‘Shaligram’ is one significant fossil shell found in Nepal. Nepalese believe it to be the embodiment of Vishnu, one of the major manifestations in the Hindu trinity. Puranas like Scanda, Padam and Baraha written around 2,000 years ago, give an exhaustive account of Saligram found in a wide variety of color, shape and size. These fossils can be found not only in the north of the Nilgiri mountain range right up to Damodar Kunda, but also in the waters of the Kaligandaki river right up to Tribeni in Dolal Ghat. However, the most popular belt is on the banks of the Kaligandaki River at Jomsom. Most of the Nepalese, who are influenced by religious aspect worship the Shaligram for aeons. The finds varies color. Shaligram is often placed on a copper plate, water is poured, and then a Puja is performed. In Ridi at Ruru Chhetra, there is a deity on a single huge piece of Shaligram in Rishikesh temple and it measures nearly four feet in height. In legendary stories, Nepal is a country where deities mingle with mortals and Shaligram is a symbol that has contributed to keep the glory and the sanctity of the sublime Himalayas intact.
|
|