Types of shaligrams

Works of Hindu literature such as the Viramitrodaya, Chaturvarga-chintamani, Matsyasukta, Vaishvanara Samhita, Puranasamgraha, and the Pranatoshani Tantra refer to various types of shaligrams.^[1] These types are defined on the basis of shape, colour, the imprint of the Ammonoidea (ammonite) shell on the surface of the stone, an aperture through which the imprint can be seen and other distinct markings.

Shaligrams on a plate

The imprints resemble the Sudarshana Chakra, the discus of Vishnu. The aperture, known as the mukha, vadana or dvara, resembles an open mouth. The vanamala is one of the distinct markings. It is a white line in the body of the stone which resembles a garland.

A more detailed classification is provided in the Meru Tantra^[2] and in the book Shalagrama Kosha^[3] compiled by S. K. Ramachandra Rao from a manuscript named Shalagrama Pariksha written by a Telugu Brahmin named Anupasimha, and unpublished sections of the Sritattvanidhi dealing with shaligrams.

Description of types of shaligrams in Hindu literature and their significance.

Name	Features	Significance
Keshava	Marked with a single chakra, a vanamala and four bindus (circular markings present on the outer surface) of golden hue arranged like a square; Marked with a shankha (conch) and chakra on the lower middle portion.	Grants prosperity and fulfilment of all desires on being worshipped.
Hayagriva	Blue in colour at the top, shaped like an elephant goad or the head of a horse, marked with a linear mark present near the chakra and several bindus; Marked with five linear marks, other characteristics being the same before; Marked with a single chakra and a marking resembling a banner; Has both yellow and red colours on its surface, endowed with two chakras, marked with markings resembling ear-rings and gems on the sides, shaped like an elephant goad or lotus-bud; Shaped like a lotus-bud while the mukha shaped like the head of a horse, and marked with a marking resembling a rosary; Green in colour, marked with a single chakra, the left side is elevated like that of a kapinjala (grey francolin) bird.	Grants knowledge, prosperity and wordly enjoyment on being worshipped.
Paramesthin	Presence of a hole (which does not reach the other side of the stone, otherwise the stone would be unfit for worship) at the top, has a single chakra, marked with the markings resembling a lotus and several bindus; White in colour, has a single chakra and markings resembling a lotus, shaped like a snake's hood/pearl necklace/sphere, the top is perforated and hard; Reddish in colour, circular in shape with a single chakra and linear mark, perforated and hard; Round in shape, yellow in colour with a hole at the top; Red/white in colour while the top surface is yellowish and perforated, marked with a single chakra and markings resembling a lotus.	Grants enjoyment and liberation on being worshipped.
Hiranyagarbha	The colour is yellow like that of honey and slightly elongated in shape, has several golden linear marks on the body with a crystal-like glow and shaped like the round moon; Black in colour, round in shape, the vadana is glazed, marked with a single chakra and marking resembling the shrivatsa (a triangular mark on Vishnu's chest) on the top surface.	Grants prosperity and increase in progeny on being worshipped.
Chaturbhuja	The colour is blue like that of a rain cloud. It is round in shape and marked with four chakras.	Grants fearlessness on being worshipped.
Gadadhara	Circular in shape, yellow in colour, the chakra is situated towards the left, the middle part is marked with three linear marks, markings resembling a banner, a vajra and elephant-goad are present on it.
Narayana	Shyama (dark colour of lighter tone) in complexion, the chakra is situated at the middle portion, marked with a long linear mark, the right side is perforated; The vadana is situated at the middle of the body, within which lies the chakra at the front, endowed with markings resembling ornaments like ear-rings, bracelets and necklaces. Lakshminarayana: Endowed with a single vadana, four chakras and a vanamala; Circular in shape, the colour is yellow/blue like a fresh rain-cloud, the vadana is glazed and situated towards the left side within which lie four chakras, endowed with markings resembling a banner, a vajra and an elephant-goad, possesses vanamala, the top is raised and has some bindus on its surface. Naranarayana: The chakra is red while the body is green like the tamala tree with patches of golden colouration. Rupinarayana: Markings resembling pestle, gada (mace), shankha are present alongside a single chakra while another marking resembling a bow is situated near the vadana.	Grants all sorts of success on being worshipped. Grants enjoyment, liberation, fulfilment of all desires, four aims of human life (dharma, artha, kama, moksha), redemption from sins on being worshipped.
