Big Shaligram Shilas: Big Shaligrams Shilas are worshipped in the temple as well as in the houses. There was a belief that bigger Shaligrams can only be worshipped in the temples but now hundreds of devotees are worshipping medium and big Shaligrams Shilas in their Altar at homes and work places. These devotees have been immensely benefitted by worshipping bigger Shaligrams either in the temples or in their Altars. Since the bigger Shaligrams have clear impressions they look very exotic and beautiful. They remove negativity and brings immense peace, prosperity and protection in the homes of devotees. The Big Shaligram Shilas naturally form the shape of a Shivalingas.
There are several Murtis which are made up from Shaligram stones. The famous image of vishnu in the Himalayan Badri- Nath is said to be carved out of a Shaligrama, as also the image of Krishna in Udupi (in Karnataka). During the image changing ceremony in Puri-Jaganath, the Salagrama stone is the essence that is concealed within the main wooden icon of Jagannatha. A Shalagrama-stone officiate as the Snapana-Murti [icon for bathing] in the Shrine of Nath-Dvara.
Big Shaligrams are normally available in several colours like black, blue, white, golden colours etc.
It is very auspicious to donate big Shaligram Shilas to the temple or to any Vaishnavas who can do the 'Sevs' of the Shila with devotion. By donating Big Shaligram Shilas the devotees goes to Vaikuntha and attain Salvation. In case the Big Shaligram is donated to an individual, it must be presented freely with the words " Peace, may it to be good to you". The Shaligram Shila should be received with reverence in the cupped hands and placed on ones own head, as a mark of acceptance.
Big Shaligram Shilas bestows the devotee with good health, wealth and prosperity. Since the impressions are very clear on the Shila the amount of energy the Shila can radiate is enormous. It is extremely auspicious to worship the Big Shaligrams in the temples.
The part of the donation received from the devotees from donating Big Shaligram is given for philanthropic activities.
