SALAGRAMA-KOSHA VOLUMETWOA PROJECT ON SALAGRAMA-KOSHA Kalpatharu Research Academy Publication Chief Editor: DAIVAJNA K.N. SOMAYAJI SALAGRAMA-KOSHA VOLUME TWO By S.K. RAMACHANDRA RAO KALPATHARU RESEARCH ACADEMY NO. 37, SHANKARA PARK, SHANKARAPURAM, BANGALORE 560 004SALAGRAMA-KOSHA, Vol.!I, by Vidyalankara, Sastra-Chudamani, Vedanta-Nidhi, Sangita-Kalaratna, Prof. S.K. Ramachandra Rao, and published byDaivajna K.N. Somayaji, Chief Editor and Director Kalpatharu Research Academy, NO. 37, Shankara Park, Shankarapuram, Bangalore - 560 004, Phone: 624847 Published with the generous Financial Assistance from the Government of Karnataka, Bangalore, and T.T. Devasthanams, Tirupathi and Sri. D. Veerendra Heggade of Dharmasthala Temple. © First Edition :1996 Kalpatharu Reseach Academy Price: Rupees One Hundred and Fifty Only (Subsidized) The Publications of Kalpatharu Research Academy are meant to reach all sections of society, and hence are sold at highly subsidized prices. An appeal is hereby made to book sellers to adhere to the prices indicated in each volume by the publishers, and not to enhance them on any account. UBS PUBLISHERS DISTRIBUTORS LTD., No. 10, First Main Road, Gandhi Nagar, PB. No. 9713, Bangalore 560 009, Phones: 2263901, 2263902, 2253903, 2263904. Branches: New Delhi - Bombay - Bangalore - Madras - Calcutta Patna - Kanpur - London Printed by: H. VenkataramaiahPREFACE This is the second volume of Salagrama-Kosha, first volume of which was published earlier this year. It is a matter for gratification that we were able to complete this project in a short time, and add to our record publication of more than fifty volumes of great value within fourteen years of the starting of Kalpatharu Research Academy. Encouraged by the favourable reviews and reception by scholars of this country and aborad, and by the continuous demand for our publications, we intend launching on a comprehensive and extensive project of a large number of volumes entitled ~Bharatiya- Samskriti-Sarvasva-Kosha’. All aspects of Indian Culture will be covered in this project, and authoritative and illustrated material provided for students and scholars alike. Plans are already afoot to bring out the first volume early next year. The projected Kosha will be the first of its kind, and will serve as authentic source-material on Indian Culture for generations to come, The Kalpatharu Research Academy is grateful to Prof. S.K. Ramachandra Rao for having completed the Salagrama-Kosha project within a brief period. The Academy also acknowledges the assistance provided for the publication by the Authorities of the Government of Karnataka and Authorities of T.T. Devasthanams, Tirupathi, to make the publication possible. And also the Academy expresses its deep gratitude to Poojya Sri. D. Veerendra Heggade, of Sri Manjunatha Swamy Temple, Dharmastala, for his continuous encouragement and support, and to the Payonidhi Printers, Bangalore, for the speedy and elegant printing. The Academy looks forward to bringing out many more Research Projects and Publications of the same nature, with the co-operation and help from our scholarly team and generous patrons, interested in preserving and promoting values of our Indian Culture. Bangalore DAIVAJNA K.N. SOMAYAJT 16-09-1996 CHIEF EDITOR AND DIRECTORKALPATHARU RESEARCH ACADEMY INSTITUTION FOR: Promotion of Research-oriented studies in Veda, Vedanga, Agama, Jyothisha, Vedanta, Yoga and Ayurveda. Study of Sanskrit language in particular and other related languages. Propagation of Vedic Phonetics. Establishment of Veda Patashalas in Guru-kula system. Running of Oriental Libraries (Prachya Granthalaya). Collection, Preservation and Publication of Old Manuscripts.INTRODUCTION The first volume of Salagrama-Kosha introduced the interesting subject of the sacre: stones in their iconic aspects; utilizing some hitherto unpublished manuscripts, includin; the Salagrama section of ‘Sri-tattva-nidhi' compiled by the late Maharajah of Mysore Krishnaraja Wodeyar III. Subsequently, I was fortunate in acquiring three more valuabl manuscripts from Tanjore and Kerala by the kind assistance of my friend Shri. M Ramabhadran of Bangalore and my cousin Shri. K.R. Raghavendra Rao. They have beei included in this volume: and I am grateful to these gentlemen for having made this possible Further, Vidwan Prof. Vyasanakere Prabhafijanacharya of Bangalore has helped m: with copies of some of the manuscripts on Salagrama that were in his possession. acknowledge his kind cooperation. Some of the photographs in the section on Samkha have been reproduced with permission from the book Temple Treasures, Vol I, issued by the Crafts Council of Karnataka; and the two photographs forming the frontispiece wer: due to the kind courtesy of Dr. (Smt.) Chtidamani Nandagopal, one of the authors of th book on Temple Treasures (Vol I, Ritual Utensils, 1995). Salagramas are geologically nautilus (mollusc) ammonite fossils, evolutionary relic of more than sixty-five million years, and the remarkable thing about them is that they have not changed at all during this great passage of time. Having about three thousan species, the molluscs appeared to have all perished in the mass extinction that also wipec out the dinosaurs. Despite this largescale extinction, a few specimens of this group 0 chambered nautilus continue to exist in the Indo-pacific waters, according to th palaeontologist W. Bruce Saunders. Inany case, the Salagramas are not only sacred objects for the Hindus, but geologica marvels. The spiral formations in them, and the arrangements of chambers follow mathemattical precision even in their complexity and variety. I trust these two volumes will open up a new inquiry into the significance of Salagramz Stones.CONTENTS CHAPTERI SALAGRAMA-MURTILAKSHANA CHAPTER SAMKHA:THE SACRED CONCH-SHELL CHAPTER II BANA-LINGAS FROM RIVER NARMADA APPENDICES SALAGRAMA-MURTI-LAKSHANA-SAMGRAHA SALAGRAMA-LAKSHANA EXCERPT FROM PANCHARATRAGAMA TULASYUPANISHAD ON RUDRAKSHA EXCERPT FROM §RI-VIDYARNAVA-TANTRA a< 248A"LIDDIDD GE beeCHAPTER ONE SALAGRAMA-MURTI-LAKSHANA Introduction The author mentions that he has consulted many books on the subject, and has heard details from many sources. Principally, he bases the work on the Puranic accounts Salagrama Kosha of what Vishnu told Garuda, and what Brahma told Narada. The varieties of Salagrama, the worship - worthiness of some of them, physical details and differences according to iconic distinctions are described in detail.SPT FAI saat Al atest Fr TATU STL: srg Tierra SOT Seat IR UTI JM Te qafrcaarad! fo weeritcat Aer ARETE aerate merareraet TMI woate way sent gus On the northern bank of the river Gandaki and to the south of the Himalayan ranges is the tirtha or sacred spot, twelve yojanas in extent and created by Brahma himself, and called Chakra-nadi. To the north of this river is a great mountain sacred to Vishnu, and the stones in its shadow found in the river are branded with the sacred marks of Vishnu, especially the discus. These are the $alagrama-stones representing different forms of Vishnu, which must be worshipped for the obtainment of the four-fold values of life, namely dharma, artha, kama and moksha. The expression ‘Salagrama' is here explained as \gramatvat Salartipasya’. SSR Tere ae siftet Fer Parmiicest Warns wz aferefateata wat sie Rott wis fefacrePafeary watt a wae Te TAT A we are Teeth PRTSTETT wage A od PTT Sareea TATA aAT: | TH: waar agetweraa TAIT el TT AAT: meaner att yar Salagrama Kosha3% vata oem: & ade! areermnfer stam: waft Ta Garuda asks Vishnu as a sequel to the above narration for information about how the marks of discus came to be branded on these stones, and what the purpose of such branding is. And Vishnu tells him that big rocks (ganda, meaning sthilopala, as ganda- gaila) were splintered from the holy mountain and they carried marks of discus on them. By splashing of water on them continuously (gandtsha), there were small stones and pebbles chipped off from the big rocks, and each of them carried the emblem of Vishnu. Some of these smaller rocks represented Vishnu, some Brahma and some Siva; some do not have characteristic forms at all. ATES: a og TS set wT Gifs: Tere AH ST TATA Salagrama Kosha Sprayer! ay wet saenth are oy Tee TST Tea YASH TAT Termerateet Sant TT: We Qa WeToTEACT TAT: 1 Fy BOER: Se, HCTARTSOT:| eeeerT: Sacwhateaeern: The phlegm-like foam produced by the transformed into tiny creatures, which were called vajra-kitas, because they had teeth which were hard and They were tiny, elongated and thin, and were of different hues. The rock-stones developed forms of discus, either on their exterior or in their interior, as a result of these creatures burrowing into them. The nature and number of discus varied in accordance with the creatures responsible to them. Some of the stones have but a single mark of discus, some two (caused by one creature), some four (caused by two creatures), some six (three creatures), and some eight (four creatures). Aging of the marks of discus is also a significant detail. If the marking is recent it is regarded as most meritorious, and if in remote past it is splashing of water was adamantine.least meritorious. If the marking is neither new nor old, it may be meritorious, or otherwise; likewise are markings which are extremely ancient. SECTION ONE Now the first section begins. It deals with differences in salagramas owing to colour. This section is taken from the dialogue between Brahma and Narada. Red stones or stones with reddish hue bring forth an empire to rule; tawny colour like honey in the stone makes for worldly prosperity as well as final liberation. White - coloured stone is suitable for the obtainment of emancipation; yellow- colour in the stone brings wealth; and pale-white contributes to increase of wealth. One must, however, avoid stones which are extremely red. Black-stones are most beneficial, as they make for all worldly prosperity and happiness Tet st ae TRE SARI TR Tat FT Ust waft ARI yfirrerent + arerRTeAII yaar Fated thea arr wei wgfe o afeert wT AST port sont aah The markings of discus are also various in accordance with ‘matha’ Salagrama Koshapadma’ and other details (see Volume 1). The best are those which are formed by the vajra-kitas. The Salagrama icons are two-fold; produced in water, and produced on the banks of rivers. The former are soft, while the latter are hard (coarse). The soft stones are suitable for those desiring worldly prosperity; the hard ones are suitable for aspirants of emancipation. The stones also differ in the matter of colour : white, some blue-black, black, blue, yellow, golden, greenish, fair- coloured, copper-coloured, red, dark red, tawny (honey-hued), multi- coloured, ash-coloured, dirty-looking, highly coloured, or of uncertain colour. Salagrama-stones are thus of some are numerous varieties. Salagrama Kosha fewanigien fit aaprT Forateter wae agit STA dat fafa Jar Sees Seren Bret eT TET TET BAT ad var oer gor Ait ae aT Ba thd shard het siegET waharatien tier ayfiren age agat a aca yaafttitn ‘Spiraled shell of Chambered Nautilus sfcant frat a wer aferraftrih Uafatecer safe arian: feeIl SECTION TWO The second section deals with the iconic specificity (kshetra, area, residence, provenance) in terms of colour. The Vasudeva-Salagrama is white in colour, the Sriman Narayana- Salagrama is blue-black and the Vishnu - salagrama is dark in colour, the Damodara-galagrama is bluish in hue, and so is the Aniruddha- Salagrama; the Madhava-salagrama is honey-coloured and the Sankarshana- Salagrama is red. All the Narasimha- Salagramas are tawny in colour, while the Ananta-salagrama is multi- coloured, and the Vamana-salagrama is of the colour of the atasi-flower. (common flax, Linum usitatissimum) Nautilus pompilius fadtattin am sata: ay ageaer teat wea Sram eftart fagder:i1 am fewermat ware het ages vat ane 34 Got fot aa a amet 7 tert aed ae a1 meant aed St cet date SATU ania: fact ad ane wafhar eM: Sd TH aT ae satreld ott farargai Il SECTION THREE This section deals with the benefits that are secured by the worship of Salagramas of different colours and also of different shapes and other physical details (such as smoothness, size, coolness of touch, roundness, elevation, the location of chakras, apertures and so on). Salagrama stones occur in several sizes from as small as a gooseberry (4malaka) to as big as a ball that can just be covered by both palms. Large ones are said to be unsuitable for worship in households. It is mentioned that smaller the stone, the greater are the benefits. The benefits are mentioned to suggest the acceptability (grahyatva) of the stones for worship. There is also an account of how the Salagrama-stone is to be tested for its genuineness and suitability of worship (see Volume one). Salagrama KoshaBaddha - Chakra aia at am autqenr ad tend de ater eestvaert year seer van Hor afte Aer Thr that ered Bret aaa a weg after Far aT Tea TTI agent stat war, faerereaerarsr| Garon Prof seer aOR: II Wet: fart get vitart qaqa Wh Ta Bah TTT CTE St aet SACS 2 omen fatto Greet BATT: II wine vicett st ETT Salagrama Kosha ara Rea Prtaeaieey aifind ores a ips SITET Sree weet SATIS watagad dhard art AEE 7 et Tet fest airse 7 aaery ort tet sare Yor TTT: Serge Para wera ver act frat we ee: fear aa wen fren yer Genet TAT 7 a a wget geart fae SPSHTAR: Il IV SECTION FOUR This section deals with the salagrama-stones that are not suitable for worship (agrahya); the unpleasant and undesirable consequences of the worship of such stones are also recounted in great detail.Pankti - Chakra agen Bhagna - Chakra Seat: 1 Ue FCAT: Tad fawTTAREST SINE, eee aad feud = fide eee ER ETAT HAT shies Wiest ert as tere redial . TAQ’S TE ore STAI Fetes grate: storey Sar ars Fret sa Was yaa cer fara . . . ee ee orah wayet Toa TIE ayRagas F Ura frat ame ana 7 Oa 7 wom aftart a aia FEPrTe free senha - 1 Serrenf apfad was ae TTI if Fer: ea bent gear ST GTSTTT TEAR one yun a arfeRt a EH HATTA MATT | after vferert: ear, eter err frant agtared fredht sere Ryant mer war et Sterratitt srg Tad eT Rap peter ems ghee fasret aga one Sferaifett:| SITS WH Et FATS TTA erat asian]: freee cafe — amrad frrvinf orfereget errr 8 Salagrama Koshaorf SINSTE Fre ATTA agtaifd careact Tse the salagrama-stones (forms Vishnu), determined by the colo shape, characteristic marks, locati of ‘entrances’ and other physic features. While it is said that it impossible to exhaust the list of deit specific to the salagramas (the dei specific Salagramas bei innumerable), there is here a list eighty - one iconic forms (ekasiti) Vishnu, which include some forms Brahma and some forms of Siva. GReMhS FT URAT TAA geafaferens agate Frrcrenget + et Bye saree we fears J EAI tye agit CHETTEAIT We aseren FT SAAS aA V SECTION FIVE This section deals preliminarily with the testing of the salagrama for its superior, inferior or midling merit by the method of tying a thread round. the stone, and ascertaining the position. of the ‘entrance’ or aperture (dvara) (see Volume One). It mentions certain group characteristics. The major part of the section is devoted to the enumeration of deities represented in Ammonite wart: grfrota:u Bt Bes a ST TETAS ard aA: SA AIST CT Srikwies 1 aa g fied Tad aacr ate frereraoradta aided & feet:SAS A AAMT FT TAA a onenig at afar eater ane cee aT af aren FF seat eT ETAT TTRPTCTETA open J Tree seed faster ag wed ao ait qareaad: TIMMS AI aremtater 4 Sifager FRET: Sears eas BATT ager: Yoder: wikera: yew: wrest: Fer a eet faa: efegda eft: vary: cater: wage TS ays: frame: Strait aes: BT Ua aI were: viatin: wee ATETAT fremineea watsraes a aca: TET: FE Ws FI seaate 4 ter waeifafee: Sar apa cent arat aethaer TRE TAR! ‘Matsya-Marti aed Rat WEI we ws Wt dea agra: usta Wi all weihetacal serra feat feaett TeseaT WT al taiserda werden! posta apes We ARTTATI 10 Teer gatfe aha fagar rash aT wer: Ward Terese 7 WaT apaafrergts: Sgr Aare Shep a aftern fatserert VI SECTION SIX DASAVATARA - MURTIS The section deals with the varieties of the ten incarnatory forms (avatara) of Vishnu, the twenty-four forms of Vishnu (chaturvimSati-mirti), and several minor forms (miirtyantara or vibhitis) like Kapila, Hayagriva, Ananta etc. The Salagrama is identified by the discus-like marks Salagrama Kosha(chakras) near an opening in the stone (called vadana or mouth, or sila-dvara or the gate through which the ammonite worm entered), lines, scratches or holes on the surface suggesting several emblems and weapons of Vishnu in his various forms. Matsya Marthi weet HE AT AL The Matsya-salagramas occur in five varieties : (1) Chitra-varna- matsya, (2) Sakti-matsya, (3) Sri- vatsa-matsya, (4) Kamya-varna- matsya, and (5) Sushirankita-matsya. Teng tetas arret 9 ites saeaieagin: water: saa Salagrama Kosha fasautara: 11 Area Faery fagar vata wars uber J aay frat fei ATH: HRT FS TIA Samarra: Fea: Bt age ‘Matsya Martiaaah: wt aeeret qearer afar J RAT qetag gt: GRRE AE: Tar aera BAI adem: aia: tren amet: fecittsa: aroha J SEI " wire ei wee teak er WS 7 Bt ei agar: 7S dant aRgaraT ee ed ooo from geba: W raCAH ‘Sarvakamakiirma (2)KURMA- MURTI The Ktirma-galagramas have ten varieties : (1) Manoratha-ktrma, (2) Kama-kiirma, (3) Sarva-kama-kdirma, (4) Putra-pautrabhi-vrddhi-ktrma, (5) Mala-ktirma, (6) Achakra-krma, (7) Kamathakra-ktirma. (8) Chitra-varna- Hirma, (9) Anda-dvaya-karma, and GRQUTEM Tai seeITEdT:| (10) Varaha-ktirma. Pit: Gt war 12 Salagrama Koshaavereart: 1 ager arora dha o dea aRrmga wer safer goods fart ery fra ys Saar Aerie wight cra yriafratsen Tree . RE TTA amet tag: strrerepteg yeh TTRHALM i + ah a Sea watetoret 4 aa wa cif RIOR was Piha J goth yar TSE: I geht arora chart g eft Tira J wert wet aaigfriaq Salagrama Kosha faravignt: 11 wae F ftasret varract yaa aadt aso afte Ae a ei Varaha Marti sameeerft: i Sdekoamn eet area we meget deat: gainfdad a set wdarreA Anda - Dvaya (Lemniscate of Bemoulli)(3) VARAHA-MURTI The Varaha-salagramas occur in twelve varieties : (1) Syamala-varaha (2) Sakti-varaha (Santi-varaha), (3) Indra-nila-varaha, (4) Ankugakara- vardha (bhii-varaha) (5) Urvi-varaha, (6) Dhanya-varaha, (7) Amrta-varaha, (8) Bhi-varaha, (9) Sveta-varaha, (10) Dharani-varaha, (11) Moksha-varaha and (12) Lakshmi-varaha. Bhii - Varaha Marti ATS SEAT: LIAS MTSTTE! sataigarat aff aetna angtt gavel at Sart ewig: Frau aetig cael feaegell varacrave st gatet vara watered Bee wae ae vee iferTaTS 11 ane watert g aay fart feat saerae: satiate wei fearatet By annette fart aderirerrer| AHMET: Ul . each 4 aE sgUMENaet ANE PIC YAY! safarte: 11 Variha - Marti Salagrama KoshaAATATS = mentate: 1 US Ws F sad WAS Rash: wRed areryaey ere: 1 adieu Acca J aT afar fax forget Wa wed 7 delet amas VIBTaRTgat aerate aT sre J at met weciygers Ta qad aaa ter 9S TWH arenfiiegat asserts TOA atte ora SAATE 11 Searenget wes Brel arena wa ad aTeETT I ROTATE yews wad awe eee Werate:11 gota: TS agerad yey cand fra ah wate seraa: 1 arrerga cetera: attest (fare serge T RPRATES ard a frsart erorderctea arrears Srrreaeytray qrifreaigr fata) (4) NARASIMHA. There are twenty-four varieties of Narasimha-salagrama : (1) Lakshmi- narasimha (in 3 sub-varieties), Yogananda-narasimha, (5) Bala- narasimha, (6) Vidyujjihva-narasimha, (7) Vibhishana-narasimha (8) Adhomukha-narasimha, (9) Patala- narasimha, (10) Sarvato-mukha- narasimha, (11) Rakshasa-narasimha, (12) Vidaru(ra)na narasimha, (13)Kukshi-narasimha, (14) Bhitti- narasimha, (15) Vijaya-narasimha, (16) Kapila-narasimha, (17) Ivala- narasimha, (20) Maha-jvala- narasimha, (21) Suddha-narasimha, (22) Baddha-chakra-narasimha, (23) Damshtri-karala-narasimha, (24) Vakra-damshtra (Eka-damshtra) narasimha. It is usual for Narasimha- §alagramas to have four chakras; sometimes there are only two chakras on the left side, or in the middle. Narasimha aes agfder: arr ey: andes ta: warty fifeer certgirarer faeret: 1 agente sfasmeaagel Sheet fea wad fafad POET Gra aa fergie fete: ager ward: waatyS THT: wae pattatésrrartrer:| AAT FEST TTT TRAM epenaresaeey rarfery: wengee: aga: Teraaifend UTTAR aetatee after aca: saree ard faa aaa Gor: weantfargel cettetet farat yferncrre: 11 fea 4 seat alte HABIT! wetigtiecarn serait Vibhishana - Narasimha Salagrama Koshaaes: anfde 4 fies sfict tafeger annhté fast serie a fee aTeae Teneeren To GATTI fagira:n fou fag wei galt aad fer: arom Fat fagiwreger Patala - Narasimha faint: fafirntata ward dig are aeado Wat ara: wpa Faq Salagrama Kosha saga: ye wa 3 oS 5 aa anigettit ant smart fagerer TTT gh ean agat TTA Tacanheret Rapa wea: aaah TERS Srey waterrent ayacf g Frere TT aghast frrak galarafaar afeoxent 34 THE TEETH! farerenTeey aftet airreredt Tafeggrary facreonfirerren after Sie:feserukie: 11 wes et A Toroeneahsh apfed fami arb are g aafiery Syst yerrctis art fast wa after anaes after ARGS T Wa Fees merase Wet aa SaTeTAGE fromisxeas ait ere Srentetrearg: strrestegfsrt: 11 Tenarengiae: 1 wae F fageret atct at aftet TI TeSaTeTG SS SOG TT: 18 Yaatde anita Feeat Wage: meray aye ar: yaa Taq ageesee: afte WE Tea sear Syst: RI: Ysa TATU Set oer wee fess ateart gsc SBR ATAT ATTA | sear gy Weert Fare at wate Furphrcats ayaa weEreAy aT ane sft Gaal afar: er SAI aeaeeatae: 1 qaiegigad Wh ¥ Tea ameeTeS J adtat wae Ter (5)VAMANA-MURTI Twenty - one are the varieties of Vamana-salagrama : (1) Dadhi- vamana, (2) Suddha-vamana, (3) Atasi-pushpa-vamana, (4) Hemanga- vamana, (5) Indra-nila-vamana, (6) Chitra-kundala-vamana, (7) Sukshma- dvara-vamana, (8) Bhi-labha-vamana, Salagrama Kosha(9) Abhishtartha-vamana, (10) Ipsita- vamana, (11) Kamya-vamana, (12) Brhat-kukshi-vamana, (13) another Dadhi-vamana, (14) Ujjvala-vamana, (15) Dadhi - budbuda-vamana, (16) Rakta-bindu-vamana, (17) Mahabhara - vamana, (18) Syama - krshna- vamana, (19) Sitomukha-vamana, (20) Anda-dvaya-vamana, and (21) Rakta- nilabha-vamana. Another variety known as Dadhi-gopala-vamana is added at the end. It is also mentioned. that the varieties 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 and 18 as also the last one are sub varieties of Dadhi - vamana Ciccall uafast art ater: water: wey ae. Behar Uearnticag: sagt a Banish a Fags T werEK F yor sre = sary BRE T Foghat! : . mI wate: Tamper Feet sia writ sinters: GT Wear ade safeeed 3 ar: aRfefia: Begg Laraaagry Salagrama Kosha eEaetad Trea aTFarartaeaisisae (7) saa: art afer Ses Gear sree wats york feats Faq oniterd: ae a area ot ones sfia:1 add afagara art westffe: ‘Stara Terriers J steal Rah I VOTO AAA: I aipgiet Parga] Tard ae ict seepla:l ae cient m Be Tea arr gfe ee afrara:1 . + eigen) Rear 7 aeratriaa SATA a acer oe wade Sa oe: tee aftrage:u Treeemnigat ofiggaritray ort Aetent sehr ear Taaferg: ul age aieas wrtagregt:l efrarreat Bre Get: Aaa: TEM faemaeé ta age 3 ge vane FTE efefegunrary cheating Teper yaa: 11 we wade Aa fase vey crarmtegad gett qaqa fadtga:i aradigordaret faga vies at amaint tat tafeggdt FA SfrarSS BAUR II BOSETA SEs TBST Hat STAT poreant watery fag wierd cramming got warren Tete sea aCe STAGTAL or wetted sehr cera‘efintarerart: 11 sedrarfacachiggerinar Aeareeaet a efirirerarr (6) PARASURAMA-MURTI There are only four varieties of Paragu-rama-salagrama : (1) Raja- pljya-paragurama, (2) Santa- (3) Atasi-pushpa- parasurama and (4) Durvabha- parasurama. parasurama, Rajapiijya - Parasu-rama TERT Saget Wee a WaT garfaes| sda cater: 1 THT II fraporecitdt ater sete fafert ad ae at ot eet ar Ta wag faeg: Wearpfiveans ws oT Wea ae ter corefefaq ore war cadet wear VT Bact aifsd ws verpfate a Seg Tar SIRS wifaatsfat 1 TATA ee fry Ty trad agatt Tyee WHT wat Ta YU gat CaeR Yaa Gah Wer ATT: TRS TS TA: Sse: II (7) RAMAMURTI DaSarathi-rama-salagrama has twenty-four varieties, among which Dasgaratha-rama, (2) Pattabhirama, (3) Sitarama (with one to seven chakras), (4) Vira-rama, (5) Bala-rama, (6) Daga-kantha-kulantaka-rama, (7) Parivara-pattabhirama (with four chakras), (8) Vijaya-rama, (9) Sri- rama, (10) Gopala-rama, (11) Kali- nasakara-rama, (12) Vana-rama, (13) Yoga-rama (Dhiisara), (14) Rama- pafijara, and (15) Rama-bana are described here.WR eet Tayeiat cet THI ay aT TaN THTTATTOMTII srg fag errr thaant eqatorrarsfreitrry wrath wad TTR TAT uanfdeeror apices: rarract: waPaa:| agfeereraien TH eee II starry wate cere: satan: Teer ge Fa TA Al we fe fr ag: ta waa Tage agitar fram: ee fae fated TAI Pachret dheraraperas:| thretafasat wert sft HAA werent st serenfer TAR area fgametarr poraut ag: wed arrreteshtia:| TAG: AUST: | ardent Treaere: YAH 22 ant ferent . a warren &a: Stare: Tea freee: tt Fagcisaitiast Whser ares wareeracaga fafa are frre Varaterfatart Sharm: 3 fast yfaafawerre:11 fraceatara: 1 mest papetert aia: Tg poss a Ua: F SAI art: freee: tt gafeiomttmiae ase ae waa fafa aogiranret sfeamrarary daria eat ghraharerrer lt art: freed TearREGt WS anat feats dared satis FTI agente: it FASTA TOT | WIIG SAAT AAT I Salagrama Koshesamen ta: tra: waft: adenine: waa fara TIT Tea Bhat age arraiearar| apices: Start: warad: 1 aa Sahih taht: aacaey aeciot J caret steeraart ae 7 ahaa greeter + ah fel Wererenrg Tea Taaregatt frranaaraqt erry & faa teat Tertrontiget Sekt yarza WaRaaTt: i Wah J Fer FHTAUT Ye ape BISA ar UaMieger WHT FAT! SRA a aaert a gfe: FF tea ot Set veer THT TTA Teena: erage: vara: wars: | Hest Hepes arnt F Tar roam: frre: Shanna @ Sea Taaregatt frameatary SeENaaRh FB ae g Wea Tatra st yar ASHTSTATTT: yaart fraca: wed aera OTT BIER AT fees ward: oF: ois: Tel TaRraee asreette FO Salagrama Kosha PSPS LAA FSAATT Terapia fase Sega TS Faxes we ae wg: gett yaaa eet: Vararegatt weraaas canramagheas TH cree fag: aqhen gad age fafaerrti AEST BSAA: | Kodanda - Rama 23aarti aaa: FSTaRI MET: | Bea ST: HATaE SERIA yout tater ae oat: a Tae faga: Gert 7 Fes Pere TH aesqageisnt vane Peary waaraattd arerd agupfita + gad wedi ged aT Haart: eee :| HARES RTSSTETATA 1 aes Fapesrt Tas Paya aru SeogaaaT | aes tea afer ora Weamaaad rarer Teast waraT feerey Tar TH UST: Fel ern fs JOM Triatigead yer TEs sHultaney gra: It SRETGSA A FT TART SATE F AUTGUNAAT: I Vijaya RamafT wieaet wafrgyaaeiiey a: Sree: SIT TTgRI fraHaTERNTA: 1 yar facataart ar cra: Se ofa front: aires fre wa al are: seote ter: wae fare: Wore: 11 Sere: Pert: was: | WS eons se wage ore BraTOR Fagar TIRE TTT TF TAT ATL CHATTER: 1 aferrerat trad ada SUS Td YF wate Ta wear sft Gat SerTRATTT: I aarti aE Gaaegat Arey Safe: Salagrama Kosha wmart ommiadget tet gar vaqI ware FRG FT Tea arranged dat ore (8) BALABHADRA-MURTI Also called Samkarshana, this incarnatory form has five varieties: (1) Bala-bhadra, (2) Bala-rama (3) Bala- Sali-rama (4) Santa-bhadra-rama and (5) Sira-pani. This account is followed by a joint-enumeration of three Ramas (viz. Paragu-rama, Daégarathi-rama and Bala-rama) represented in a single The concludes with the description of the called salagrama-stone. section variety of Salagrama Shatchakra-samrajya-tri-rama. ATTA: I matress eter: wafer: wet Wg: ses FEA 25deat RaCATACA, Urge IATT meager: Stary wa: Sait: zs at: Aaa: 2 oe wert g Gt s yee aang faye: ware Il AHS: I Rea west sieeciferatts | aaa Teast sahara etl Te We T TAT Sani wafag a wera aa eeaa Satoh aH ea: BRT WAT TAA Balasali Te: | aatet seca qacrahta I tetra eS aerertstt a serene waa aerareaahs: PUTA THIET fad arama Ver a g crt wench Tear aire Sot: wat carat: ea, aactaiaareel waa aaa at Storr: ye PATTI haat agdas: ag: Tyee: sifeared from: |: waygET: YT Waa: wae seragyTan frgT veer agate tar Tear TH wae Wisht geht waned FETS ATATSTATT wed TaEyS GBR ST See amt afaramaifsrerrear BRI34 wapoTa art gehH veashifend TEM: aS (9) KRSHNA-MURTI There are twenty-five varieties of Krshna-specific Salagramas. Described here are the Ssalagramas recognized as representing the following forms of Krshna : (1) Suddha-Krshna, (2) Bala-Krshna (3) Kirchakara-Krshna, (4) Gadakara - Krshna (5) Chhatrakara - Krshna, (6) Syama-rakta-Krshna, (7) Madana- gopala, (8) Venu - gopala, (9) Lakshmi-gopala, (10) Sri-gopala, (11) Santana-gopala, (12) Kaliya-mardana- Krshna, (13) Kamsa-mardana-Krshna, (14) Dhanafijaya-Krshna, (15) Chantra-mardana-Krshna, (16) Gopi- vastrapahari-Krshna and (17) Govardhana-Krshna. Paual| tafagsane gor: Tera wae fafa: Bor Fe|T: 1 Yara ae pated verge: Bareht: TareR Feat AyeeTaT sities GT AeA SlaVIRS: | actanada dane ea: Pare AOE aT I adhe aga aire: TL Ysrar Ta SR FHT MNT a poradidsar ys Sheree APT: II _ sath Wet Sort Fats se, Ffrge:l a qegpon fayat daha: yraraeii paleo: wear: tis: gereghiterd feamgqal SRgea woah: eae FSAI por gaphecned Saat WTA: WTA pore er fawh wer Ge TRUSTE VET RAT PART: port: a fasar arrerEere II Daa: | varat qatar sara aa a1 eR fagat TERRA vit 3 gerd da wefan a Ac Treats: waht:PaRTTT Sram Tat: VaR TT: Sagiingas thor weae7:11 Terie Atrre: wert egaa: w aay a errata Wage: qrieteiadctrarag re cll Sapir: Pas hger: Wet a Heit afar wseirga: wa Sor vid Feu atte sf Rad TETRA: II einer: yapeSead set sere ai Safe & gel Weer aaitirateragest yaar art wa Fah eee siete: 11 Tern srrenfeayiec aE LE FOR TTI Taeeennigat dear Facil atinrettfa 3g: Saree SUT: asia: goat: dshistea| a meri grasa: wrote: eenfe ot Fars eT: | ar ereporantee: farggatergfirar: Lakshmi Gopala 28 arenes: wemeaahararaarer: ll ware yarn: Wiese vq Sram wegen: Yaccigeny: etait aemeaianat yt: RTE: wd Gaia esafey: yn Salagrama Koshaearrmeret safeert 4 weet satis feet armenga: Ss Haeist:| Erinet faa: yetaatees qo BORSA: wRiegeaga: var efaysiea: ter cfm at yfeaegetrgs:| are: eared PATI Trterermeréth sR gage we Ten cifery earns J ay at eitsit a warmed faye: 3 gor: wafatses Was Buddhakara (white or dirty-looking, with a lotus-like chakra in the aperture), (4) Sarvajiia-Srighana (with a thousand spots, and with a chakra in the center), and (5) Antar-visala (large and elevated, adorned with a rounded chakra, and having a small aperture. ager were fra: we wrafaga: Traret arret etivar g feet adap frre: Sa, WTAE: (9) BUDDHA-MURTI There are five varieties of the Buddha-éalagrama : (1) Nirvana- buddha, (without chakras, but having an aperture), (2) Buddha-murti (with two chakras in the interior, but having many colours on the surface), (3) Salagrama Kosha srtigndgat amet FI wa fratrgaeat Cand carte TH TEA qeragattt sivsratiry fries 3 weaishh grat arratiad aft gauft: Tara By Wat Th vara afagery garen faartarsad at aferarae __, exami aqaisfafernd way ata fag 29Nirvana - Buddha ff ; saitatl Treteraters Waray: YA satiemafifa = aeHth: ta RTH (10) KALKI-MURTI The salagramas specific to this tenth incarnatory form of Vishnu occur in five varieties : (1) very red in colour, shaped like a short sword, (2) shaped like a lance (kunta), white in colour, (3) with subtle lines and an unclear chakra at the opening, shaped like an elephant goad, (4) Kalyana- Kalki with elongated chakra and a line on top, and (5) Svarna-kumkuma- miéra, the colour of the stone being a combination of golden and red colours. we sient ate: yar TaceRMTATT:| aH teed fa get seas a 30 atggateg gota er: wetter: ofr PeHfad wea RT puorpicar tar aaa PSs Vaaaagett ter Pagers arent dega: sfeatvatniaa Sartctet det srrenfaytia otamseite sigararaa: iz: CHAE: I Pea TT TET Teese faartacefraceTe Il Se RaSE: Hear: | Shmsettaia: yet fase: cacomitorainch ‘oa geld Heergatfecrent sae aT emraaerdt Waat wert gas VII SECTION SEVEN CHATURVIMSATI-MURTI This section deals with the S@lagramas identified as specific to the twenty-four well-known forms of Vishnu : Kesava etc (see Volume One). The sub-varieties of these forms are also mentioned and described in detail here. Salagrama Kosha(1) KESAVA-MURTI This category of Salagramas occurs in two varieties : (1) one variety is adored with gold and silver spots and has a small chakra; its shape is four cornered; and its colour is blue-black; and (2) the other is dark in hue, shaped like the elephant's trunk and has two red spots on it. Sya (2) NARAYANA MURTI The deity-specific Salagramas of this variety occur in 32 sub-varieties. Of them the Lakshmi-narayana- Salagramas are commonly found and held especially sacred. There are thirteen varieties of these stones : (1) Abhishta-varada, (2) Tri-gambhira, (3) Afijanachala, (4) Jambi-phala, (5) Ashtaigvarya-phala-prada, (6) Tri- rekha, (7) Dhvaja-vajrankita, (8) Salaarama Kosha Nava-durva-dala, (9) Pakshi-raja, (10) Sveta-rekha-dvaya, (11) Madhye- sushira, (12) Svarna-talu and (13) Smitanana. ANAT: aaeea STG ET: aan gfferrat 7 age vatefregen seafttasra:| Rest a aR F VEL fafaretacnh g arity Fer agerroratt yRicem ants 3 PPR sisercstaay siaiites sssaaifareen qagal Wares TM aici fame 3 eta frau AGTHAL AUT: sNieErereiARTaT: 1 uaamagaat age: varracte:| SIGUA MAGA: Magy II eat area ceMART: BET Te aera eters freviteeianrant: i Taam freik chit git Wy aaremeattd trgor a fbr atwatarrorel fe Warr SATITRSTATTT: 1 aeirernt fered starrer aires afte age FTAA a os _ wraesfael agement 24 cert fag: aera 3 wearrReT | aiariveretanRratt: 1 a pri 31 wateett yt obatnre FRCST Te TeragER Pou citer ISG aaRTaraTyI eter sedeaaierrerer SEERA: | sqaasited ti wi aa a agin Sherritt agar aatarrnt wg: watemee 32 FagalareraanTaT: | qagaicavant arrenfayfray Srarierntayernyl| TRRATTGTARA SAA Fe Guia sraessae USAT: aetaRrnt eget yaar AASTEAAARTAT: rere g TWMTTTAETT aaa vreaary feuatacihng agen: gage: aetna eat wahitemerre: 1! Te YR: 11 opened wate sath aghhinnghicisinrnt aU! qautargeerteee: 1 age aden fret aati wa ah ae ae fren sere yatargaont vettarrant fag: Salagrama KoshaFeRAeARTT: t foi wae Brit amet Perce fated acer Fara Uegare Tat are waaay weiner eat yferyrarrerre 1 WRT AT: 1 auasitad tt wa gage wean 34 ofRgheRTTTT Other forms of Narayana dealt with here are : (1-3) Lakshmi- narayana with a single chakra, and with two and three chakras, (4) Vira- narayana, (5) Suddha-narayana, (6) Syama-varna-narayana, (7) Krshna- varna-narayana (8) Ripa-narayana, (9) Keéi-hantr-narayana, (10) Mahadyuti-narayana,, (11) Vetranka- nardyana, (with four chakras), (12-14) Lakshmi-narayana, with 4, 6, 8 chakras and (15) Achakra-narayana (with no chakra). Uchelshel t-ieaTOTe areqedarn: cauiteaerar| St aat Fat Maas: Ge france: euasigand at ae a age eetrrret selfeagierrerrer Salagrama Kosha variant tar weet FATT: | Sa at wa a ager eset Sat eviews: amt: TeeeactetaTaT: 1 wautgirecen Tar SAARI aaaaGyat Ta ae st ade wer tae: YAN Fee: amt anh aa TREAT: Sarasa eat gre WN Us: Ya: Soreuh See geet rea a Sater regia RPT vat ett TERRTAT: | Taeay FH Wee TA varrachaRrent: 11 Vat aeaat eat aRRRTaAT: | SecaaTy MATTE: | ATT: F fags: STAT: TI BPUTaUARTAT: 1 aR areata BRAT: porauierr faoy: weram: YN: 33BONA: FRM AAS: | SHRM tat Fe att Fe age Sied ART: ateranh we et a GIT geet Sire a wage: Tera RATA: Varratgat sacar frome: 11 West Ter aa aa fra fags! agp: vibegdad teat areca agaagd aft fray western ta: gabe wee) SaleraqacncetraRTaT: port gat a araretrehfind aueaigamt t agamaArary cetera eat gferraferrerse: TAHA AT: It Tart art Sat aeeernaT: Seana cet git wg 34 PAT VET TT HARTA: | toe wig at aagETT aetarrnt et wah AAS AAT: U1 Fanaa TCA: | wetarrat tat Fe at s ARI cetiaernt taaghteresga: a feat Tee WAGARTAT: 11 Vat aah Say 7 ae T Tea Seanad eat gfe wyI Achakra - Narayana (3) MADHAVA-MURTI There are only two varieties of Madhava-ésalagrama mentioned here. Both are honey-coloured. One has a Salagrama Koshachakra in the middle, clear and smooth, and small-bodied. The other one is distinguished by a large chakra. The former is worshipped by ascetics who aspire to be emancipated. WEA: meet fefaet SeRaeeRTNET: | yao wera fer: BATTS med & y faxat ada Areas Wataasn aeat aoe y yet at seal weaned aga saifiar (4) GOVINDA-MURTI The salagramas specific to the Govinda form occur in two varieties. Both are perfectly round in shape and have the shape of a mace. One has the marks of lotus, mace and discus on the right side and of a mountain on the left. The other is not very small in size, but is dark in colour Tiere Thfaret fated Fa: Tera: THIET Bade 7 Bers Tera J ct cRrtsarmeramh ay TdaaSTT Salagrama Kosha Thes rete get feel regal Fr alee: Soran shee: al (5) VISHNU-MURTI Vishnu-galagramas occur in six varieties in terms of colours : tawny (kapila), blue-black (krshna), red (raktabha), bright (suprakasa), colour of Vishnu-kranta flower, and colour of gold (hema). fara: 11 waver faopytiat arrect wantin pitch poract y TANT GISTs: faut a Bt a vate sere Fas aaftcat: amnaat Facer Sait TeaT:| a after: fee: af faders feamyeard: i frapataferant srarenfecerart agen: sar fraeqert gH RRA Waa AEs AT afrd: yore fret ret eget sahguatiaara a Fefamyhta wat yayferneare: | 35BrenreTeTay: 11 fey: Gongs wea: eT: TTA YS HAT WATT: II aah FEE Sad Ta: | a afte: fread: fae (QMADHUSUDANA-MURTI There is but a single variety of Madhusiidana-salagrama. It is a bright stone with all colours but with one chakra. FETT WYeA Terea Uae Ter | wcavianga Fea: YT (7) TRIVIKRAMA-MURTI The Salagramas answering to this iconic form occur in five varieties : (1) triangular in shape (trikona), (2) blue-black in colour (Syamala), (3) elongated (dirghakara), (4) elephant- trunk-marked (pushkaranka) (5) banner-shaped (dhvajakara) fra fifaceniararorermratayied: | sae farsa Gat STA FU Wr: vara: ffamrerdea: varmant Fergia:| arent qerss Var Fa J aM aatars duiaragast: weaned: SarTERR: Arista Sere: | Feate cuits weak aan 3am dem g tg Tec TAT afer t wraeiterdad fafear:| fifasr: o faye: STR: BAI (8) VAMANA-MURTI Details are already given while Dasgavatara-forms are described. aT art antes or: Whereas: TT sare Fe Wes Tee(9) SRIDHARA-MURTI The Sridhara-salagramas are of six types : (1) adorned with five lines, (2) with small countenance (aperture) (stkshmanana), (3) with chakra in the hollow at the bottom, (4) small and round (hrasva) (5) green in hue like fresh grass, (Sadvala) and (6) shaped liked the Kadamba-flower (kadamba- kusumakara) and called wish-fulfilling (kamada). ster wehte: gh: Seat verteagas| yet Ferm: wact wea aes water ste SRY Ta asfedt sere APU TE VETTE GTT: II OY eee g tase ahaa Ware: WaT: FGA: she: ll Frater: fer: un freraat gagery feranitesd thet wd fateery FMEA Seay ferfaterraaret sat F fag we: age: fa their: seg Ter atstect FATT Salagrama Kosha AMG: 1 ARG Te cafatedt sare FAGQUGR: WATTS: (10) HRSHIKESA The Hrshikega-salagramas occur in three varieties : (1) blue-black in colour (Syamala), with ten chakras, (2) bluish hue (indra-nila), with two chakras devoid of filaments on top and with one chakra with filaments at bottom, and (3) shaped like a half moon and adored with five lines. waa frag eter: verrteadcaa:| HOIST VaTHTTT: II opbisrpfacat eer Scrat: teation: frente sre: TPT 37Hrshikesa Serbia WE: YS TMT: TTT: | (eer) act ATA SA TAT (11) PADMANABHA The Padmanabha-salagramas are in ve varieties : (1) ASatru- admanabha, (2) Subhadayaka- admanabha, (3) Nabhi-chakra- admanabha, (4) Samkha-varna- admanabha, and (5) Chamikara- admanabha. TATU AMT: TAT: STAYMETaT:| fire: veal Sram: wetter: (QUST: 1 TAM Waea: WUT TACT gant sf staat fata ware: Wares: Se St ah Aacaraaa WRN Tas: BCAA: aires: carat cease: | wee Ba Waa fart seayT: vieant:1 Seiek Jere vie darter HRM: Bere: Bea: YMA II SUTRA | were Srrrey cautery (2) BA: wb Sera ATRL (12) DAMODARA. The Damodara-mtrti-salagramas are also in five varieties : (1) Durvabha, (2) Nila-megha, (3) Kapila, (4) Stkshma-randhra, and (5) Gadakara. DamodaraareT erat: teat gahht stream afte: Genes wera g eT gate: aat wr wet Here otto waht erdant titer EAI seta: Tar agree SRT aamerenrad wigelttet WAN Nilamegha Dimodara aefterariat wat amet Fa: Yareh way Ts TRETTAGHT: TST AS FEIT TETRTE: arial TH et Hera stator age fired da vera 7 eR Salagrama Kosha (13) SANKARSHANA There are only four varieties of Sankarshana Paragu-rama-Salagrama : (1) Raja-pijya-parasurama, (2) Santa- paragurama, (3) Atasi-pushpa- paragurama and (4) Durvabha- paragurama. See TTA gel Weg Tass: GaTiig:| arttgerearet gatectaet: Il WHS: faaporenitt cher gefacrt fafeart ae ae aT at cheers Ft aT Se wae fag: Teareheea! wes at oda ae ten corer srreftreg rary cae wea VT vad tied IS Taree ae ome sar, wet nferetra: SAAT sremigereraret fagar weary haat agate myetsryfirt watt wit Ta | 39arr Waa Ga aA: | foxgwargea: our wa fox agar vRyfirry TRE CEA TA: Ise: (14) VASUDEVA-MURTI Vasudeva-miurti-salagramas are popular and frequently found. The varieties mentioned here include (1) Chandrabha-vasudeva, (2) Dvaraka- chakra-vasudeva, (3) Pugiphala- vasudeva, (4) Chhidraprshtha- vasudeva, (5) Padmayukta-vasudeva and (6) Nilotpala-vasudeva. argea:t 40 THe AMY AFVATS TATA Wagerargea: Yatra aft vagarrsft ar BRON TA Se eae aiatag aged: 9 faa: yaaeretare: sage: Vet waarRTe: etearargea: Tecra ders a aaa ageaeafaae: sriaarereyy:1 Vasudeva - Marti (15) PRADYUMNA-MURTI The Pradyumna-salagramas occur in four varieties : (1) with numerous fissures (bahuchchhidra), (2) dark- coloured (krshna-varna), (3) of the complexion of mythical marine creature (makarabha), and (4) of red hue like hibiscus (japa-prabha). Salagrama Koshawee TAs aca aphex: porah: TT TTT: II aghast: yanftg tae cdr 1 git age ta defekt 9 wRAA wat: 11 porat chias frgereTyr| seats frend wet seat Weg Ter CITE muh oettes: sfteg fagger:i Ta I Tea: Garang deters :| Ta wee wea: TSatsft aT SOTHYAH I wg ya fsa TTT arreigent Tet ea TF fag: (16) ANIRUDDHA-MURTI The salagramas recognized as specific to this incarnatory form occurs in five varieties : (1) with gold and bronze streaks (svarna-kamsya- rekhadhya), (2) stable and poised when placed (susthira), (3) with three lines marked (tri-rekha), (4) dark coloured (krshna-varna), and (5) yellow-hued (pitavan) aires ates: tate: uisicintaar gfers ites port: gitar faggent gan Bhat foraget Tea UF area tert agentes: fa Teragt aR 7S we cifea pots wi at care wera weet we aay ates sft saa: deere HOTA: 11 porect cer wat at athe z1 ames sft wart TaareWace area: trac: agente: tard 3 ier TS WH Gifs aderreet fred yah aa See: Among the Chatur-mirti- Salagramas, Vasudeva is to be worshipped by the brahmanas, Samkarshana by the kshattriyas, ?radyumna by the vaigyas, and Aniruddha by the sudras. The owrahmanas, however, may worship all he four forms, the kshattriyas three of them, the vaisyas two of them and he Siidras one only ged ferrite: ere: Fei fete: aft: reget deaufar ARS VET a: wea: | aaron wha: wat qoritar fastaai1 are Ft: ST: aeaer gata TI Retr waa wer wast (17) PURUSHOTTAMA There are eight varieties of *urushottama-galagrama, five of vhich are described here : (1) Dvara- hakra-purushottama, (2) Trailokya- aohana, (3) Atasi-pushpa-samkaga, 4) Padmini-patra-samkaga, and (5) \nanta-purushottama. ean: SEAT: TERT ROTTS: | aregacart fega wey ft east at agente: Jean: @ faye: ada BRAT RATA: 1 FOOTGRY TRSTATT| Weigrefsas wt aalsear wT SRR TTT: | BY ae yevad aw wae werarag: Sat: Wey Feat: 2b Ree g port: was: yea: @ faye: a aaifeerrere:| Sree: fee gat wee: werierdarh agentes: year: & fae: ATTRA: merges Teh WH: | yearer: & fare: arpeharrreree apn qeagreat SAT: Jean: Fen eat seams TYR: GAM TAT Yea(18) ADHOKSHAJA-MURTI This salagrama has no varieties. It is extremely dark in colour, but has ared streak on it; it is round in shape, and has chakras. It may be somewhat tawny at places, small or large. BN STH TAT TREY SRST fefrrhicgad: Wat aT Vet Ua a sees Sf GIT: TTR YI: (19) NARASIMHA-MURTI Details are given under Dasavatara- forms. (20) ACHYUTA This sdlagrama occurs in five varieties : (1) having the colour of mud or curds (samrdvarna, dadhi- varnabha), (2) having two ear-rings like scratches (kundala-dvaya- samyuta), (3) multi-coloured (chitra), (4) moon-hued, having the mark of vanamala (himamégu varna,) and (5) with small aperture (stkshma- randhra.) Set WaT: By HST: | fest fentgauis ere: seta: aaa caoht eras: ye wdtegengat Ati waa wgfioaig aetna: afaftat Fests secsaeiin RSSTCTTIS STS: I (21) JANARDANA. This salagrama occurs in seven varieties : (1) Putra-labha, (worship of which bestows progeny), (2) Sirah- Syama (with black stain on top), (3) Sri-prada (prosperity-provider, with four chakras), (4) Utpala-prabha (shining like a water-lily, blue coloured and large stone), (5) Dvadaga-chakra (with 12 chakras and 6 openings) (6) Nilotpala-samakara (shaped like the blue lily), and (7) Samkha-chakrankita (marks of conch- shell and discus present) SATA Be RSATET: | grant revert aise as TPT veumignds arate TerMt Waar: area agem: wrarfeayiea:| carat: © faye: Groat vasteFore: FarT: Ul sare ary a: fereeare Gata aaa TF TITEL STEN yarigaet WreTeRgr wacragae: diet Pare: SANTI orice Tganh vile Sere saad fase srrenfaytirary . so Fs: a ares ofa Gare fentgafeetiaer: Sarg CRIA: AS STEAL Aricent aieaiearrl Sara Teernfaeriaeact|| (22) UPENDRA-MURTI This salagrama occurs in two varieties (1) mani-varnabha (stone with reddish hue, and small chakra), and (2) gyamala (dark-coloured, with chakras on the sides) wa ts fefert Seri efghtes a STS} airaubt sera afar yard Scrat Tat ws ft sageII (23) HARI-MURTI This salagrama also has two varieties (1) having a small opening (alpa-dvara), and (2) blue coloured (nila-varna) and having the marks of conch-shell, discus and mace. stati HerERaate eeafiecre! sreamratad aera aaTy:| ots ofa front aft: Hergercll (24) KRSHNA-MURTI This occurs in a single variety : black in colour, having even number of chakras at the opening. The other forms are given under Dasavatara. Ssiteret: 11 BAA BRAT STATE: YR a peepissa yoo tera VIII SECTION EIGHT This section deals with the Salagramas associated with the minorforms of Vishnu, like Hayagriva, Kapila, Dattatreya, Simgumara, Mukunda, Hamsa, Parama-hamsa, Vaikuntha, Pundarikaksha, Lakshmipati, Devadeva, Vatapatra- sayi, Arbhaka, Kshirabdhi-sayi, Visvambhara, Vigva-ripa, Garuda- dhvaja, Pitambara, Satya-vira-srava, Amrtaharana, Chakra-pa narayana, Bahu-rtipa-mirti, Pundarika, Parijata, Sudarsana (many forms), Jagadyoni, Ananta, Sesha and Lakshmikanta. Salagramas representing composite forms like Hari-mirti-tri murti, Hari- hara-mirti and Sankara-narayana. There are also Hayasya apentenita:i Salagrama Kosha afte Aor creeaeAaT: | Teiargeitt ara gory eater ar art tar ta raha fel agfeset at: ys deer: SAPP: TIT ATT Hayagrivapfrereaata: it Tai Tameatratarera | IRS aes Gaga chit fi a aaah Taras || eA fearttsfraea SSIS Ta TAT STA: YS TTT: IIE Fea Selah fare: TEI sad Pet g water Sa waar a g faa: wdtaherara| aerayec TORR FPSTST Tel HPSTTTTH 1 Saat wae saan tetafahiire:: TRIE Sat Fert TAT ye: varpida ahraretsaT:| fat Sercrat ae GENTS qeae Sheraragetinar 46 Salagrama KiLakshmi - pati Rata fafey fey watat serda waraTT y tata faye: JaOyeaA aera qe wares afreet:| angers STEAM Tae oe: Be cfr yeahs TH Bae Ber etaferers fag: sehoreatass srarenfasfrrt poraniqeatt aya: | writ: waer fer: feet a agai ferret 11 seat aft even gach fat fear: ~ tl art Bee’ agsehrsa fon sf Gra: aeahraeras tl feret: faaetise war fetes: oRaafia:| _ _— ; faeorr a praia Wr: ugaeafaarengtt Ser aT: wie eft Tes ante aat FART I aw: age: ave aoa: dit aga: ge RT SATA ITT: eer serait set TT TEST: arafererety nigga: hat aga: fare wae Y ser TUT! sare Ta Ber Vafagfeayfire:| wes 7 wore cet Sada: TESeaTe tse 11 Salagrama KoshaWatat triaent Wtfatatss vatfia:| feeritrarict feast agetsit a Hataent Sah Tass: | FE: ER teers agatha: aise ta: weaaeets fit: aaa: aageh seam: walt Bakigs:1 werden: Wer: adress: TUM arpa at arte: | aget saat weraats fees: aenertot: 1 yaent fragr: wader daa: vanfortt wrasmahtreas: il IEIGITATT: 1 Fata a a fre Bahurilpi asta Uaaagd aa yaciantad:| yet: warera: yar Freres 11 Ufsta sisnk frames: Ufa: 1: BA: seedarer Weta: TIT: Sudarsana-salagrama is said t have twelve varieties, among whic (1) Sudargana, (2) Yati-sudargana, (‘ Nrsimha-sudargana, (4) Mahavishm sudaréana, (5) Ubhaya-sudar$ana, ( Mahogra-sudargana, (7) Dev sudarsana, (8) Lakshmi-sudarSana, ( Eka-vaktra-sudarsana and (1! Trailokya-sudargana are describ: here.Salagrama Kosha Ragas : a eet wer ah aaah Feria Sudargana - S@lagrama merge: qeureras teed THT wm etaisht wea fest waar ame fact aie wedaet Feet Wear geta: tt WS a wit asht wa as Baar] aa Tse att Yeats Al Fetreergagha qeuiarerah Acted ST Ta We tats ae fests aaerate TEM ATTA that wer Fer agach LITT ah Ue Fv FT orenfayiay aranfiiéser wderrnerser raat et a THEA: afacrrer Fat ayer aRrieget AMIse feaera Ananta—Salagrama occurs in five : (1) yellow-coloured (2) black-coloured, (3) blue-black in hue, (4) multi-coloured, and marked with serpent-hood and (5) with fourteeen varieties apertures. Some salagramas are distinguished with a number of chakras, fourteen to twenty; they may occur in many colours. They may be large in size, and may be marked by scratches calling to mind banner, conch-shell, discus and mace. SRT WSs a Tenhearaa:| agéutadtta: sea cifest ti Aree eaten zane feifer SSSR TAT VET TAT ATT II iat arert waar: AIST J Sa YMA a wae Waren ere fern T feet ageMariaeerat SHS aneat ataren arity fate: araghtfasar waar rereT | sorry: agatt aan: Shere: werts fia: sarerrran age fereraiiccr Wa cag Tet Pea Teasignent 3 feet aera a1 Terme eifegentar apap scaret Prfenfit: waa: agent eRe: T wae: yas era eteatiirgicn fafitfaer stear ATErTReTCT wahrend frees: Seas: Farreh fay: finfaitta frera: wderaeras: ltTara: fafd: mre: Ur waaale srerisgne:| arremattd aftratie fag: efterghicu fornia gfe os aft wate wrahte Ul We: agdet sitet: rere: SECTION NINE The salagramas identified as specific to the forms of Brahma, the creator, one of the celebrated trinity (Vishnu and Rudra being the other two), are dealt with in this section : Svayambhi, Parameshthi, Hiranya- garbha, Chaturmukha. This account is followed by descriptions of Garuda- Brahma-mtrti, and Salagramas and Sesha-salagramas. Balagali-rama-salagrama has been given as a variety of the latter. Sa et ageartengh areata dafet agaag watyhte age fareata Jeet of a Het FAA WaT feraanga: wef am at efits ft a By Mayarer TIT SAA Salagrama Kosha act Arnel Gene TTT: age: |: Teg ETy: watt wast & epee: fornia fiers eiteart 51aat: wuifiga wernt: watfta:1 ferwamaf oral waa af Ze aagaasft Vang sae Fa fags framesgaai Te: & STA eat I UA Wa TT FST wage ar td TS 7 GK Taq mente: 3 fagat sree: Tat F Ysa aI wade oH He TS J BE TIT meaid: 3 fagat arenes: Tat I YSIS II fesse 7S git ash ac reaniga aft afaayfermerr: 11 fects Shr oeae ser treat | vie fewant fread err: ye: feQeeean weet wet waif feoart gouge es Gee GF: aaa Feet sreaht: ass: wag Rarer Fes: FETT favre faa: es YE age: woretig ages: aga wavifarga wail: wetita feoorit smart wad fe geht: wary: BOTA: FIT: age Gerace hs BAT Hiranya - garbha feormt fren: yatrestat:| fawts fafterg fret eras: freq: 11 frmesrgast weaeAraT: | Hiranya- garbha Waar GATT eeeTaeTHCTIS «1agiayfa:n age Fst ter: waite: yeeare waren ferartea! aren Sec WATT Sam meres g a fren se aga TTI aft agetattegtt tteaiary aie arg warafia aga: Bact Terme awe TATA II Tresytt: i ferarai watt qgestearrry Beht Grae J set SOTA! Tes: woftegd ae Fas warad aed froritacciora war wagitsn part ara avira fefragstatatern eget Seshamirti Salagrama Kosha erat Fe Fer Taya aT: pivengar g frergivatei arent wit J ERE TE vere ferret garaa forearm sft wart sfaagierrerse:| Taahieg wraasrsseas: X SECTION TEN Siva-nabha-salagramas represent the forms of Siva. While the §alagramas usually are taken to indicate the presence of Vishnu, there are nevertheless some Salagrama- stones specific to Brahma, Stirya and Siva. The salagramas representing Siva occur in several varieties: Siva- 53nabha, Gauri-nabha, Aghora-harihara (two subvarieties), Dakshinamirti- Sivanabha, Uma-mahesvara, Siya- narayana (Harihara) Sadyojata, Vamadeva, [sana and Tatpurusha. These are described with reference to their distinguishing characteristics, ‘Fore: fragt wert Rated oft frat g ofa: wearer: yr Sele Fe wea: gitar agar y fret geet arama J wa J rigor fear gata: Rreant sft want aergieamere:1 Terai: yore: wrSe II feared: thee: teets fiz: TAT seas thrid fet ater U wate aftet gored 3 ar Reet gfarEheTHI FqeATT: I fens Rreame fracenrtrr: | frat ast sediett weer: TERS saieiiiatate, gee 54 ararceftet:n fafa: frend water afer: aie: wares SRATRRTTRT ET | af wa waht 7 wert T Teel aisha frm gaa Foran aft earl afew I THAR FAG AT EAT: | faa: @ fas: geht: ada: fervent wer gem Tet Tart afet fren ser sem sesforsrer weit aaa g 7d: erent feraTA faea off Gaafag aay get: spobtintd ett ofeett g gata fret port a ar fare gfe seam seteiecatett Gert vitrergal Thifrermret ada afrorahiferer: 1 feet: dafiacté vera wate an waigeha your war sag 7 Waa foremriteterarafeytinr TPIseT ARTA STAT ST TETRA Salagrama Koshasamearata: aed Rrreanig yf thet: Tit Ferrera Tisai attain Sree Tat TaheRA gra eter deat a Sea SHI eat fermafaferedt ferent: ggehr:1 phar wert gar fore ft wearat yferafarerae: 11 war chert yet wasted: SAT aT wiser ieBrsrgfsra srfeavis caver orton ay cafes II BST: TRO SARITTF | amas thas ferent gaara wma fage Taher 22 aesauates fereaaer: Stl water: waqee: felerat Herve: ffera agietr wdahreers:| fert: dafirrcte: vefrat water ati aeahiect yor rer sag 7 WaT fermfret yeynt wracntiet ee: 11 Salagrama Kosha Rrawierrargea a feren yfrayferrer afem a 7 yet Sant aT SAA Wale Wf wahiened FI seifinsengg umeaarary aerstett yet s ferry: Beer: BI TATA: Sraisegen tafigaatad Tas TIT TTT warsrafinn sear pater area: ferreaet wrant sassy armcanfirear sear afer: afeafsrati Sar fefrtiegan SortasesT wdvarentiar semat afeaet wae Ager Yagsremyesttioner wet TeeaRE: wae yeh wa XI SECTION ELEVEN This section deals with the Salagramas representing the forms of Strya, the Sun-god, Haihaya (Kartavirya), Havyavahana (Agni), 55Jitakrodha-mirti, Daityari, Atanka- mirti, Nara-murti, Purana- puroshottama, Padma-lafichhita, and Vishvaksena. Excepting Strya, Haihaya and Agni, the other deities represented in Salagrama are not suitable for worship, as their worship is likely to cause misfortune of some sort or other. This is actually the miscellaneous section, which marks the conclusion of the detailed and descriptive account of deity-specific Salagramas. aa qagttsu wa Asa ast waegM gift: Sr werfaferern senate wing J a I TS Feet ates Tempfeatstt Sree eeang wT ther wafeharerse: 11 werretyt saftrant merit: Sava: | CTSA Ae AA FETT fremnt uegd wa ot fredtgoy wafitenia youd: wait 56 Faraearerafe farang wary waaaols fafa: ae cele sat wea FATT eam agaaratt tat cont: aaa: Yacaiterngad: Fact S2eeras 1 aenttst frase 8a afaa waSha oh ees 7 oS tera went TCT TA GIT! ener aaa J WEI Cea eniagarry| Taf fastens persia: GRUNER: wahrgracr eft fear FROMM THIATS| waetifsa:n arene oie g2aa: ya PTY Salagrama Koshafae agaiaaat fersaa sft oa: ete yaa ormet FT Sea SECTION TWELVE This section gives an account of how salagramas differ on account their aperture-size, number and location of chakras, shapes, colours and marks on them. OE BRAM STR TET FST TAT warts Suir ae Fe: wT 3 Ore want deer eal aged rai: gor: Hats: Shot: waiter: vege: seit: years Stet aes Tene Salagramas having chakras on the sides: Parsva-chakra apdaenrea1t afredt eft: got SET AI amt ot chat asf welasearat: yearns der: ses sz: wget: Breer area wetaftet freq anfter afta: ae are: Fast TABI aftet anes cesar fafasett argeat arrest: feta: 11 Salagramas with a single chakra: Uaraenreat: 1 tar vise Sandt WyGeA:| qe geht wdaeearat il cetera dearer erst watt: eee a asa: Salagramas with three chakras: fraareal augentiea feigurtatasra:| mrett: dite: wet wfeaaT: | qasaitentta wig yeaUQTaTeT: gem ote: dart saret:1 fear: dareh Tee Salagramas with five chakras: teagan stuart: tam: teamed 4 atarrat asf teresa: 1 Salagramas with six chakras: TETRA: I darmfeatia ceiarrerenii Salagramas with seven chakras: ATTA: I Sa: TSM ST: WAS: RE CICORL Tessa: frame: SETH VIR: TAHT YNTCT: II Salagramas with nine to fourteen chakras: Aaa: I ara det art fawn THR TE saa: via AI 58 Ares wa TI apes we gat we area SAAR WCAC | feng wrarargekt aa samt faenfigd fener sft Ba Salagramas with chakras at the navel: TIRTeRRTea: 11 meat ageae sat arene wearer: Tet ants wa aRraageT: wet Yat PATT: | westaaet Sag arret Tra eft RYT FT Wa RPT Perfectly round Salagramas: Vartula Salagrama Koshaagergia:t ayes TeeaeT trefrentra: seat ager: eta: gah West aT stenisteaa afta: Here aamrade ager: vieafear: Elongated Salagramas: Dirgakara Qatari: fafrroer Fevel WH: WATS: er Tae seas Stat: wetinenioe: sttirentefar: | SS: WYTAS ST ATSETII wetyfda rrargeeiargt: Salagramas with large chakras: Salagrama Kosha Andakara Goa: fact anftes faerorgaeet! weintraiagon ws ht Tass ART aaa ATMs HAST Fea: TEs fey: dane ane: afta yy: weather: 59Prthu Chakra Salagramas with small openings: eae: Brat ATT: | ages fess eas Fea: wettgfae: Sa: RY: VT Wa SI aan yrs wera: wetter: Salagramas with garland-like marks on them: are Arerentatat 1 gos dae det ees: Tenaanider Wane Fea: I aeyat after cedar Aeat see Toe ASAT: earertteat titre: gest: paydater aeyat aes afeedat ated she: qeraaae:11 ‘Siikshma - Chakra agak: afeanficksitiret wa aI anet eiaet wea fata aI weiticcrs fast frwerar:i Seat Hepa ae: ATTA: SRA oat TTA Salagramas with uneven chakras: FAUST: art after afte TeSeeT aera Set ae aera Salagramas with opening at the bottom:aman agen affeftere Salagramas with fang-like structures: efor: awel anfties freon! aftct antes sarerieeta aI wer Tegra yee feast: Salagramas having the complexion of the snuhi-flower: eqetg irr: 11 ane arnt: gat sya: Eegherr:1 Salagramas having openings which are fissured: faa: Il faxmrafdetstt frat: vatfea:| Salagramas like the Kadamba flowers: HCAPYAT: SeaEGM Var a: A: BT wait aces afer ws aI Teast wa ce wee: wast oo wet gigas goo feos WP REA eee amaaa aRraagegta: Snuhi is a spurge, Euphor antiquorum. Kadamba-the tree, Nauc cadamba having orange colou fragrant flowers Salagramas which resemble h« egg: HeHeSrT BUST: FNAL VTSSHARTS:| Start creamer wa frfemrerT Fa: PRPS: | aftet antes sremiieata a dah aise: Tgat fas a1 aged Tart ars TTI we: seapirary wt feds: Wo yam: Bet eA $alagramas with chakras li proboscis:Peace: weet aainds asitin w al eas oo ae Sere: Jeeta) Salagramas having small chakras: Were: amtad ara FGA: WETS: Aaa: BAF ATS TSE: farmiswada the: Feet onpremas tea TGS: Wo gararg eR: wath Salagramas having marks of ear- rings: ISTP PART Soh ares et FeaEA:| areas poe frat Tea aeafatart: || Garth yaue: For vert: merge we Salagramas having gold spots: wauiferg:u1 pig utters ae fefeeeeT fag ates Tre AyyfT 1 62 actareda stereo aaah srrefa: Setererareti ant gaqides: dato want weet eater Sera) art tat esrafeageren ferret ste: Test eiterere ART: VaRRST THATS FRAT fafes: freer fe uifesecerem! SECTION THIRTEEN This is the concluding portion of the manuscript, giving the various benefits obtained from worshipping the salagrama-stones of different varieties. Perfectly smooth (snigdha) and blue-black (mechaka) are regarded as the best. If the colour is of washed coal (dhautangara-vat) or bluish, the stone is of midling merit. If the colour is tawny (pingala), yellowish (pita), ash-grey (dhtimabha) or red (rakta) the stone will be malefic in effect. Perfectly round stones contribute to prosperity; umbrella- shaped ones will secure lordship; cart- like stones (Sakatakara) spell misery, and a spear-shaped stone will bring about death and ruin. Crooked stones cause poverty. This is what the texts generally say. Salagrama Koshaoe _— yrafedet 7 a yaa sft Fea EL Ae A Ye: at AT A otter wei Tag Was Te TI SIT: TAT: PST PITA F FETA fart Aare eet st 7 Fer wexta fren ao aera: arbtagondt fed Ter yorrica fe Faget wey Aa mremmcaterenttit ar 7 Bry wet cei wale! fist fied da we a fee fear wreemrapat fram + ere 7 sfeear 7 deat 7 waka a1 arora fred ¢ eam Weak J fast + awet wer areas JF TwM: AAT: watfeatrerand Raat PRAT a: WRegiet Taft TH TEA Salagrama Kosha fang 3 dee wt at ys aT fore enaat 3 a arf Ter TEA fret viewer Gt at yt a1 ares arate, wd ae Vera areata aa aT Eat fete ee a geet i as afafedt ee wet fatter sohit aeqa: weer aT! axet fgert 4 gaat sare: ae aged: SA SANE: | Tg vefitass wat: aft cata a wahideea: weaned: | tale ated yfereeht: yearerTI waa wae a: BAT geht: wens Sg: SAAT: Tarenieteg: Tra fraft geemmtset semen cafe oT SATTT IRT YI! autier Geeta: am: tha ote porciada a1 preted ge tet aaa cafe yranhg ¢ ac TISAI 63Wat erent fret aftrerey ae! wot frat ae Tetsht a Por ape fet pres ee Mkeaaifeady: Fy WEA: Sarees Ta cis @ Tesia arenttat yore oo. ; fe prorat 4H as Ta: FEI Sigel ged FAM ATSIC waif wa ast a rat fearoT fant fagd aa fost wre a1 aeomitaat tat sRacpeaisht a TATE GIAP el aaitratererns Tet Jor fearaa apniferes aint aicataiorad AI _. . ge: aap wa: TERT Fe BH oT OH ae: NATTA a serie erent aa Pat J Tet BAT AAT FTL areata cesitir fawpaaifecesiarai qrapdendticantayt wer saterefet Se afecrert ae ars va wd caer ala a said aq PaaS ATTA Tsaant aR frtersret eft attsrtanint a et emf efSeroherertr: 11 aentt ead Fat aH Beery amifarg woe gat whore | RTM(Below are given the major characteristics (which are identifying marks) of some of the iconic salagramas, arranged in the Sanskrit alphabetical order. The details are taken from the addendum to the Telugu ‘Salagrama-lakshanam'. The list given here, however, is far from correct in details or in order. I have corrected the errors and have also rearranged the list. Benefits or otherwise accruing from particular Saliagramas are given within brackets and in italics). 1. ACHYUTA-MURTI (FOUR VARIETIES): (i) large in size; smooth to touch; blue in colour; even chakras; vana-mala mark. Gi) a chakra outside; two chakras inside; small aperture. (iii) large in size, cool to touch; large opening (mouth); clear chakras; mark of bow; deep hole. (welfare of mankind) (iv) four or eight chakras on the left and right sides; marks of two ear-rings; pafichayudha marks (conch, discus, lotus, mace and @ Gi) (iii) @ sword); marks of pestle-rod (musala), banner (dhvaja), parasol (chhatra), vajra and elephant goad (ankusga). (obtained only by ascetics) ADHOKSHAJA-MURTI: (THREE VARIETIES) small or large in size; smooth to touch; fine looking chakras; red coloured round spots. (auspicious) beautiful to look at; multitude of chakras; faded in colour. (causes sorrow) large in size; tawny or black in colour; large opening; large chakra. (causes sorrow) ANANTA-MURTI (ALSO CALLED VISVRUPA MURTD: large in size; five or more chakras. ANIRUDDHA-MURTI (FIVE VARIETIES): colour of red hibiscus; streaks of gold or silver on the body; vana- mala mark.Gi) Gi) (iv) ) @ @ Gi) ii) round in shape; charming in aspect; blue colour; two lines at the opening; mark of lotus at the back on the lower side. tortoise-shaped; large round opening; chakra on top; black in colour. (beneficial for common people) multi-coloured; small hole on the side; black colour on top; even chakra on the right side. black coloured; chakras on sides; even opening; a minute chakra on top; mark of the flower of Bengal gram. ANEKA-MURTI: many chakras AMRTAHARANA-MURTI (THREE VARIETIES): round in shape; charming in aspect; small chakras on sides; creeper mark. round; small opening; minute chakra; colour of blue lily. one opening; four chakras; a spot; lotus-mark on the right and conch-shell mark on left. @ Gi @ Gi) UPENDRA-MURTI (TWO VARIETIES): round; charming; blue-coloured; minute and even chakras; three lines. (beneficial) round; rose-coloured; two chakras; large hole. KAPILA-MURTI (TWO VARIETIES): round; tawny-coloured; clear chakras; dots like lotus flower; marks of lotus on the left side and mark of conch-shell on the right. (secures mastery over scriptures) KALKI-MURTI (THREE VARIETIES): elongated in shape; blue- coloured; snout like elephant- trunk; mark of vana-mala. (secures dharma) elongated; mark like a sword either above the opening or below. (destroys the sins of Kali age)(iii) 10. @ Gi) ii) Gy) %) called Kalyana-Kali-mtrti: black coloured; opening on top; clear chakras at the bottom; minute mark of vana-mala. (destroys the sins) KURMA-MURTI (TWELVE VARIETIES): shaped above like tortoise-shell; and short at bottom; chakras at the navel. (secures satisfaction of all desires) three spots; chakras or conch- shell marks; colour of eventide. (fulfilment of all desires) round; large; golden-hue; mark of snuhi-flower by the side of the chakra. (fulfilment of all desires) round; shaped like tortoise-shell above; red and black colours mixed; a charming chakra at the navel; large opening; stable when placed. (progeny) round; small opening; two chakras at the opening; large navel; mark of banner. (progeny) Salagrama