Madhava	With a colour similar to honey, marked with a gada and shankha, the chakra is situated at the middle and is glazed.	Grants liberation on being worshipped.
Govinda	Black in colour, lustrous in appearance, endowed with a single chakra alongside markings resembling a gada on that right side and that resembling a mountain on the left; Black in colour, not much large in size, the central portion is raised upwards, endowed with a large vadana marked with five chakras situated towards the left
Vishnu	Black in colour, possesses a large chakra, shaped like a gada, a linear mark is present on the top surface near the vadana.	Grants liberation on being worshipped.
Madhusudhana	Golden in colour with a lustrous appearance, has a single chakra and endowed with markings resembling a lotus and a shankha.	Destroys enemies on being worshipped.
Trivikrama	Shyama in colour, triangular in shape with shining appearance, has one or two chakras along with some bindus on the left-side and a linear mark on the right-side	Grants wealth on being worshipped.
Shridhara	The shape is as round like the kadamba flower, endowed with vanamala and five linear marks at the top surface and sides; Green in colour, round in shape with a flat upper surface, endowed with a single glazed chakra and markings resembling a lotus in the middle; Small in size, has two chakras and a vanamala; Glittering like a gem, endowed with a single chakra, vanamala, markings resembling a lotus/banner and another resembling an elephant-goad near the vadana.	Grants prosperity to householders on being worshipped.
Hrishikesha	Shaped like a half moon with a single chakra and also with markings resembling the hair of a boar.
Padmanabha	Reddish in colour, endowed with a semicircular chakra and markings resembling a lotus and hairs of a mane.	Causes poverty and sorrow, hence should not be worshipped.
Damodara	Big in size, the colour is as green as durva grass with a small chakra situated in the middle, a small vadana and a single yellowish linear mark in the middle; Endowed with two chakras and a cracked outer surface.	Grants auspiciousness on being worshipped.
Sudarshana	Green in colour with a lustrous appearance, the chakra and markings resembling a gada are situated on the left side while linear markings arranged like a lotus are found on the right side; Black in colour, shaped like a lotus, endowed with a single chakra, a large vadana and lowered middle portion.	Destroys all sins and grants results of all types of worship the on being worshipped.
Vasudeva	White in colour, endowed with a single or two chakras at the dvara.	Fulfills all desires on being worshipped.
Pradyumna	Yellow in colour, has a small chakra and markings resembling a makara on the sides and top surface, endowed with many holes; The colour is blue and has a small chakra and small mukha and many holes.	Grants prosperity and happiness to householders on being worshipped.
Aniruddha	Blue in colour, round in shape and glazed, has markings resembling a lotus at the top surface and three linear marks near the dvara; Black in colour with a beautifully shaped dvara and having a chakra near the centre, another on the sides and a small chakra at the top surface; Yellow in colour, round in shape.	Grants happiness to householders on being worshipped.
Purushottama	i) Golden in colour with a chakra at the middle portion and a bigger chakra at the front. ii) The colour is as yellow as the atasi flower and endowed with many bindus. iii) With mukhas on all directions (traditionally numbered to ten).	Increases prosperity and grants enjoyment and liberation on being worshipped.
Adhokshaja	Dark black in colour with patches of brown, circular in shape, endowed with a single chakra and red linear marks, maybe large or small in size.	Grants auspiciousness to worshippers on being worshipped.
Achyuta	Has four chakras on right and left sides and two red markings resembling ear-rings at the mukha, also marked with markings resembling shankha, gada, bow, arrow, pestle, banner, white umbrella and a red elephant-goad.
