Sriman-narayana-salagrama has two chakras on each of its sides. it is perfectly round in shape and cold to touch. this is described as equipped with two chakras at the top. The Vishtara-sravo-murti-salagrama is a large one. bow and moon. slippery to touch. there is a chakra at the bottom. elongated in shape and has apertures on both of its sides. The Hiranya-garbha-salagrama is moon-like in appearance. The Kurma-murti-salagrama is thick and compact in structure. the chakra also is dark gray in colour. there is an aperture like the lotus stalk. and as such worthy of worship only by ascetics. and one tusk. there is but a single mark on its body which resembles vanamala. blue-black or tawny in colour. it has chakras. . and has a small aperture. and a mark resembling vanamala. and large in size. It is elsewhere described as having six apertures and twelve chakras. The Sudarsana-murti-salagrama is round in shape or sometimes oval. and inside its aperture is a large chakra within which is another chakra. blue-black in colour. It is an auspicious stone. The Achyuta-murti-salagrama is extremely cold to touch. it has five apertures and ten chakras. there are also spots. When worshipped. there are no chakras in the interior. arrow and lotus. There are chakras at the front and on the left side and line scratches. The stone is small and round. The Brahma-murti-salagrama (Parameshthi) is whitish in hue. One who has no progeny will procure progeny. and there can be seen on the stone the mark of vana-mala. This sacred stone is capable of eliminating enemies and fulfilling all desires when worshipped. The worship of this stone secures prosperity here and liberation hereafter. the wish-fulfilling tree and royal parasol. with spots. and the spiral mark in lines is seen on its surface. and the stone is all auspicious. At the entrance are evenly situated chakras. Its worship is capable of fulfilling all desires. but when worshipped it secures all desires. It . There is another variety of this salagrama which is small and has two spots. It is pleasant in appearance. at the back are scratches resembling a bow. The Gopala-murti-salagrama has the shape of a jambu-fruit (rose apple). It is an auspicious stone. and there is another minute chakra nearby. This is difficult to procure and its worship will secure the fulfillment of all desires. and has an opening at the bottom. This is a rare salagrama. It is rather whitish in colour and brilliant in appearance. There is a chakra in close proximity to the aperture. but difficult to obtain. At the rear there is an aperture. The Varaha-murti-salagrama is dark-blue in colour thick. and is spotted. there is on it the mark of vana-mala. and is blue-black in colour. The Kurma-varaha-murti-salagrama has a chakra with two dots or the mark of conch. on the forehead of the stone. This must be worshipped only by celibates for worldly prosperity or for salvation. The Dadhi-Vamana-murti-salagrama is a small one and perfectly round. and is black in colour. slanting to the left are the mark of he arrow and bow. It has a single chakra and mark of a lotus. The Sri-rama-murti-salagrama is like hen’s egg in shape. there are marks on it of bow. it may also be yellowish. the rear portion is raised. the colour of the stone is tawny. it can help avoid untimely death. with marks like ear-rings. and criss-cross lines suggesting a quiver. and marked with three lines. and the mark of the wish-fulfilling tree is also there. The Kapila-narasimha-salagrama has a large chakra at the place where the tusk would be located. However. The Maha-vishnu-murti-salagrama is pleasant in appearance. there are two chakras evenly located at the entrance of the aperture. Orange) and is spotted. it is dark in colour and extremely greasy (or smooth). The Sita-rama-murti-salagrama has a shape that resembles a hen’s egg. and a mark of ear-rings (makara-kundalas). on its left side are two chakras. The Lakshmi-nrsimha-murti-salagrama is black coloured and spotted. very much like an areca-nut. The Rama-murti-salagrama resembles in its colour the kadamba flower (Naulea Cadamba. and it will secure all desires. and also a spot on the head. Trinagle) at the head which is unevenly situated or at the place where the mouth would be located. The Vamana-murti-salagrama is of the colour of flax-flower (Linum usitatissumum) and is endowed with spots on the top. The Vasudeva-murti-salagrama is small and round. and perfectly round. snake and battle axe (emblems of Siva) and lotus and water-pot (emblems of Brahma). This is hard to get. Its worship promises the fulfillment of all desires. The Matsya-murti-salagrama has the shape of a fish. it is black in colour and has spots on top. viz. there are scratches resembling ear-rings. and marks of three garlands. facilitating worldly prosperity as well as salvation.The Tri-murti-salagrama is characterized by the marks resembling conch and discus (emblems of Vishnu). and at the rear portion is an aperture. there is the mark of shakti-linga (viz. has the rear part raised. It may also have thirteen or fourteen chakras. vanamala. Another variety of Ananta-murti has eight or ten chakras. which resembles the mace. shaped like a serpent. The Balabhadra-murti-salagrama. The Lakshmi-narayana-murti is of yellowish hue. and its left side is rounded. Its fore-part is bulky. it is smooth (greasy). Orange).shines brilliantly. by a spot and by red