Kosha (vi) round and tortoise-shaped; stable; chakra at the navel; black and red colours mixed. (vii) black coloured; ktirma-chakra below; two spots; short on top. (viii) large; shaped like tortoise; Gx) Gi) tawny-coloured; white or multi- coloured; blue-black coloured chakra. (fulfilment of all desires) elongated on the right side; chakra at the bottom; three spots; rose-coloured. round-shaped bottom; greenish hue; mark of Kaustubha. (fulfilment of all desires) called Maha-Ktirma-mirti; fresh green in colour; large opening; gold spots; marks of vana-mala lotus and discus. (xii) called Ktrma-varaha: medium size; shaped like two balls pressed together; a chakra at the opening; marks of conch-shell and discus. (falfilment of desires) 6711. @ Gi) ii) 1) ~ (wi) 68 KRSHNA-MURTI (TWENTY ONE VARIETIES): large in size; high on top; black colour; a deep hole; a minute chakra at the opening; on top the marks of ploughshare and bow. round; a protuberance at the back; mixture of black, green and white colours; chakras on sides; well-framed navel near the opening; mark of Garuda. (climination of sins) large in size; very black in colour; well-formed chakras; even chakras at the opening; mark of vana-mala; and mark of Sri-vatsa at the back or bottom. (provides happiness) blue-black in colour; one large chakra; mark of vana-mala; mark of Sri-vatsa at the back. called Papahara-mirti: opening with two chakras above and below. (suitable for celibates) called Gopala-krshna-mirti: ten long lines; and marks of pafichdyudha (conch-shell, discus, lotus, mace and sword); also a mark of vana-mala. (vii) called Bala-Krishna-mirti: high on top and depressed at bottom; black colour; elongated opening; spots. (progeny) (viii) called Kaliya-mardana-mirti: (x) (xi) (xii) lower portion charming; black in colour; one long opening from right to left; lines; two spots. (destruction of enemies) called Govardhana-gopala- mirti: round on top and depressed on the sides; white spots; long lines. (increase of cattle, corns and wealth) called Santana-gopala-murti: elongated; black in colour; opening like crescent moon. (progeny) called Gopala-murti: mark of stick on the sides; and mark of flute in front. also called Gopala-mirti: very smooth to touch; round in shape Salagrama Koshalike discus; blue-black in colour; small opening; spots; red lines; cool when touched on top; smooth and soft. (xiii) called Madana-gopala-mirti: mark of vana-mala; two ear- rings; another variety has a long fissure on the left side; is white or red at bottom, and has marks of bow and arrow. (xiv) called Bhi-gopala-mirti: mark of trees on sides. (xv) called Lakshmi-gopala-murti: egg-shaped; ear-rings; marks of vana-mala, ploughshare and flute. (worldly welfare) (xvi) called Vastrapahari-Krshna- mirti: round at bottom; minute chakras as if hidden; marks of clothes beside them. (accomplishment of desires) (xvii) called Chantira-mardana-krshna- miirti: shaped like an elephant's trunk; blue-black in colour; two spots; curved lines and spots on right and left sides. (destruction of enemies) Salagrama Kosha (xviii) called Kamsa-mardana-murti: blue-black like dark clouds; three openings in front; one opening at the side. (welfare) (xix) called Dhanafijaya-prabhu- mirti: short at the sides; lines on right and left sides; strya-chakra. (auspicious) (xx) called Navanita-hara-Krshna- miirti: white spots in front; spots like vana-mala and Kaustubha; mark of grinding stone (mortar) (xxi) called Syamantaka-hari-Krshna- mir : charming in aspect; bright- looking; chakras; Sri-vatsa mark at the back; mark of vana-mala. excessively large; (celebrity, wealth and health) 12. KESAVA-MURTI (FOUR VARIETIES): @ four corners; tawny in colour; elongated chakra; deep navel; large opening; upward lines. (all prosperity) (ii) round and elevated in shape; four corners; blue-black in colour; cluster of lines; fish-like mark by the side of the chakra. (elimination of sins) 69Gi) Gv) 13. @ Gi) 14. Gi) 70 grass-colour; minute chakras; cool to touch; marks of vana- mala, sri-vatsa and pafichayudha (conch-shell, discus, lotus, mace and sword). (fulfilment of all desires) blue-black in colour; minute chakra; gold spots; mark of vana-mala. GADA-PANI-MURTI (TWO VARIETIES): also called Jita-krodha-mirti: red in colour; chakra in the middle. (death and unhappiness) also called Purana- purushottama-miirti: grass- coloured; small opening; slender green lines. GOVINDA-MURTI (TWO VARIETIES): not very large in size; high but with a depression in the centre; white in colour; chakra on the left side; large opening; marks of discus and cudgel. white in colour; marks of cudgel and discus on the right side and mark of a mountain on the left. (fulfilment of all desires) 17. @ Gi) iii) dv) CHAKRA-PANI-MURTI: eight chakras JAGAD-VYAPI-MURTI: red in colour; chakras at the opening. (causes happiness) JANARDANA-MURTI (SEVEN VARIETIES): one opening on the eastern direction and another on the western; four chakras. (wealth and destruction of enemies) two even chakras at the bottom; four chakras; mark of a minute chakra; belongs to Varaha- kshetra. large in size; cool to touch; blue in colour like blue-lily; marks of conch-shell, discus, mace and vana-miala. (auspicious) cool to touch; blue-lily colour; four chakras inside the opening; mark of vana-mala. Salagrama Kosha@) wi) (vii) 18. @ Gi) 19. Gi) smooth to touch; twelve chakras; lotus mark by the side of the opening. colour of blue lily. (auspicious; wish-fulfilment) white in colour; elongated chakra; also a chakra at the bottom; chakra with lotus mark. TRI-MURTI (TWO VARIETIES): three openings at the bottom. (all prosperity and happiness) two chakras (not suitable for worship) TRIVIKRAMA-MURTI (SEVEN VARIETIES): triangular in shape; cool to touch; blue-black in colour; two chakras. (suitable for brahmanas) triangular opening; blue black in colour; exceedingly bright; marks of mace and discus on the left side; and scratches on the right. Salagrama Kosha (iii) wide at the base and on top; slightly elongated; clear stone; black like collyrium; two chakras; chakra on top spread out; ear-ring marks on the sides. (all four purusharthas) elongated; left side elevated; a minute chakra. elongated; exceedingly bright; marks of conch-shell, discus, mace and vana-mala. (wealth) egg-shaped; chakra on top; two chakras at the navel; lotus mark in the centre; marks of banner, conch-shell and discus. (prevents untimely death) chakra on top; well-formed chakras. (fulfilment of desires) DATTATREYA-MURTI (THREE VARIETIES): small in size; elevated at the back; mark of rosary in red, white or black; mark of mace. (auspicious) nGi) (iii) 21. @ Gi) Gii) Gy) ®) @ @ 72 black in colour; chakra at the navel; rosary at its side. black in colour. DAMODARA-MURTI (FIVE VARIETIES): large in size; grass-green in colour; chakra at the centre; cluster of lines at the opening. (auspicious) large in size; blue black in colour or tawny; round and even chakras; large opening. black like rain-bearing cloud; lines in the central portion; mark of vana-mala. (wealth) green lines; an encircling line; lotus mark on the left side. Jarge and thick; two chakras; a small hole. (happiness) NARASIMHA-MURTI: SUDDHA-NARASIMHA (TEN VARIETIES): well-formed fangs; large chakra. Gi) ii) dy) @) wi) (vii) bright like a lion; opening like lion's mouth; large chakra; wide opening with fangs. (suitable for ascetics) multi-coloured or tawny; wide opening; marked tangs. (suitable for renunciants) tawny, golden-hued or red in colour; round opening with fangs; fat at the centre; well formed chakras; slender lines; clear uneven chakras. (victory and liberation) round in shape; tawny in colour; gaping mouth; chakra and spot on the left side. (causes unhappiness for householders) split opening; many holes; well- formed fangs; mark of golden garment. (diseases) tawny-coloured; large chakra; three or five spots; upward- oriented fangs. (falfils desires) Salagrama Kosha(viii) lion-faced; opening like the (ix) & ) @ (i) hollow of a tree; excessively large in size; marks of noose, elephant-goad, mace and discus. (worldly prosperity and liberation) tawny-coloured; elongated opening; elongated chakra; and large belly. (suitable only for ascetics) tawny-coloured; curved fangs; large and curved opening; two large chakras inside, and fangs also inside; mark of vana-mala. (wordly welfare and wisdom) LAKSHMI-NARASIMHA- MURTI (FIVE VARIETIES): tawny-coloured; with no chakras or with large chakra; believed to be gold-giving. (suitable for celibates) large-size; elevated snout; tawny or multi coloured; wide opening; two chakras; fangs on the sides; cruel in aspect. (cruel; suitable for renunciants) (iii) (iv) w) © @ Gi) Gii) (iv) @ @ pacific in aspect; blue in colour, or black like collyrium; round opening; even-numbered chakras; gold spots; two fangs. (suitable for all; eliminates fear) black-coloured; chakra on the left side. (prosperity and emancipation) tawny-coloured; large chakra, or a minute chakra inside the hole. (suitable for renunciants) UGRA-NARASIMHA-MURTI (FOUR VARIETIES): round in shape, like a ball of clay; round and wide opening, with fangs on the sides; deep hole. slightly fat; tawny-coloured; distorted opening; even fangs. thick lines tawny-coloured; long manes; red spots elevated on the right side; chakra at the bottom; wide opening and fangs; lines on the body OTHER FORMS : (NINE NUMBERS) Patala-narasimha: = multi- coloured; many chakras; many openings; many holes (suitable for ascetics)Gi) Gi) Gy) wy) vi) (vii) (viii) Vidyuj-jihva-narasimha : 74 Kukshi -narasimha : big-bellied; small face; indistinct chakras; small opening (suitable for forest-dwellers) Sarvato-mukha-narasimha : grey-coloured; gold streaks all round; many openings; seven chakras. (emancipation) ‘Yogananda-narasimha : tawny- coloured; three or five spots (prosperity and liberation) Adho-mukha-narasimha : round in shape; three openings (emancipation) Jvala-narasimha : two chakras, small holes; mark of vana-mala; another variety is tawny- coloured, with a large chakra and fangs at the sides of a hole. ‘Maha-jvala-narasimiha : large in size; blue-coloured or tawny; distorted opening (suitable only for ascetics) big one; elevated top; two openings; two chakras. (@overty) (ix) 23. @ Gi) (iii) Vibhishana-narasimha: elongated and large; bowl-like opening; elongated chakra. (ong suffering) NARA-MURTI of linseed flower colour; one chakra; rosary mark at the side. NARAYANA-MURTI: (FOUR VARIETIES) round in shape; clear stone; tawny-coloured; opening in front, elongated chakra; chakra at the opening or at the navel. (happiness) blue-black in colour; elevated chakra at the navel; a hole on the right side; cluster of lines (scratches) on the top of the opening; three lines in the centre; mark of mace; the middle of the chakra black-coloured. (special benefits) cool to touch ; chakra at the opening; surrounded by lines resembling the hooded snake (Adi-Sesha); mark of vana-mala. (wish-fulfilment) Salagrama Koshaoo) 25 @ Gi) Gi) sy round in shape and elevated; bright in aspect; chakra at the navel; three long lines. (wish-falfilment) LAKSHMI-NARAYANA- MURTI (FOURTEEN VARIETIES) small stone; round in shape; blue-black in colour; single aperture; four chakras; spots resembling banner, elephant- goad, vana-mala and Kaustubha- jewel (wish-fulfilment) cool to touch; lustrous; grass- green in colour; four minute chakras; mark of Garuda at the opening; smooth; marks of vana-mala, pafichayudha (conch-shell, discus, mace, lotus and sword). Sri-vatsa, and (quick benefits) round in shape; chakra on the left side; marks of banner, clephant-goad and Vajra (all accomplishments) with four chakras; or with a single chakra or no chakra at all; Salagrama Kosha ) (vi) (vii) marks of conch-shell, mace, lotus, kaustubha-jewel, vanamala; and mark of Lakshmi (wish-fulfilment) steady when placed, stable; depression at two places; four chakras; a large hole on the right side; marks of two vana-malas and parasol ; chakra in the centre. (most suitable for worship) with four chakras; two lines at the opening; marks of lotus, banner and elephant-goad (wish-fulfilment) round in shape; green in colour; four chakras; two white lines on the body; marks of a lotus and two chakras (prosperity and liberation) (viii) four chakras: one on top, another Gx) at the bottom and one each on the sides. smooth to touch; round in shape; small in size; black in colour; chakra in the centre; gold spots, four chakras and vana-mala marks on all sides. (prosperity and liberation) 75& (xi) (xii) multi-coloured or orange- coloured; four chakras; gold spots marks of pestle, sword, bow, conch-shell, discus, vana-mala and mace chakra in the centre; marks of mace, banner, vajra, elephant- goad and four lotuses. (xiii) round; size of a hen's egg; sky- blue in colour; bright like emerald; four, three or a single chakra, large aperture; gold spots; marks of vanamala, banner, Sri-vatsa; round chakra (health, long life and progeny) (xiv) round like a hen's egg; stable 26 @ 76 and steady; chakra in the centre; gold spots; marks of Sri-vatsa, Kaustubha and two vana-mialas. (progeny, prosperity and happiness) OTHER NARAYANA- MURTIS: (FIVE IN NUMBER) Vira-narayana : fair-coloured chakra; marks of discus, pestle, sword, conch-shell, mace and vana-mala. @ Gi) @v) w) 27 @ Gi) ii) (vy) ) Riipa-narayana : marks of strung bow in front; Maya-narayana : clear stone; charming in aspect; a fine aperture; chakra in the centre; marks of ear-rings and nose- studs; lines resembling garlands (all acomplishments) Sankara-narayana : Siva nabhi either on the right or on the left Siva-narayana : large in size; wide hole ; also Siva-nabhi, and a chakra. PADMANABHA-MURTI: (FIVE VARIETIES) : egg-shaped; round navel; minute chakras on both sides a chakra without filaments on top; and at the bottom another chakra with filaments. multi-coloured; many chakras rose-coloured; large chakra; navel like a lotus (removal of sorrows) éalled Ananta-padmanabha- mirti : marks of lotus on both sides of the chakra. Salagrama Kosha28 @ Gi) (iii) Gy) 29. @ PARASU-RAMA-MURTI : (FOUR VARIETIES) : slightly corpulent; multi- coloured or golden-hued, elongated aperture; a chakra at the navel; chakra on the right side and mark of bottle-axe on the left elevated and blue-black in colour; chakra at the navel, and mark of battle-axe black, white or red in colour; large aperture; a spot on the chakra; a large chakra on the right or left side; green mark of battle-axe; marks of fangs (suitable for kshattriyas) mark of battle-axe. (peace) PANCHA-JANYA-MURTI the chakra is right-oriented (dakshinavarta); may be white stone or black; marks of vana- mala on the body (worldly prosperity happiness) and Salagrama Kosha 30. Gi) 31. Gi) (iii) PITAMBARA-MURTI : (TWO VARIETIES) round in shape; smooth to touch; go-rochana colour; distinct chakras (sovereignty) round in shape; smooth to touch; multi-coloured; a chakra at the aperture. (happiness) PURUSHOTTAMA-MURTI (FIVE VARIETIES) : chakra at the aperture, with marks of noose and elephant- goad; or two chakras inside the aperture and the marks of noose and elephant-goad at the entrance; or a chakra either inside the aperture or outside and marks of noose and clephant-goad. shape of a jambu fruit; large aperture; elongated chakra; mark of bow on top golden-complexioned; in the middle of chakra also of the same hue; a large chakra on top. (auspicious) 7) wy) 32. @ Gi) iii) 33. @ Gi) (ii) 78 Purana-purushottama : round; scratches all over the stone; small hole at the back Ananda-purushottama : mark of a serpent with hoods (adi-Sesha) and a chakra on top of the stone. PUNDARIKA-MURTI: (THREE VARIETIES) Two eye-like marks on the sides or on top (charming all people) mark of lotus with many petals; copper-coloured. Vishtara-érava : Large and elongated chakra; two holes on the sides; many chakras; and mark of vana-mala. PRADYUMNA-MURTI : (THREE VARIETIES) elongated aperture; large chakra; mark of snuhi-flower (suitable for vaisyas) elongated stone; elevated; navel in depression; lines on the right side; minute chakra. green colour ; minute chakra; marks resembling mythical makara on sides. 