shaligrama
शालग्राम śālagrāmaA naturally occurring fossil stone from the Gandaki river, worshipped as a self-manifest (svayambhu) form of Vishnu; needs no consecration.
Where this term appears
- Aniconic Forms: Shaligrama and Yantra Deities
Both are true, and holding both is the right way to meet the shaligrama , and the whole idea of worshipping the divine in forms that have no face.
- The Lingam Explained Deities
The *linga* (lingam) is the principal aniconic emblem of Shiva: a smooth vertical form rising from a circular base. The word *linga* means 'mark' or 'sign', and the…
- What is a Murti? Deities
A *murti* is a consecrated image used as a focal point for worship. The word means 'form' or 'embodiment', not 'idol'. Through a rite of consecration…