Upendra	Green in colour with a lustrous appearance, has a glazed body with one or more chakras on the sides.
Janardana	Has two dvaras; one on the eastern side and another on the western side, and four chakras; two on the top surface and other two in the middle.	Grants prosperity and destroys enemies on being worshipped.
Lakshmijanardana	The colour is blue with one dvara and four chakras.
Hari	Green in colour, round in shape with one mukha at the top, the lower portion is marked with bindus.	Fulfills all desires on being worshipped.
Ananta	i) Marked with markings resembling the hood of a snake, has 20 red chakras, 14 dvaras and many bindus, has different colours on its bod. ii) The colour is as blue as a rain-cloud, circular in shape, has 27 chakras.	Grants four aims of human life and results of all types of worship on being worshipped.
Yogeshvara	Has a lingam like structure on its top surface.	Grants redemption from the great sin of brahmahatya on being worshipped.
Pundarikaksha	Has markings resembling a pair of eyes/lotuses on the left or top surface or sides.	Can bring the entire world under control of the worshipper on being worshipped.
Chaturmukha	Has four linear marks on the sides, and two chakras on the middle portion of the body.
Yajnamurti	Has both yellow and red colours on its surface, with a small dvara and two chakras; one at the middle and other on the right side.
Dattatreya	i) Has white, red and black patches and markings resembling a rosary on the top surface. (Some versions state red and yellow colours)
Shishumara	Long in shape, with a deep triangular opening and having one or two chakras on the front side and another on the back side.	Grants all sorts of success on being worshipped.
Hamsa	Shaped like a bow having both blue and white colours on its surface and has a chakra and markings resembling a lotus	Grants only salvation on being worshipped.
Parahamsa	The colour is blue like the throat of a peacock, with a glazed body and round dvara within which lies a single chakra and a glittering patch resembling the sun on the right side of the chakra. There are also two linear marks forming the shape of a boar on the body.	Grants four aims of human life on being worshipped.
Lakshmipati	Black in colour while the sides or the front portion is blue like a peacock's throat, has a small chakra and large vadana	Grants prosperity and wealth on being worshipped.
Garudadhvajalakshmipati	Round in shape, has golden marks resembling horns and hoofs on the body and a smooth chakra with black linear marks on it.
Batapatrashayin	Round in shape with white, copper-red and blue colours on its surface, has a single vadana in the middle, four chakras and three bindus, markings resembling a shankha and a lotus lie to the left and right side of the chakra respectively.
Vishvambhara	Has 20 chakras on the body.
Vishvarupa	Circular in shape, has one or five dvaras and many chakras.	Bestows children and grandchildren on being worshipped.
Pitambara	Round like the udder of a cow or a human breast, has a single chakra.	Grants happiness on being worshipped.
Chakrapani	Round in shape and glazed, with a small chakra and many other prints.
Saptavirashrava	Round in shape with a small chakra and several golden bindus all over the body.	Increases all sorts of prosperity on being worshipped.
Jagadyoni	A single red chakra is present within the dvara.	Grants auspiciousness on being worshipped.
Bahurupin	With multiple mukhas and single chakra alongside markings resembling a shankha present inside.	Grants salvation on being worshipped.
Harihara	Has four dvaras and two chakras with a shivanabhi (a special form of shivalinga) like structure on its top surface.	Grants prosperity and happiness on being worshipped.
Svayambhu	Blue in colour with a long and big mukha, and having the body encircled by linear marks.	Grants only salvation on being worshipped.
Shivanarayana	Has two mukhas and chakras.	Destroys wealth, property and progeny, hence should not be worshipped.
Shankaranarayana	Has a shivanabhi like structure either sideways or left side or right side.
Pitamaha	Has four different dvaras with a chakra in each of them.
Naramurti	The colour is yellow like the atasi flower with markings resembling a sacred thread on the sides.
