Is the Saligrama Not Allowed in Vishnu Temples?

Introduction

The Saligrama, also known as Shaligram, is a unique type of stone believed to be a manifestation of Lord Vishnu. It is often found in the Gandaki River in Nepal and is revered in many temples dedicated to Vishnu and Krishna. A common question arises regarding the status of Saligrama in Vishnu temples, with some suggesting that it may not be allowed. This article aims to clarify the misconception and explore the role of Saligrama in Vishnu worship.

Saligrama in Vishnu Temples

Many prominent Vishnu temples do indeed have Saligrams as part of their deities. For instance, temples like Radha Raman in Vrindavan, ISKCON, Udupi, and Tirupati do incorporate Saligrams into their worship practices. The question of whether a Saligrama should be allowed in Vishnu temples seems to be based on some misconceptions, as evidenced by the following points.

Common Misconceptions

The notion that Saligrama should not be present in Vishnu temples stems from a couple of incorrect assertions. Firstly, some people believe that since Saligrama represents Vishnu, it would be redundant to have one. However, this overlooks the essence of worship and reverence in Hindu traditions where the form of the deity is a means to connect with the divine.

Another erroneous belief is that Saligrama cannot be found in temples. This is simply not true. Many temples, including renowned ones, do maintain Saligramas as a part of their worship practices. For example, the temple of Santhanakrishnan in Kerala, one of the ancient temples dedicated to the 8,000 manifestations of Vishnu, prominently features Saligramas. This dispels the notion that Saligramas are taboo in Vishnu temples.

Proper Worship Procedures

It is true that once a pratishthan (installation) ceremony is performed, a Saligrama must be worshipped daily, according to proper spiritual procedures. This ensures that the spiritual energy of the Saligrama is preserved and that the worshippers maintain a continuous connection to the divine. It is essential to follow this protocol without any interruption, even if it means some flexibility in scheduling.

The Nature of Saligrama

Saligrama is considered the form of Mahavishnu, and it is revered as such. Kandalam Srihari provides a profound insight into the significance of Saligrama in temple worship. He explains that the worship of Saligrama at home is challenging, especially for modern generations. In temples, a special ceremony involving the re-injection of divine energy is performed every twelve years, using a Saligrama as the primary medium. This underscores the importance and sanctity of Saligrama in temple rituals.

Rituals and Worship

Saligrama is not just a plain stone; it is considered a living symbol of Lord Mahavishnu. The process of invoking divine energy into crafted idols is a unique ritual as prescribed in Agama Sastra. In the case of Saligrama, however, the deity itself resides in the stone. The regular daily worship ensures that the divine energy is perpetually present and accessible to all worshippers.

Color Considerations

It's also worth noting that the color of a Saligrama does not affect its sanctity in temple worship. While certain Saligramas, like the black ones, are considered more auspicious, the fact remains that red Saligramas are allowed in some temples, but only under specific circumstances. However, worshipping a red Saligrama at home is generally restricted to priests or Pujaris, indicating the elevated status and respect accorded to these sacred stones in temple environments.

Conclusion

To sum up, the Saligrama is not only allowed but is indeed a significant part of Vishnu worship in many temples. The reverence for Saligramas reflects the deep spiritual traditions and practices in Hinduism. It is essential to separate myth from fact and to base our understanding on the actual practices observed in various temples worldwide.