34. Gi iii) (iy) w) wi) BALARAMA-MURTI : (EIGHT VARIETIES) a chakra with filaments on top and a chakra without filaments at the bottom dark blue in colour; round aperture; large chakra, and lotus- filaments in the centre of the chakra; marks of shield, vana- mala and plough-share (suitable for rulers) elongated and brilliant in aspect; large chakra; deep hole, marks of pestle and ploughshare (progeny, wealth) blue-lily like hue; lines resembling pestle at the bottom; and mark of plough-share; two chakras on the sides (progeny, wealth) white-coloured; butter-like spots; marks of pestle and plough-share; mark of vana-mala Sirapani-mirti : red-coloured; chakra at the aperture; or there may be no chakra. (auspicious) Salagrama Kosha(vii) Pralambaghna-mirti : coloured (viii) Bala-bhadra-murti : 35. @ Gi) (iii) 36. @) Gi) mixture of red and black; a single chakra at the aperture. (emancipation) ochre- coloured; large chakra. (progeny and wealth) BAHU-RUPI-MURTI: (THREE VARIETIES) large apertures on all sides; a large chakra inside an aperture (happiness) multi-coloured at the apertures and near the chakras (happiness) red-coloured or dirty white ; chakras inside the apertures and at the back; spots resembling lotus flowers. BUDDHA-MURTI : (TWO VARIETIES) : round stone; no chakras; a hole smooth to touch; two chakras inside an aperture; circular lines on the body 37. @ (ii) (iii) (iv) wy) (vi) MATSYA-MURTI : (SIX VARIETIES) elongated body; smooth; multi- coloured; two chakras in the centre of the aperture; lines on the left side; a single chakra on the tail portion; elongated ; multi-coloured; distinct chakra on the right side; mark of fish on the left side elongated aperture; clear stone; two chakras; Sri-vatsa mark on the left side (auspicious) bronze coloured; shape like the face of a fish; three chakras; spot resembling Sri-vatsa. shape like the fish-face; two chakras; spot resembling sri- vatsa (happiness) smooth to touch ; large fangs, a spot of grivatsa or three spots, uneven chakra with a fang; marks of Sakti-linga, conch-shell and discus (happiness)38. @ Gi) (iii) 39. 40. @ 41. @ 80 MADHUSUDANA-MURTI : (THREE VARIETIES) stable when placed; brilliant in aspect; golden hued; single chakra (celebrity, welfare) stable and steady; red-coloured; clear stone (wealth and corns) black-coloured or honey- coloured; clear stone; MADHAVA-MURTI single chakra; marks of vana- mala and lotus. (happiness) MUKUNDA-MURTI six openings (emancipation) YAJNA-MURTI reddish hue; well-formed chakra, small aperture; to the right of the aperture mark of sacrificial ladles (sruk and sruva) and to the left, mark of conch- shell. 42. @ 43. @ @ Gi) (ii) Gy) w) wi) YAJNA-VARAHA-MURTI : small and round RAMA-MURTI: (SIX VARIETIES) Sri-rama-miirti : round; blue-lily colour; lustrous; minute chakras at the navel; small navel; mark of bow on the left side elevation at the back; blue-black colour; mark of Garuda at the aperture; two lines resembling a bow; bow-like marks on both sides large in size; chakra at the navel; many holes; lines resembling bow and arrow; long spots. elongated; elevated on the front side; wish-fulfilling tree (kalpa- vtksha) and parasol. jambi fruit shaped; black colour; two chakras; holes and spots; marks of makara-ear- pieces; lines resembling bow and arrow in golden streaks, and quiver colour of blue-lily; spots; lotus- marks, marks of bow, battle-axe and plough-share Salagrama Kosha) @ Gi) ii) 0) w) © @ SITARAMA-MURTI: (FIVE VARIETIES) : single chakra : on right and left sides mark of quiver egg-shaped; chakra at the bottom; even chakras near the aperture; marks of ear-rings and wish-fulfilling tree (kalpa- vrksha); shape like hen's egg; blue-black in colour; chakras on top; four chakras near two apertures; marks of bow, arrow, vana-mala and quiver. four chakras in front or near the aperture; marks of bow, arrow, elephant-goad, banner, parasol fly-whisk and vana-mala. four chakras near two apertures; one chakra on the left side; marks of bow, arrow, vana-mala. and quiver blue or yellow in colour; six chakras; three lines; marks of the weapons on one side, and marks of discus and kalpa-vrksha on the other. Salagrama Kosha @ Gi) @ Gi) Gi) Gy) w) PATTABHI-RAMA-MURTI : chakra on top; marks of bow and arrow; two chakras, and marks of wish-fulfilling tree (kalpa- vrksha) by their side three apertures in front; a chakra on the side; marks of bow and arrow; wish-fulfilling tree. OTHER FORMS (NINE IN NUMBER) : Bala-rama-mirti : egg shaped elevated at bottom; tortoise- shaped chakra, or five chakras; five lines at the bottom; mark of bow, below which is the mark of eight-petalled lotus; beside it marks of bow and arrow Vira-rama-mirti : chakra with five filaments; marks of bow and arrow; marks of eight garlands, and ear-rings Vijaya-rama-mtrti : ferocious looking; chakra with red spots, marks of quiver, bow and arrow. Ananda-rama-mtrti : mark of plough-share on top: marks of bow and arrow. Kupita-rama-mtrti : black in colour; single chakra in front. 81(vi) Kodanda-rima-miirti : colour like dark clouds; mark of bow, circular in shape. (vii) Aranya-rama-mirti : marks like matted hair on top; marks of bow and arrow lines resembling garments of birch- bark (viii) Sita-viyukta-rama-miirti : marks 45 @ Gi) of bow, arrow and quiver; lines resembling dishevelled garlands. (Rama-mitrti : black in colour; if marks of bow and arrow, it is Sri-rama-mirti; if marks of battle-axe Parasu-rama-murti and if marks of ploughshare, it is Bala-réma-mirti) LAKSHMIPATI-MURTI round in shape; three apertures in front; one aperture at the back; chakra in the centre and spot; fine filaments; golden streaks on top VATAPATRA-SAYI-MURTI : round in shape; charming in aspect; sky-blue in colour round in shape; single chakra in aperture; mark of snake's hood @ @ Gi) (iii) Gv) @) wi) and lotus by its side; colour of milk's scum. VARAHA-MURTI : (EIGHT VARIETIES) : large in size; blue in colour; chakra at the opening; chakra on top; three lines; mark of Sakti (happiness and prosperity) smooth to touch; multi- coloured; large opening; round chakra; lines resembling boar's face elongated; blue-lily-like in colour; elongated aperture; distinct lines; chakra on left side; elevated at the back lines like a tail; mark of Garuda at the base; marks of Kaustubha- jewel (sovereignty, wealth and progeny) exceedingly smooth to touch; elevated in front; down-ward slant for the stone. (wealth) golden hue; line like a tail; chakra; marks of a boar's body;marks of Kaustubha-jewel at the bottom. (sovereignty) (vii) egg-shaped; chakra; elevated chakra at the back (emancipation) (viii) elevated; boar-faced; minute ) @) Gi) Gii) chakra; three spots; pointed like needle (immortality) BHU-VARAHA-MURTI : (THREE VARIETIES): black on top but yellowish below; snout like elephant-goad; chakra at the bottom; round whorl at the back; mark of Kaustubha; a single tusk-like line (landed property) round at the bottom; blue-black in colour; elongated aperture; chakra at the aperture; marks of parasol, fly-whisk and wish- fulfilling tree (wealth) smooth to touch; downward slant; distinct chakras; small holes; marks of tusks (lands) Salagrama Kosha © @) Gi) @ @ © @ 46 Gi) LAKSHMI-VARAHA-MURTI : (TWO VARIETIES) chakra on the right side, mark of vana-mala clear stone; broad snout; one tusk-like line; mark of vana- mala. YAJNA-VARAHA-MURTI : white and red colours; chakra on the aperture on the left side; marks of sacrificial ladles (sruk and sruva). (dharma) MAHA-VARAHA-MURTI : minute chakra. (wish-fulfilment) VAMANA-MURTI : (a) VAMANA-MURTI: (SIXTEEN VARIETIES) round in shape; steady in posture; bluish in hue; minute chakra; round navel; even lines in the chakra. round in shape; very small in size; spots; colour of linseed flower 83(iii) round in shape; smooth to touch; steady in posture; colour of kadamba; elongated aperture; distinct chakras; elongated navel; shape of jambt fruit. (suitable for householders) (iv) round in shape; blue in colour; round aperture; even chakras; lines of discus by the side of chakras (v) small in size; lustrous. (vi) well-formed chakras in the apertures; (vii) round in shape; smooth to touch, small chakra; small aperture; gold spots (wealth) (viii) tound in shape; small in size; aperture with spots; marks of ear-rings (ix) small in size; smooth to touch; black colour; well-formed chakras in the centre (suitable for householders) (x) elevated at the back, colour like linseed flower; indistinct chakras; (wish-fulfilment) 84 (xi) round in shape; small in size; colour of Kadamba; five lines (rare to obtain) (xii) round in shape; big belly; colour of rain-bearing clouds; minute chakras; mark of vana-mala (rare) (xiii) elongated stone; large chakra; marks of vana-mala and lotus- flower (wealth) (xiv) round in shape; small in size; gold spot (xvi) round in shape; stable and steady; yellow colour; even chakras, circular navel (health, wealth and happiness) DADHI-VAMANA-MURTI: (FIVE VARIETIES) ) (i) _ blue like sky or cloud; chakras at the opening; spots like drops of curds; marks of vana-mala and lotus flower. (ii) round in shape, small in size; blue black in colour or black; opening at the back or near the + Salagrama Koshaiii) (iv) w) © @ 48 @ Gi) back portion; chakra at the opening (wish-fulfilment) white spots around the opening (cattle-wealth, lands and wealth) round in shape; blue-black in colour; well-formed chakras; spots like drops of curds; line- marks of chakra Dadhi-vamana-gopala : chakra on top; spots like drops of curds. (removes poverty) HEMA-VAMANA-MURTI : round in shape; chakra on top; white spots; minute marks of éri- vatsa; marks like gold dust sprinkled at some places VASUDEVA-MURTI (SEVEN VARIETIES): white in colour; charming in aspect; even chakras at the aperture; chakras inside the aperture or at the navel white or fair-complexioned; even chakras at the aperture (wordly welfare and spiritual benefits) (iii) iv) wy) wi) 49 @ 50 @ 51 white and black mixed in colour; minute aperture; even chakras; marks of lotus flower at the sides (happiness) shape like an areca-nut; small in size; white colour on top; chakra at the bottom; even chakras at the aperture; spots on the body smooth to touch; white colour; scratches on the body. Santa-vasudeva-mirti : colour af blue lity; elongated aperture; chakras; lines resembling the hooded serpent (ananta or adi- Sesha). VISVAMBHARA-MURTI : twenty chakras (auspicious) VISVARUPA-MURTI: large; many chakras VISHNU-MURTI : (FIVE VARIETIES) green in colour or hue of lotus filament; broad aperture; large chakra; marks of conch-shell and lotus flower on the sides.di) Gi) dv) wy) 52 @ Gi) 86 black in colour; large chakra; mark of mace; depression at the bottom. (emancipation) elevated in front and depressed on top; smooth to touch; tawny- coloured ; chakra on the left side; wide opening (wealth, enjoyment) colour of vishnu-kranta-flower; mark of vana-mala; marks of pafichayudha (conch-shell, discus, lotus, mace and sword) black in colour; charming in aspect; large chakra: marks of mace and lotus flower. (emancipation) VISHVAKSENA-MURTI : (TWO VARIETIES): multi-coloured; single chakra at the aperture round in shape; two chakras at the aperture; mark of cudgel on the right side, and mace on the left (happiness) 53 @ Gi) 54 @ Gi) (iii) Gy) 9) wi) VAINATEYA MURTI: (TWO VARIETIES) marks like two wings; even chakras (elimination of poison) broad aperture; mark of water- vessel (kalasa) VAIKUNTHA-MURTI : (SIX VARIETIES): blue in colour; single chakra on the left side; mark of lotus flower above the opening. blue like sapphire; marks of lotus flower or foot; silver spots at the bottom black in colour; single chakra at the opening blue-black in colour; lotus mark inside the aperture; eight lines; marks of vana-mala. only the mark of a lotus flower. blue like sapphire; white colour at the aperture; single chakra; mark of guiija berry above the aperture; marks of lotus flower. Salagrama Kosha55 @ Gi Gi) 56 @ Gi) (iii) SIMSUMARA-MURTI : (THREE VARIETIES) elongated stone; small hole; a depression; single chakra at the bottom. Yoga-simgumara-mirti : colour a mixture of blue and white; on both sides of aperture chakra with filaments Sarva-yogigvara-SimSumara-miirti: round in shape; colour blue and. white mixed; two or twelve chakras. SIVA-NABHI-MURTI : (EIGHT VARIETIES) exceedingly smooth to touch; colour of kadamba flower; shaped like elephant's head; a long, thick line on top; marks in gold and yellow of matted hair; linga-like protuberance (property and emancipation) Gauri-Sivanabhi-mirti : round in shape; a hole on top; marks of horns. Vigvegvara-givanabhi-mitrti: large in size; mark of an arrow; Salagrama-sila. Salagrama Kosha 0) w) wi) (vii) Uma-paramesvara-mirti : round in shape; form of a linga; silver- coloured; shaped like cow's hoof-prints Aghora-fiva-nabhi-murti : red coloured; red lines resembling matted hair; mark of a crescent moon. (suitable only for ascetics) Sadyojata-Sivanabhi-mirti : gold spots, silver lines resembling matted hair; marks of crescent moon and Ganga; shaped like cow's hoof-prints (progeny) ‘Vamadeva-Sivanabhi-mtrti : red colour; gakti-linga; marks of crescent moon and matted hair; another miurti is tawny, blue or black in colour, with lines on both sides. It has yellow-lines resembling matted hair (auspicious for householders) (viii) Sankara-Siva-nabbi-nitirti : stone with two, three, four or five linga-like protuberances (attainment of divinity) 8757 @ Gi 58 @ Gi) SIVA-LINGA-MURTI : (TWO VARIETIES) shape of linga on top; marks of matted hair, sun and moon; a minute chakra on the bottom portion bottom shaped like tortoise- shell; linga form at the side; mark of cow's hoof-print (worldly welfare and spiritual progress) SESHA-MURTI: (FOUR VARIETIES) elongated stone; large; red- coloured; seven chakras; encircled by a mark resembling serpent's body (wealth, corns and happiness) blue, blue-black or tawny in colour; or all these colours mixed; well-formed chakras; an encircling line from back to top; also two, three, four or six lines, appearing to encircle the stone like snakes (wealth) Ananta-mirti : multi-coloured; line resembling snake encircling the body. (prosperity) (iy) 59 @ Gi) Gi) Gv) vy) Ananta-rlipa-mii multi- coloured; elongated aperture; chakra of honey-hue; many lines like snakes. (wish-fulfilment) SRI-DHARA-MURTI: (EIGHT VARIETIES) smooth to touch; broad at the bottom; small opening which is longish in shape; wide opening, spots like honey-drops; slightly longish on the left side; marks of Mandara and Sri-vatsa. somewhat round in shape, large; three chakras with marks of filaments; marks like necklace (all accomplishments) glass-like appearance; three spots; marks of vana-mala. narrow bottom; blue-black in colour; lotus mark in the centre of the chakra; five lines resembling the buds of sugandha-raja flower (Albrus precatorious); mark of vana- mi small in size; round in shape slight depression on top; ¢ minute chakra inside the depression. (wish-falfilment) Salagrama Kosh(vi) small in size; smooth belly (vii) depression on sides and bottom (suitable for worship), or on top; (unsuitable); deep-set chakra (happiness) (viii) grass-green in colour; opening with slightly uneven chakras; marks of vana-mala (prosperity) SREMURTI: (round in shape; large in size; colour mixture of white and black; round opening; two chakras; blue of Vaijayanti-mala; small snout mark (enticement of all) 61 SANKARSHANA-MURTI: (FOUR VARIETIES) marks of conch-shell, discus and mace @ ii) large in size; oval shaped; marks of lotus flower and discus; marks of ploughshare and filaments on the side. (auspicious) Salagrama Kosha (iii) Gy) a @ 63 @ Gi) (iii) two chakras conjoined; one side more than the other. (wish-falfilment) elongated; clear