Shaligram stones of Kaligandaki reach Ayodhya to make idols of Ram and Sita

Shaligrams is a special and holy stone. Two of such special stones brought from Kaliganadaki river of Nepal were transported to the Ram Mandirsite in Uttar Pradesh of India. The rare rocks will be utilised to make idols of Lord Ram and Sita. 

The stones were arrivedthere on Thursdaycovering a journey of nearly 500 kilometres over eight days to reach to the site from Nepal. These rocks reached Ayodhya from Nepal on two different trucks.One of the rocks weighs 26 tonnes while the other weighs 14 tonnes. The rocks believed to be formed 60 million years back were presented to the Shri Ram JanambhoomiTeerthKshetra Trust after special prayers.

Shaligrams are stones created from the fossilised shells of ancient sea creatures. They are primarily formed from fossilized ammonite, a mollusk that lived millions of years ago. They are considered to be a sacred object in Hinduism. Shaligram is black or dark brown in colour and are found in various shapes and sizes, each with its own unique markings that are considered to represent different aspects of Lord Vishnu.

Mostly found in riverbeds or banks of the Kali Gandaki, a tributary of the Gandaki River in Nepal, the Shaligram stone is revered by Hindu devotees as they believe it to be a representation of Lord Vishnu.