lines. The Lakshmi-gopala-murti-salagrama is shaped like parasol. conch and ploughshare. which is a very rare one. and has seven chakras. there are two other chakras and on one side of the stone is larger on the other. and by the front portion being large. it will cause prosperity. there are four chakras surrounded by a long time. which is worshipped for obtaining celebrity and cattle wealth is blue-black in colour and its shape is that of a parasol. The stone is suitable for all prescribed rituals. mace. It is an auspicious stone and will remove all fear of death. Its worship secures all attainments The Samkarshana-murti-salagrama is characterized by two chakras situated in the same spot. The Krishna-murti-salagrama is recognized by a long line in the middle. The Kurma-murti-salagrama is raised on the rear side. and is extremely unctuous: it has no apertures. lotus and vanamala. round in shape and has a chakra which is large in size. viz. It has black spots but otherwise clear. There are markings of flag. There is long line-marking on its surface and the mark of vanamala in gold. which enhance its value. and is black in colour. and at the bottom is a minute chakra. and accomplishment of ones desires. The Lakshmi-gopala-murti-salagrama is also shaped like a hen’s egg. The worship of this stone is calculated to secure all prosperity. Its worship helps avoid untimely death. conch. and its worship assures progeny. It is a beautiful salagrama. . which is also raised. there is a minute chakra. The Pradyumna-murti-salagrama is of bright yellow colour. and it is beautiful to look at. bow. The Trivikrama-salagrama is shaped like a hen’s egg. The banner-like marking is seen in the middle. heavily and brilliant. It has markings of discus. There are two chakras evenly located. which indicate its superior merit. It is characterized by animating opening. The stone is suitable to be worshipped on all auspicious occasions. It may otherwise be blue-black in colour. The worship of this stone helps one to acquire worldly prosperity and also obtain emancipation. it has a chakra on the top-position. sword. and has a chakra at the navel. conch. The stone is a large one. accompanied by a line. It is large. The Varaha-murti-salagrama is dark in colour (blue-black). there are also spots. The colour of the stone is reddish. and there are numerous apertures in the elongated body of the stone. the stone’s colour is very much like the Kadamba flower (Nauclea Cadamba. The Ananta-murti-salagrama is distinguished by the marking of the serpent hood. The Sri-hari-murti-salagrama is a large one and its colour is that of copper (or red). The stone is yellowish. and is adorned by white hood-like structure and marked by a hoof (foot mark of horse). but spotted. prosperity and salvation. bluish or variegated in colour. and is adorned by a golden spot at the back. This stone is an extremely rare one. The Gopala-murti-salagrama. but has markings and ear-rings. The Vishnu-murti-salagrama is bluish in colour. The Narayana-murti-salagrama is blue-black in colour. The Sridhara-murti-salagrama is recognized by the prominent marking of vanamala. is worshipped for obtaining progeny. and its body is soft and shining. There are markings of pestle. increase of cattle-wealth and emancipation. discus and mace on the face and at the navel. the stones which have a cruel. Not worshipped) are given: The salagrama-stones which have irregular angles. Both the receiver and the donor will obtain merit. stained. some salagramas which are difficult to identify with specific deities. and his family will be destroyed. Vasudeva-murti has five chakras. God will be pleased. or with chakras which cannot be deciphered at all. one gets great sorrow. therefore. Likewise the stones with numerous chakras. which are burst. By the worship of stones with no markings at all. The supreme spirit abides in other multi-chakra-stones also. and the stones which have many scratches and fissures must also be avoided. It assures worldly prosperity. There are.The Janardana-murti-salagrama is distinguished by four chakras. Innumerable). and damaged. or which have crooked apertures. as also those without chakras. The characteristic features of some salagramas representing deities like Sudarsana are given below: The Sudarsana-murti-salagrama has but a single chakra. or those which have been embrocated (rubbed and frayed). By worshipping a stone which has a ferocious aspect. The stones with many arrow-like lines. Narasimha-murti nine. The stones which are fettered (clasped or joined) or obstructed. by worshipping joined stones. one loses his wealth. one will witness the death of relatives. But one who sells or buys salagramas will only be sinning. . burnt or warm stone makes one become impoverished. By worshipping a stone which has suffered an internal bursting. the stones which are shaped like unripe bread-fruit (Artocarpus integrifolia) or like the deep-brown vegetable (Caculus melanoleucus). The stones which are broken or burst open. or warm to touch must be avoided. Varaha-murti seven. one must accept a salagrama which has already been worshipped. burnt. as also those which have internally split. the worshipper’s relatives or children will die. In the salagramas abide all the fourteen realms. terrible and awesome aspect. however. However. and Ananta-murti twelve. it is like worshipping a thousand Shivanabha salagramas. The