Shalgram Shilar Sandhane by Ashok Ray [Hardcover]

The Shaligram stone is considered to be the direct representation of Narayana (Vishnu) or symbolizes Narayana. This belief or tradition is deeply rooted among Hindus from the southern tip to the Himalayas. Therefore, this stone is essential for all ritualistic activities in Hinduism. The book extensively discusses the mystery of the origin of the Shaligram stone and its transformation into divinity. This book is divided into three parts - Travelogue, Scientific Analysis, and Shaligram Stone. In the first part, the author takes the reader on a journey to trace the origin of the Shaligram stone. The second part presents a detailed discussion on how ancient sediment layers gradually transformed into solid rock layers through various evolutions. The Himalayas have risen. The Gandaki river in Nepal, which is fed by the rock layers of the Himalayas, nurtures the Shaligram stone in its lap. This part also discusses which stones are worshiped and which are discarded, and why. In the Shaligram Stone part, the author has compiled the vast amount of stone definitions scattered in ancient scriptures and Puranas within the two covers and, in very fluent language, examined the characteristics and classification of the classical stones in the light of modern science to prove that this philosophical embodiment is not an expression of any emotional ecstasy, but is entirely scientific.