stone; red in colour; wide opening; large chakra (suitable for rulers) SATYAVIRA-SRAVA-MURTI: round in shape; spot on left side; greenish hued chakra, covering most of the stone. (all prosperity) SUDARSANA-MURTI : (SIX VARIETIES) single chakra on top; black in colour (removes all sins) shaped like a lotus-flower; a large chakra on top; spots like drops of honey; depressed navel. (suitable only for ascetics) chakra at the centre; many scratches (removes all sins) 89(iv) @) (vi) Gi) 65 @ round in shape or oval; two chakras below the opening; also spots excessively brilliant in aspect; single chakra (wards off accidents) Urdhva-chakra-sudarsana-mirti: tawny-colour; no apertures; chakra on top; ferocious in aspect. (suitable only for ascetics) HAMSA-MURTI : (TWO VARIETIES): mixture of blue and silver in colour; chakras; marks of lotus flower and bow. Parama-hamsa-mirti : round and elevated in shape; aperture; mark of sun on the right side of the chakra, and a round spot on the left. round (suitable for worship by all) HARI-MURTI (THREE VARIETIES) : charming in aspect; blue black in colour; small aperture; many chakras on the sides Gi) (iii) 66 @ Gi) (iii) Gv) (vy) 67 @ charming in aspect; blue black in colour ; small apetture; chakas (progeny, prosperity and happiness) slightly elevated; red coloured; wide opening; even chakras; two chakras on the sides HARI-HARA-MURTI (FIVE VARIETIES): Siva-nabhi on top as well as bottom (happiness and welfare) large chakra on top; indistinct chakra at the side (wish-fulfilment) smooth to touch; well-formed chakra on top as well as bottom (ordinary benefits) down-ward oriented stone; four chakras (death, disease, loss) chakras on top as well as bottom (poverty) HAYAGRIVA-MURTI : (EIGHT VARIETIES) shaped like an elephant-goad; mixture of red and green in colour; two chakras at theGi) Gi) Gv) w) (vi) opening; marks of rosary, lotus- flower and ear-rings. (wish-fulfilment) mark of an elephant-goad (happiness) shaped like the horse's head; mixture of red and green; two lines; many spots; marks of lotus flower, discus, rosary and book on the sides (eloquence) elevated bottom ; colour of gold and red mixed; elongated opening; sharp chakra; mark of lotus-flower with filaments at the opening (erudition) two chakras; line like elephant- goad (happiness) blue colour at the bottom; five lines; mark of elephant-goad; many spots; mark of head of horse and lotus-flower. (erudition and wealth) Salagrama Kosha (vii) colour of jambi-fruit. aperture shaped like elephant-goad; longish spot (happiness) (viii) chakra in the opening; shape of 68 @ Gi) iii) Gv) horse's head. (removes fears) HIRANYA-GARBHA-MURTI (SEVEN VARIETIES) : blue in colour; elongated opening; large chakra; circular lines on the body (worldly welfare and liberation) some with chakras (unsuitable for worship) and some without chakras (suitable) (emancipation) shaped like moon; large in size; blue in colour; without apertures; honey-hued navel. (wealth) Parameshthi-hiranya-garbha- mirti : white or green in colour; round aperture at the bottom; marks of lotus-flower and discus; filaments 1@w) (vi) (vii) 69 @ (i) Gi) (worldly welfare and emancipation) Pitamaha-mtrti: four openings; eight chakras; mark of banner. Padmasana-murti : a navel; rosary by its side; lines resembling lotus-flower and water-vessel (kamandalu) on the bottom portion (auspicious) Chaturmukha-mirti : two chakras in the centre; four lines on the side. HRSHIKESA-MURTI : (SIX VARIETIES) large in size; shaped like half or round moon; smooth to touch; bronze-coloured; apertures with chakras; mark of fortune (éri- rekha). (happiness) exceedingly smooth to touch; milk-coloured; wide opening on the right side blue in colour; aperture; large chakra; marks of vaijayanti-mala. irregular (heavenly happiness) (iv) (vy) (vi) 70 7 @ Gi) blue in colour; uneven chakras (celestial pleasures) shaped like half-moon; lustrous; large in size; chakra on top (greatly beneficial) charming in aspect; blue-black in colour; ten chakras; five depressions. HAIHAYA-MURTI : yellow and red colours on the outside or inside; chakra inside the opening; gold spots; marks of vajra and lotus flower on the right side. (all accomplishments) KSHIRABDHI-SAYANA- MURTI : (TWO VARIETIES) mark of conch-shell on the left side and of lotus-flower on the right (long life and health) black in colour; but blue like the neck of peacock at the opening; minute chakraoe a a a On Dwajasthamba of the temple in Tirumala CHAPTER TWO SAMKHA - THE SACRED CONCH - SHELL qd) Intimately associated with the Salagramas are the sacred conch-shells known as Samkhas, which are also geological and biological specimens of great antiquity. Like the Salagramas Salagrama Kosha which are ammonite fossils, the Samkhas are marine fossil remains of the large gastropods (stomach- footed), especially 'strombus gigas'. They are shells of bivalve mollusc (conchifera division of the molluscs). Molluscs are animals of the sea-shore, 93with soft bodies devoid of any bones but having hard shells. The gastropods crawl along on a broad foot (viz., 94 stomachs) carrying shells on their bodies; and into these shells they pull themselves when threatened. Different molluscs have different plans in making their shells, like the moon- shellscowry-shells, tooth-shells and ordinary bivalves (Lamelli-branchiata) like oysters. Conchifera (the spiral forms of conches) are characterized by prominent mussels (cavities), with conchi-spires on the outside. Since 1776, a separate discipline known as Conchology has grown for the study of conch-shells. In 1828, an instrument known as Conchometer was also designed to measure the spiral arrangements on the fossil-shell, the angles of the spire, and so on. Since antiquity these marine shells have been credited with mystic or occult power, even in Greece and Rome. The Greeks, for instance, are known to have held in great reverence conchites, resembling the fossil-shells (conches). The conch-shells have also been which were stones Spindle Shell (Tibila fusus) Salagrama KoshaCrown Conch (Melongena Corona) employed since ancient times as a martial instrument. The conch-shell is perforated at one end, and blown as a wind-instrument, as a horn or trumpet. The use of these shells to announce the commencement of an encounter on the battle-field has been mentioned in the great epic Mahabharata. In Bhagavad-gita, the loud roar of the conch-shells blown by the Pandava army is said to have unnerved the Kauravas (1, 19). The Romans and Salagrama Kosha Tritons are also recorded to have used the trumpet like the Indian heroes. They also had their own names given to their favourate conch-shells. Murex (Chicoreus Beauii) In Bhagavad-gita, we read that Krshna's conch-shell was named ‘Paficha-janya’, Arjuna's 'Deva-datta’, Bhima's ‘Paundra’, Yudhishthira's ‘Ananta-vijaya’, Nakula's 'Sughosha' and Sahadeva's 'Mani-pushpaka’ (1, 15-16). Each of the other prominent 95warriors (Dhrshtadyumna, Satyaki, Sikhandi, Drupada etc) had his own conch-shell trumpet. The loud sound from the conch-shell is described as 'ghosha’, 'Samkha-rava', or 'Samkha- svana'. In India, a conch-shell horn is regarded as one of the classical pentad of musical instruments (paficha- vadya) of folk character : horn (Sriga or kombu), kettle-drum (tammata), conch-shell trumpet (Samkha or davala), large drum (bheri), and bronze gong (jayaghanta or jagata). The conch-shell trumpet can be very melodic employed in processions and on auspicious occasions. There are two ways of blowing it : (1) dhamana or blowing by holding the perforated end directly to the lips, and (2) piirana or filling the air-current into the conch-shell through a small cavity in the shell (symphonic). and is The conch-shells in ancient maritime civilizations have also been used as containers of articles like oil and salt; the conch-shells have provided material and form for ornaments like bracelets and arm- bands (Samkha-valaya), ear-pieces (Samkha-patra), and necklace-beads (Samkha-mani). 96 The convolutions of the conch-shell (the spiral curves) have inspired a large number of designs and decorative notifs. In Rome, an architectural style was modelled after the shell-convolution: domed roof with semi-circular apse. The spiral forms in art and architecture have directly been taken from the conch- shell. Decorative design And in religious lore, especially in Buddhism, it is one of the eight auspicious signs (ashta-mangala), the other seven being a parasol (chhatra), vase (kalaa), flower (pushpa), the sacred knot (granthi), wheel (chakra), banner (patdka), and a pair of fish (mina). The conch-shell here symbolizes the dharma-teaching (dharma-Samkha), even as the parasol Salagrama KoshaOne of Ashta-mangala stands for the divine protection, vase for immortality, flower for mercy, knot for eternity, wheel for truth, and banner for victory. The form of the conch-shell is imitated in a particular hand-gesture (mudra) employed in classical dance as well as in ritualistic worship. It is known as 'Samkha-mudra', belonging to the 'samyuta' variety (where both the hands are used together). The right thumb is placed on the middle of the left palm, and the left thumb is raised in the sikhara-manner (like the superstructure on the sanctum in a temple), while the other four fingers of the left hand enfold the right thumb. The four fingers of the right hand are enclosed in the left fist, the tip of the right fore-ringer touching the tip of the upraised left thumb. The hand-posture resembles the conch-shell convolution (Samkhavarta). In the religious context, it symbolizes the presence of aconch which is dear to Vishnu. Salagrama Kosha 97Samkha in Indian mythology is also the name given to one of the nine treasures held by the god of wealth, Kubera. It represents a hundred billion (or 100,000 koti or crore). An attendant of Kubera is called Samkha- nidhi, and he is shown as a corpulent dwarf seated in an easy posture holding a conch-shell in one of his two hands. His companion is Padma-nidhi, who resembles Samkha- nidhi in all particulars except that he holds a lotus in his hand instead of conch-shell: Another attendant of Kubera bears the name Samkha-chiida (or Samkha-éitsha), which is also the name of a dragon (naga). 98 The conch-shell motif is employed for branding cows and buffaloes (Samkha-mudrankana). The branding seal is a small metallic plate carrying the cut-out design of a conch-shell (or of a discus, chakra), with a handle. It is as a curative device that branding is done, when the animals are ill. More often, the conch-shell is used for pouring out libations of water (Samkhodaka) before an icon; or for giving a ceremonial bath to a monarch (Samkha-snana). 2) The Sanskrit word 'Samkha' has the etymological meaning of pacifying the inauspicious (Sam, Unadi-sittra, 1, 104, 'samyati agubham asmat'). It is Salagrama KoshaSamkha-naga 99 Salagrama Kosha100 Salagrama Koshamost characteristically associated with Vishnu, and is one of the four ‘ayudhas' (literally ‘weapon’, but employed in the sense of whatever is held in the hand) usually found in his hands; the discus (chakra), the mace (gada) and the lotus (padma) being the other three. The conch held by Vishnu is named Paficha-janya, even as the discus in his hand is Sudarsana and the mace Kaumodaki. Among the other weapons in Vishnu's hands, the bow is called Sarga and the sword Nandaka. There is a legend which associates the conch-shell with Vishnu. The conch-shell is supposed to have appeared on earth from the bones of a demon called Samkha-chida. Owing to a curse from Radha (in Goloka), the chief of Krshna's attendants (parshada), whose name was Sudama, had to be born on the earth among mortals. He took the form of a mighty monster, who was lustrous and pompous. He, however, performed austerities in the Badari- hermitage on the Himalayan ranges, and obtained from Brahma the boon of an invincible armour (kavacha). The armour would without fail protect his life, until the armour was damaged, and the armour would be damaged only when the chastity of his spouse was violated. This was sufficient assurance and encouragement for the wicked titan, whose new name was Samkha-chtida, and he began tormenting the three worlds. No one knew how this formidable giant could be overcome; and even the gods were unable to encounter and contain his attacks. Salagrama KoshaThe story now gets linked up with Tulasi, who was, like Sudama, a resident of Goloka,Krshna's paradise), and like him, made to be bom on earth as a mortal by the curse of Radha. She had been born as the daughter of king Dharma-dhvaja and his consort Madhavi. But, unlike her friend Sudama, who had appeared on earth as Samkha-chiida, she was gentle and pious and exceedingly pretty. She was a fervent devotee of Vishnu and engaged in penances in the jungle- retreats. Samkha-chiida during his travels espied this charming damsel and fell in love with her. Tulasi also reciprocated the love, and they were married. They engaged themselves in amorous sport for a great length of time. It was then that the gods repaired to Vishnu with a request to destroy Samkha-chiida somehow, and save the words from his torments. Vishnu devised a plan, according to which Siva would engage the demon, and he himself would violate Tulasi's chastity when the demon was otherwise engaged; for the demon could not be hurt as long as his magical armour was intact, and it could not be damaged until his wife's chastity was violated. Vishnu presented a mighty spear (Sala) to Siva, to fight with the demon, and sent him to provoke the demon for an encounter. As Siva was fighting with Samkha-chida, Vishnu took the form of the demon and went to Tulasi, inviting her for amorous play. Tulasi, 102 Salagrama Koshanot realizing that it was not really her husband, yielded to him. Her chastity was thus lost, and immediately Siva was able to break the armour of Samkha-chiida into pieces, and kill him. Tulasi, when she discovered the fraud played on her, became grief- stricken, inconsolable, ‘Vishnu to become a stone for his hard- heartedness (‘pash&no bhava, yatah pashana-hrdayo hyasi’). Soon, she realized that it was Vishnu, her own Jord, and fell at his feet, imploring him to forgive her. Vishnu, asked her to leave her body and allow her spirit to ascend to Goloka; she would there become one with Lakshmi. Her body here would be transformed into a holy stream in the Himalayan ranges, and and cursed Vishnu would dwell in her bosom as S@lagrama- stones; her tresses of hair would become the sacred plant called Tulasi. The bones of her husband here, Samkha-chiida, would become the holy conch-shells of different types which would be employed in the worship of Vishnu. : aftatt: wage weaned zi FANART FT VTS BA We also read in texts like Salagrama-mitrti-lakshana-samgraha, that the Sadlagramas, the Dvaraka- stones, conch-shell and tulasi-leaves represent the presence of Vishnu alike: Ween A at sachet wig 7 geet wr ated een Salagrama Kosha 103This story, given in Brahma- vaivarta-purana (Prakrtikhanda), brings out the close relationship that obtains between the salagrama-stones, tulasi leaves and the conch-shell. There are slight variations in the story, as for instance, in Padma-purana, where Samkha-chtida and Tulasi become Jalandhara and Vida. But the involvement of Vishnu in the story is prominent, and the prohibition against the use of conch-shell in the worship of Siva is explained by the fight that Samkha-chtida had with Siva and the subsequent assassination of Samkha-chiida by Siva. The conch- shell is sacred for all other gods, and it especially signifies the presence of Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity. We read in the purana quoted above (Brahma-vaivarta, Prakrti-khanda, 18, 1-7): FRET FT Tae BTA aeret ered a tart tre we dehieret 3 vad wept fam vere aera vette ger a tia: wadely a: eae: eeafeTi vie einer aa: weer a1 wie wad cetera 104 