Shesha	Printed with linear marks forming the coiled body of a snake. Although red in colour, it is not considered inauspicious.
Pralambaghna	Red in colour with the markings resembling the coiled body and hood of a snake.	Causes death, hence should not be worshipped.
Suryamurti	Has 12 different chakras either on the body surface or inside the dvara.	Destroys illnesses on being worshipped.
Haiheya	Has one mukha and multiple markings resembling hoods, out of which two are found on the right side of the dvara, shaped like a lotus petal with a golden mark resembling an arc.	Grants all sorts of success on being worshipped.
Vishnupanjara	Printed with several linear marks.
Garuda	i) Shaped like a lotus with three marks one above the other the central line being longer, has four chakras. ii) Printed with markings resembling a pair of wings and having two, three or four golden linear marks on his body, green, blue or white in colour.	Destroys all sins on being worshipped.
Matsya	i) Elongated in shape, the colour is like gold/bell-metal, and marked with three bindus. ii) Elonhated in shape resembling a fish, green in colour with crystal-like glow, endowed with two chakras at the middle portion and three bindus. iii) Has three elongated dvaras each possessing a chakra while another chakra is situated at the posterior end shaped like the tail of a fish, the right side is shaped like a cart, the left side has a linear mark. iv) Has a long dvara at the right side, endowed with three bindus, a single chakra and markings resembling a shankha and lotus v) Shaped like a fish and has markings resembling an elongated fish	Grants enjoyment, liberation, fulfilment of all desires and auspiciousness on being worshipped.
Kurma	i) Shaped like a tortoise with the eastern side elevated. ii) Green in colour, round in shape resembling a tortoise, the top surface being elevated and endowed with red markings resembling Kaustubha, five circular markings resembling the sun and a chakra. iii) Endowed with structures resembling the feet of a bed on the sides. iv) Endowed with a single chakra, three golden bindus and markings resembling a shankha and a lotus. v) Elongated in shape with the mukha extending from left to right side, and endowed with five circular markings resembling the sun. vi) Triangular in shape like the inflorescence of a snuhi plant with chakras on both sides. vii) Round in shape resembling a tortoise, has both blue and red colours on its surface, has a long dvara and two chakras imprinted sideways at the middle portion of the body.	Fulfills all sorts of desires and increases progeny on being worshipped.
Varaha	i) Blue in colour, big in size, and printed with odd number of chakras and three linear marks. ii) Endowed with even number of chakras, of which at least one is situated on the right side, and vanamala. This last variety is called Lakshmi-Varaha.	Grants enjoyment and liberation on being worshipped.
Vamana	i) Round in shape like the kadamba flower, small in size and marked with five linear marks. ii) Small in size with glittering appearance, the shape is circular or triangular like the inflorescence of the snuhi flower, has a chakra on both top and bottom surface with markings resembling the Brahminy kite beside the chakra. iii) Not very small in size, has a single prominent glazedchakra at the centre. iv) The colour is yellow like the atasi flower with an elevated top surface, white bindus at the mukha and an indistinct chakra. v) The colour is blue like the rain-cloud, round like the bilva fruit or seeds of the jujube fruit in shape, has two chakras, a vanamala and a small mukha.This last variety is called Dadhivamana.	Grants fulfilment of all desires, happiness, prosperity; increase in property, progeny and wealth of householders on being worshipped.
Parashurama	Yellow or black in colour and marked with markings resembling an axe, has a chakra on either left or right side and markings resembling teeth, either at the top surface or on the sides.	Prevents untimely death on being worshipped.
Buddha	Has a very small mukha but without any chakra. It is also called Nivita (hidden) Buddha	Grants the ultimate position (parama pada) on being worshipped.
Kalki	i) The colour is black, has six chakras and markings resembling a sword/dagger over the mukha on the top surface. ii) Shaped like the face of a horse and marked with three chakras.	Destroys all evil caused by Kali Yuga on being worshipped.