effects of worshipping the salagramas which are to be avoided. Purushottama-murti eight. Pradyumna-murti eleven. be carefully examined with regard to their worthiness for worship. Now then the forms of the salagramas that must be avoided (viz. There is no offence or transgression in keeping or worshipping the salagramas which are split. burst. and the stones which have crooked snouts must be avoided. while the Lakshmi-narayana murti has two chakras. The especial benefits of worshipping these different varieties of salagramas are narrated as under: The Hiranya-garbha-salagrama brings all good fortune to the worshipper. broken or cut open. The salagramas must. Vamana-murti ten. and the stones which are triangular in shape must be avoided. The place where Salagramas are kept and worshipped is pure by that very act. the Achyuta-murti three and the Janardana-murti four. while Samkarshana has six. tangled chakras or a triangular stone. must be avoided. the stones which are burnt. There are many deities in a salagrama as the forms of Vishnu are (viz. crooked chakras and chakras at the bottom. and therefore when one gifts the salagramas to others. It would be impossible to separately identify all the forms of deities in salagrama even in a million years. are given below: Worshipping a broken. and one must gift the salagrama after worshipping it. two lingas or two salagramas must not be worshipped. nor should two Dvaraka-silas or two sun-stones should not be worshipped. I shall tell you about something which you did not ask: namely. will kill the worshipper’s wife. the salagramas that are burnt or damaged in fire must not be worshipped. The merit of sipping water in which the salagramas have been washed. O Brahman. a salagrama is still auspicious and worthy of worship if it has a chakra (intact). The different salagramas indicated for celibates.Elsewhere also it is said. The black stone will cause nourishment and increase of wealth. The stones indeed are of numerous kinds. Narada bowed before Brahma and worshipped him. will be freed from all sins and will eventually enter the realm of Vishnu to abide with him. rude and crooked. The merit that accrues from studying this section on salagrama-characteristics or from listening to it: O Narada (says Brahma). they must not be worshipped). Three emblems of Ganesha or Devi must not be worshipped. the ash-coloured stone will cause great sorrow and produce poverty. An even number of salagramas must be worshipped. nor two conches. and an odd number of salagramas must never be worshipped unless it is only one salagrama (when it may be worshipped). burst or broken. Having heard this. One who studies this text which extols the merits of salagrama day and night. except when they are only two (in which case. even if the stone is split. and which are shaped like a lion (lion’s mouth). will receive untold benefits from whatever he offers to the ancestral spirits. Narada. blue. the extremely black stone will reward the worshipper with celebrity. One who sips the water in which the salagrama has been washed in the presence of Vishnu. gray. their characteristics and deityspecifications. for the sake of pleasing Vishnu. In a house. householders are mendicants: The celibate and the mendicant may worship salagramas with multiple chakras. tawny and white: they may be ashcoloured. and he will be dear to me. the differentiation of the salagrama-stones. The mendicant should worship the salagrama stones which have fire in the navel. the different effects according to the different colours of the stones. An icon that is damaged must not receive worship. salagramas which are muddy coloured. . But they must be examined with regard to their beneficent characteristics and only then accepted for worship. The yellow stone will cause affluence. yellow. pleasures and emancipation). when worshipped. Narada says: You have explained to me. In a house. One who listens to this section which details the merits of salagramas will obtain the four values of life (righteous living. which are meritorious or otherwise. as also their shapes and colours. Brahma says: Listen. while the intensely red stone will cause death. the white stones will facilitate liberation. wealth. and the red-coloured one will secure sovereignty. likewise ten salagramas (Matsya-murti and so on) must not be worshipped. red. for otherwise great anxiety will be occasioned. while the blue-black stone will bring in wealth. thus have I explained to you the glory of salagrama. you should comprehend this with devotion. especially during the annual obsequies. The salagrama stones occur in many colours: black. The householder should worship only the salagramas of pleasant aspect. The tawny coloured stone. Narayana by blue-black stones. in great detail about the characteristics of the salagramas. Multi-coloured stones indicate Ananta. O sage. Aniruddha likewise. Damodara is represented by the blue-coloured stone. White coloured ones Vasudeva and stones which are bright-white in colour Adhoksaja. the differentiation of salagrama-deities in accordance with the colours of the stones: The tawny coloured stone represents Narasimha. Thus have I told you. the flax-coloured stone Vamana. and Vishnu by black-coloured stones. The stones which are reddish brown like honey represent Brahma. .Now then. white-coloured stone Vasudeva and red-coloured stone Samkarshana. yellow-coloured ones Sridhara.