Types of shaligrams
A shaligram is an ammonite or fossilized stone, found in or near the Kali Gandaki. Works of Hindu literature such as the Viramitrodaya, Chaturvarga-chintamani, Matsyasukta, Vaishvanara Samhita, Puranasamgraha, and the Pranatoshani Tantra refer to various types of shaligrams. These types are defined on the basis of shape, colour, the imprint of the Ammonoidea (ammonite) shell on the surface of the stone, the aperture through which the imprint can be seen, and other distinct markings.
A detailed classification of shaligrams is provided in the Meru Tantra, and in the book Shalagrama Kosha compiled by S. K. Ramachandra Rao from a manuscript named Shalagrama Pariksha written by a Telugu Brahmin named Anupasimha, and unpublished sections of the Sritattvanidhi dealing with shaligrams.
Markings
- The imprints of the ammonite are referred to as the, as they resemble the Sudarshana Chakra, the discus of Vishnu.
- The aperture, known as the, or, resembles an open mouth.
- The is a white line in the body of the stone which resembles a garland.
- A is a circular marking on the outer surface of the rock.
- A is a conch marking in the rock.