शालिग्राम पूजा

Puja of Shri Shaligram Shilas

The Skanda Purana also says that shalagrama-shilas do not require installation. When one begins the worship of shalagrama-shila, however he should start with elaborate puja using all articles. The worship of shalagrama-shila is the best form of worship, better than the worship of the sun.

The Gautamiya Tantra says devotees should take the caranamrita mixed with Tulasi leaves from the shalagrama-shila in their hand and sip it, sprinkling the balance on their heads. If somebody refuses this caranamrita it is as if he has killed a brahmana. The Padma Purana explains that all those holy rivers awarding moksha, such as the Ganga, Godavari, and others, reside in the caranamrita of shalagrama-shila.

In the Sammohana Tantra it is written that shalagrama-shila should not be placed on the earth or ground and worshiped. The Shrimad Bhagavatam mentions that in the worship of shalagrama-shila it is unnecessary to call the Lord for worship or request Him to return His abode upon completion.

The Brihan-naradiya Purana warns that if one worships a shalagrama-shila and doesn't offer Tulasi leaves, then his house is considered equal to cremation ground. There Shri Narada Muni says it's impossible to explain the importance of Tulasi leaves in the worship of shalagrama-shila, as Tulasi is the most beloved consort of Hari in the form of shalagrama-shila.

In the Skanda Purana Lord Shiva tells Parvati that one who takes the caranamrita of shalagrama-shila destroys all sinful reactions at their roots, even the killing of a brahmana. Elsewhere the Skanda Purana states that by taking the remnants of foodstuffs offered to shalagrama-shila, one will get the result of performing many sacrifices.

Note:The worshipper of Shaligram must keep the leaves of Tulsi beside a Shaligram or it must be put in the pot in which grows the Tulsi plant because Shaligram without Tulsi is regarded incomplete, as described in scriptures.