The conch-shells are of many kinds, because the bones of Samkha- chiida's body were of many shapes. Water in the conch-shell is dear to all the gods (except Siva), and is extremely holy. Whoever is bathed with the water from the conch-shell has the merit of taking a bath in all Salagrama Koshasacred streams in the country. In the conch-shell dwells Vishnu, and wherever the conch-shell is, Vishnu too is there; and there resides Lakshmi, warding off all evil. This is also why the conch-shell which is used in worship is never placed on the unconsecrated ground. It is always kept on a special seat, known as 'samkhadhara’. It is usually a metallic tripod, round in shape, with a hollow on top to accommodate and hold the bottom portion of the conch- shell. It may have three or four legs (tripado va chatushpadah), lotus shaped (padmakaro) or triangular in shape (trikonah). @) Salagramas are prescribed to be bathed in water or milk from the conch-shell; and tulasi-leaves are then placed not only on the salagrama but on the conch-shell also. Before the worship of Vishnu begins, the conch- shell is duly installed (Samkha- sthapana) and after the main worship is over, the conch-shell also is worshipped (Samkharchana). The conch-shell is now waved three times jn front of the worshipped icon (gamkha-bhramana) in order to eradicate the ill-effects of the shadow of the icon (‘bimba-chhaya-dosha- Samkhadhara Salagrama Kosha 405pariharartham'). The conch-shell is filled with water, and the dhenu- mudra is assumed by the hands, while the eight-lettered mantra (om namo narayanaya', ashtakshara) is recited. The first waving should be from the feet of the icon to the crown (padadi- mukuta-paryanta), the second from the navel to the crown (nabhyadi- mukuta-paryanta), and the third from the heart to the crown (hrdyadi- mukuta-paryanta). The following verse is also uttered to signify that the water in the conch-shell (Samkha- tirtha) has now acquired beneficial curative and protective properties. Sar amy: fran: fear gat: weet SAMKHA-STHAPANA-VIDHI IN MERU-TANTRA fata vig Wor H dor: wre iey Tarrd 7 aft 7 aE PASH A rr Sftad gay fret TAT Te Mere F faced AAT UI aw Ptaeinsert Ts TT sinh Agena TOTTI aren feat eet Gat AR1I3 Tentehracant fae a AGA TaN ot Batt a Art age TASH ash wT wee ahifor evista The following excerpt describes the several sequences involved in the installation of the conch-shell during the worship-ritual. It is taken from Meru-tantra and a running translation also is appended. 106 Sree VreaearM TSS VMTN I Ht mvecqaca seq, Sere Sei seve 4 tan as ATEN Salagrama Koshaadiserees FA: Sa TEP SECRET: HAR Misa: TeRMNS| sera F aa: Stale fatty greener Fat: IRSA FAC A seregeeariad sfarcarrnta sereareatit Bet Feu"! qawscagent Si tat TAG! SEGA FAA APSA FSAI OM Te Sa Ta AST weet ot Sine yorTsarTA Ae Fe BST FS aT: WA Fe Way Te HTS FETAL Tt: PAA ALT TSAI Salagrama Koshafact Teer Wet Is AT So aeegen testis seer aT aetiss Fa BETTI B11 (it Sars STERTTGY A7:1)) Ger) The procedure for the installation of the conch-shell during the worship ritual which is itself a minor ritual is given in the texts like Meru-tantra. The procedure is more or less uniform in the several cultic traditions. After the installation of sacred pot (kalaSa-sthapana), the sacred conch- shell must be installed for purpose of worship. The procedure is called ' The conch-shell must be located to the right of the kalaga and to the left of the worshipper. ‘Samkha-sthapana’ (1) The earth (ground) must be sprinkled with consecrated water (argha-jala), and a mandala involving triangular, square and circular shapes must be drawn with matsya-mudra. While doing this, ‘astraya phat' is to be recited. The drawn is worshipped with sandal-paste 2) mandala @) 4 and flowers (gandha-pushpa); and then the area is protected with the utterance of ‘phat! after worshipping the agneya-corner of the mandala and the other directions with 'shadanga- mantra’. The conch-shell-seat (Samkhadhara) is then placed on the mandala. The conch-shell seat is a metallic one standing on three or four legs and circular, triangular or square in shape. It has a depression on top to receive the lower portion of the conch-shell. The mantra that is uttered while the seat is placed on the mandala takes this form ‘amuka (name of the diety is mentioned) devata- Samkhadharam sthapayami namah'. The conch-shell-seat is worshipped, along with the ten aspects (kalas) of fire in the circumambulatory order (pradakshinya-krama). ‘mam ram dharma-prada-daga- kalatmane vahni-mandalayam amuka- devata-Samkhadharaya namah'.The ten aspects of the fire are 'shadanga-mantra'; the twelve worshipped as follows: aspects of the solar deity (‘stryasya dvadaga-kalah’) are @ ~~ yam dhumrarchishe namah worshipped beginning with the Gi) ram tshmayai namah eastern direction and going in pradakshinya-order. Gii) lam jvalinyai namah @ kam bham tapinyai namah (iv) vam jvalinyai namah Gi) _kham vam tapinyai namah (vy) sam vishphuliiginyai namah (iii) gam pham dhumrayai namah (vi) sham su-Sriyai namah (iv) gham pam marichyai namah (vii) sam surapayai namah (vy) fam nam jvalinyai namah _ a (vi) cham dham ruchyai namah (viii) hum kapildyai namah (vii) chham dam sushumnayai namah ix) lam havya-vahayai namah @ wy ve (viii) jam tham bhogadayai namah @__ ksham kavya-vahayai namah (ix) jham tam vigvayai namah If one is unable to make these ten (x) fjiamnam_ bodhinyai namah rounds of worship separately, he may recite ‘vahner dhtimarchir adi dasa- kalatmane namah'. (xii) tham dam kshmayai namah (xi) tam dham dharinyai namah If, however, one is unable to recite the twelve mantras separately, he may recite 'stiryasya tapinyadi-dadasa- kalabhyo namah'. (5) Then the conch-shell is cleaned with water, reciting the mantra ‘phat’, and placed on the seat (adhara) meant for it, reciting ‘amuka-devata-Samkham (7) The seed-letters (matrka-varna) sthapayami-namab'. are then uttered in the reverse order, beginning with 'ksham', ‘ham’, 'sam' and so on, and ending with 'am'. (6) The conch-shell thus placed is worshipped, visualizing in it the six-angled figure of earth (shat- kona bhii-bimba), and mentally (8) The conch-shell is then filled with adoring the six angles with the pure water and worshipped with Salagrama Kosha 109sandal-paste, flower etc, reciting the mantra - ‘amuka-devata-Samkham amrtena plrayami namah' and ‘um sam kama- prada-shodaga-kalatmane chandra- mandalaya namah'. The sixteen aspects of the lunar orb mentioned here: @ am amrtayai namah Gi) am manadayai namah Gii) im ptishayai namah iv) im _ pushtyai namah (~) um _tushtyai namah (vi) tm ratyai namah dhrtyai namah SaSinyai namah (vii) rim (viii) sim Gx) km @ fm chandrikayai namah kantyai namah (xi) Em jyotsnayai namah (xii) aim Sriyai namah (xiii) om prityai namah (xiv) aum angadayai namah (xv) am ptrnayai namah (xvi) ah piirnamrtayai namah is unable to recite the mantras separately, he may recite ‘chandrasya-amrtadi-shodaga- kalabhyo nama’. If one 110 The idea is that the sixteen vowels representing the lunar-orb (chandra- mandala) symbolize the conch-shell, whereas the twelve groups of consonants representing the solar orb (sirya-mandala) symbolize the seat of the conch-shell (Samkhadhara). (9) Sandal-paste, flowers, conse crated rice, sesamum seeds, tips of kuga-grass and dirva-grass, and sarshapa are affered to the conch-shell (viz. placed on the conch-shell), and the tirtha is invoked from the solar orb with ankuga-mudra, reciting the following mantra: 'gange cha yamune chaiva godavari-sarasvati; narmade sindhu-kaveri jalesmin sannidhim kuru'. To confirm this invocation of all the sacred streams in the water contained in the conch-shell, ‘vaushat! is uttered, and flowers are put into this water. Galini-mudra is assumed and ‘vashat' is uttered; assuming the dhenu-mudra, the water is transformed into nectar (amrti-karana). Salagrama Kosha(10)The specific deity chosen for worship is then invoked to come out of the worshipper's heart and reside in the conch-shell; while assuming the mudras of avahana etc., the water in the conch shell is made wholesome (sakali- karana) by the shadanga-mantra, protected in all the directions by the astra-mantra, and covered by the kavacha-mantra. Finally, uttering 'vaushat', he looks at the conch-shell and assumes the Sankha-mudra, and then places flowers etc. on the conch-shell. He worships his chosen diety; covers the conch-shell with his right hand, assuming matsya- mudra and recites the mila- mantra eight times. @) The conch-shells that are worshi worthy are obtained on the sea coa: of Madras, Puri (Jagannathz Ramesvaram and Sri Lanka. Broad. there are two varieties : (1) those w: right-ward convolutic (dakshinavarta) and (2) those wi left-ward convolution (vamavarti The former are said to be rare, a are supposed to occur in two su varities (i) male (purusha), the conc shells which have thick and coar crust, and (ii) female (Samkhini), t conch-shells which have thinner a finer crust. The right-oriented conc shells called in Tamil 'valam-puri' a in Kannada 'bala-muri', are he exceedingly holy, and are themselv Dakshinavarta-Samkhaworshipped. chapter on Prabodhini-mahatmya) Varaha-purana (the tells us that water from this conch when sprinkled on one’s head and sipped will eliminate all sins. eferorer gare cpaoraigias Ter wears 7a pets fara dat: wt: WAI I camradsiae frat gI seh ARM J a: Fae we Stet 9 oat RES YI mrascterad TT aeemres wafers 1 eRromradgiaa wasn a fer Soh 4: WaeSe PT ARTI Te et WT Tees aeaha he feat PTI I GRR sateen: |) ctrmadsiges dy asrahey aarp Ot Tee TAT (onfeararer) The latter (viz. left-oriented ones) are more frequently found, as they occur abundantly on sandy beaches. There is also a third variety, known which are extremely rare in the Indian sea- as ganega-samkha, coasts. It is vermillion-hued on the 112 outer surface as well as in the inner, and has a very short tail-end (quite unlike the usual conch-shells). Because of its rarity, it is also very costly in the market. Its shape resembles the basic form of Ganapati, the elephant-headed deity with the curved trunk; and hence its name. There are conch-shells with different colours (varna) and the colours are related to the classes (jati) of the people in our society. Accordingly, there is a classification of conch-shells into the Brahmana- variety (which are white in colour, smooth in texture and light) the Kshatriya-variety (red-coloured, or brown-hued, heavy, rough and course), the Vaisya-variety (yellowish in hue, glossy, thick and light) and the Siidra-variety (dull gray or dark brown in colour, hard and heavy). This classification, however, is neither exhaustive nor accurate. The conch-shells that are available can never be accommodated in these four varieties. It is therefore more textual than actual. Most of the conch-shells are described as white (dhavala), some dazzling, some dull, some of mixed hue. But the preferred variety is milk- white (go-kshira-dhavala). Salagrama KoshaDakshinavarta-Samkha According to Skanda-purana, the sacred conch-shell must be dazzling. . white in colour, like cow's milk, and must have a long neck and broad. body; it must be long in the front portion. When blown, it should emit a long, loud and sonorous sound like *om'. On the back of it, there must be a long central line. The right- convoluted shell is meritorious. waa waaniat catty seer Teese Sear gery: Fiery: Tara: WT fame wag ws of aaa a Not all forms of conch-shell obtained from the sea are suitable to be used in worship. They are all bivalve shells (sambtika), and many occur in many colours. The wise folk will discern the acceptat characteristics (lakshana) in them. T good conch-shells are got only some places, and not everywhere the ocean. arr & fe ada vin ce WG SRRT AantfeagaT: A If Skanda-purana lauds the 1c oriented conch-shells, as accomplishing, amrad a fag wdfafersrry there are many texts like Samk kalpa, which claim that the rig oriented conch-shells are m auspicious and beneficent, cfarmadetaeg wer watt fassia Tgaht sade Tey cet: earreTand also that its worship will bring forth all benefits: aferorenteraRy Merete | FQ Sh gais Te cet: Fer aq The ‘ Skanda-purana (Setu- mahatmya section) eulogizes the seaside in Ramegvaram in the extreme South and the neighbouring coastal regions, where good conch- shells are obtained. The main stretch of the sea-cost for this purpose is said to be five yojanas. The text gives names to the conches obtained in different sites: Paundra, where the river Kaveri joins the sea, Ananta- vijaya in the eastern coast near Somanath, Mani-pushpa in Agni- tirtha to the west of Ramesvaram in the South, Su-ghosha in Samkha- tirtha in the region between the Vata (a collection of sixteen vata-trees in Vajra-mandala on the banks of the river Yamund) and the sea, Paficha- janya in Kuga-sthali (another name for Dvaraka, more particularly Chakra-tirtha), and Deva-datta in the region where the river Tamra-parni flows and the shrine to Sangamesvara is located. Of these varieties, the text says that Paficha-janya is the best. 114 wradent a sete: TAA I arnt waest 7 srdet yeriony PrP TT MSR TATA ary ees Tatas Wh afte ae aftigrat afoger: serac ear vredket yrriom AT TH a wat wats TRIE BE: FMT TTT arene fasion sath sarea ie 1 aot sat ar Sarah fampet yiast afsrryieadre ie | Aer UM Fea Saat: TTA aay weday was! “NSH Hari-vaméa (89, 15-17) associates Paficha-janya with Vishnu, because Krshna killed the whale-demon called Paficha-jana in the seas, and the conch- shells were formed out the bones of this demon (‘paficha-jane daitya- vigeshe bhavah paficha-janyah’; ‘paficha-jano nama daityah samudre timira-riipa sit; tad asthi-jatam' etc). Amara-Kosha gives Vishnu-samkha as the synonym of paficha-janya. Sometimes, the name Paficha-janya is Salagrama KoshaConch and Silver coverings studded with diamonds for the two upper hands of the main icon in the sanctum of Tirumala shrine given to a rare and freak formation of a conch-shell in which the cavity contains within it another smaller conch-shell attached it. A specimen preserved in the Chamundesvari- temple atop the hill in Mysore contains still another (third) conch- shell. All good gamkhas are said to be paficha-janyas, and the standard verse eulogizing a conch-shell is therefore : yo ater fae fayat St aint: weeds TEST Ty TH Salagrama Kosha The conch-shell is said to have the preserve of all the gods and goddesses: Brahma on the seat (amkha-pitha or Samkhadhara), Stirya in the middle of the conch-shell, and Chandra at the tip. On the right side of the conch-shell are seated Aditya, Varuna, Soma, Vayu and Agni. Samkha is presided over by the twin- gods Sun and Moon, and Varuna is its deity; at the back of the conch-shell is Prajapati, and in front the river- goddesses Ganga and Sarasvati (Vaikhanasagama). So even to look at 115sonch-shell, or to touch it, would an eradication of sins, like darkness appearing on sun-rise: ais wer wer vere fora: a Fz: TESS FIER Il eet aeo: St aac 31 FE SRT TT Fer RST SaAT AZT waheret seers: | i emote treats tl att veer aePaft AR raat wot eartaa, TISAI The bow before the conch-shell, holding it in the hand, and bathing the icon of Vishnu with water from the conch-shell, would secure endless merits Fer We RL yer TERA aod: aay ted Fer TEI Worship of Vishnu without the employment of conch-shell and without adoring it, would take away all the advantages of such worship; and this is the boon that Vishnu himself has bestolved on the conch- shell. Even before the worship of PANCHAJANYA in the temple atop the Chamundi-hills, MysoreVishnu commences, one should bow before the conch-shell and worship it briefly. This would secure the fulfilment of all desires and the obtainment of Vishnu's own realm. Vishnu must be bathed in water through the conch-shell. farce eb ws a: SrTafs Aa a agar Fare Ares viet g aid afi Sera Frage wad re Tet FEA wey fet req feeyyst SAT aed aerate famitderera: ata

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