Saligramas, Rudrakshas, Spatika (crystal) lingas, arrows and other object are kept in puja even if they look like mere stones shaped in various forms. The answer is in the question itself.

Those who have read the earlier issues of Bhaktimala regularly would know these facts. You could have got the answers because rare snippets of various truths were published. Kuppa Krishnamurthy and Appaji have striven to give answers to many such questions. Today Balaswamiji is doing this job and it looks as if this question was raised only to highlight and reiterate my instructions that Bhaktimala (Ashram monthly magazine) should be read.

Gandaki Devi, who is in the form of a river, was given a boon by Lord Vishnu that he would be born to her as a result of the severe penance she had undertaken. He had also mentioned that he would be present in the form of Krishna Tulasi or Basil leaf. In fact, they are always present together. It is as good as worshipping Vishnu directly.

Within each of these Saligramas are tiny worms which are incessantly chanting Lord Vishnu’s name and become His form. It is as if the entire creation is contained within the Saligrama. A few Shiva devotees had raised doubts and controversies about Saligrama representing only Vishnu and therefore damning it. On the contrary, Saligrama is very dear to Shiva and both the Bilva and Tulasi leaf are two very important and significant forms of worship.

Formless Siva loves and worships Vishnu. Siva likes Bilva with the three—leaf form. Vishnu likes Tulasi. There are different Vishnu Saligramas such as Ananta Padmanabha, Vishnu, Kesava, Chakra, Etc. A tiny piece of gold will also be inside the Saligrama. The way wood gets petrified (turns into stone) or things get fossilized after a long time, even a part of this stone turns into gold with long-term worship. In fact, a lot of people wade into the swirling waters of the river to retrieve the Saligramas for tiny pieces of gold. The insect-Vishnu himself leaves His body and gets liberated eventually. Goes to Vishnu Loka. Some great souls keep a very tiny Saligrama constantly in their mouth and drink the Teertham from it. It is said to be highly medicinal. Sri Raghavendra Swamy’s history speaks of it.

The glory of Saligramas is indescribable. Just thinking of them is enough to give benefit. Take Teertha from their worship. He is Vishnu himself. He blesses profusely.

In homes people used to keep and offer their Saligramas devout worship and gain much benefit. Of late, people give them away to temples and keep a photograph of it for remembrance.

People these days lack faith. We cook and eat meals but do not offer food we cook to God.

A Saligrama should be treated as a family member. One should offer food to God before eating. He is our friend and protector. You do not have to prepare anything special for Him. Just place before him the food, before you eat. Light oil lamps daily. Burn incense daily at least in the evening. Good fragrance will give prosperity. The mind will feel fresh and positive. There will be discipline. The home will prosper.

Those who worship a Saligrama daily are said to obtain residence in Vishnu Loka. Such is its glory. It cannot be described. Vishnu Himself was born in the womb of Gandaki.

(Q&A session 22 Nov 2015)