Narasimha	Has a very large mukha, two chakras and linear marks resembling the mane of a lion. Kapilanarasimha: Has three or five bindus, two large chakras in the middle, prominent linear marks, teeth-like projections in the large mukha, circular in shape and tawny in colour like jaggery or lac. Lakshminarasimha: Has a large mukha, two chakras at the left side, three or five bindus and a vanamala. Vidarananarasimha: Has a very large mukha endowed with teeth-like projections and two chakras inside it. Sarvatomukhanarasimha: Golden in colour, has multiple mukhas and seven chakras. Patalanarasimha: Has multiple dvaras, multiple chakras (three at the dvara and ten at the sides) and multiple colours. Akashanarasimha: Has a large mukha and an elevated chakra in the middle. To be worshipped only by monks. Rakshasanarasimha: Golden in colour, has a large mukha and multiple holes. Jivanarasimha: Has two large mukhas, two chakras and an elevated front. Adhomukhanarasimha: Has three chakras, one inside, other on the top surface and another on the sides. Jvalanarasimha: Has a small mukha, two chakras and a vanamala. Mahanarasimha: Has two chakras and very beautiful, prominent linear marks.	Creates detachment in the mind of the worshipper on being worshipped. Grants liberation, victory in combat, fulfilment of all desires, redemption from sins on being worshipped by a celibate, otherwise causes difficulties and pain. Grants happiness, liberation and enjoyment to householders on being worshipped. Causes fear and inflammation of residence on not being worshipped by a celibate. Grants nectar of immortality to monks on being worshipped. 6. 7. Causes inflammation of residence, hence should not be worshipped. 8. Causes poverty, hence should not be worshipped. 9. Grants liberation on being worshipped. 10. Grants freedom from the world on being worshipped. 11.
Ramachandra	The colour is green like the durva grass, endowed with a single chakra, markings resembling a staff on the top surface and two linear marks on the sides. Ranarama : Neither too large nor too small in size, circular in shape, endowed with two chakras and markings resembling an arrow and a quiver. Rajarajeshwara : Neither too large nor too small in size, circular in shape, endowed with two or seven chakras and perforated with holes that appear to have been created by arrows, has markings resembling an umbrella, an arrow and a quiver. Sitarama : The colour is blue like a rain-cloud, has one or two dvaras, four chakras out of which one is situated at the left side, a vanamala and markings resembling a bow, an arrow, an elephant-goad, a banner, an umbrella and a chamara (fly-whisk made of yak-tail hair). Dashakanthakulantakarama : Oval in shape like a chicken's egg, green in colour, the top surface is elevated, has two linear marks at the dvara and a marking resembling a bow at the sides. Virarama : Has a glazed chakra appearing like a lotus filament and markings resembling a bow, an arrow, a quiver, an ear-ring and a garland. Vijayarama : Has a single chakra appearing like a lotus filament, endowed with red bindus, a gaping vadana and markings resembling a bow, an arrow and a quiver. Ramamurti : Has a single chakra within the vadana, black in colour. Dustarama : The colour is blue like a rain-cloud, has markings resembling a bow and an arrow on the top surface and that resembling hooves at the sides.	2. Grants wealth and kingship on being worshipped. 3. Grants victory and prosperity on being worshipped. 5. Grants prosperity on being worshipped. 7. Grants the ability to compose poetry on being worshipped.
Sankarshana	Red in colour, has two chakras joined with each other on the top side, the eastern side is perforated. Balabhadra : Marked with seven chakras. Balarama : Has five linear marks on the top side and markings resembling a bow and an arrow on the rear sides.	Grants happiness to householders on being worshipped. Grants children and grandchildren on being worshipped Grants progeny on being worshipped.
Krishna	i) Black in colour, endowed with a single chakra at the dvara and a vanamala. ii) Has yellow patches, the dvara is situated at the middle, the top surface resembles a tortoise shell, endowed with yellow bindus at the sides. Balakrisha : Has a long mukha and bindus on both top and bottom surface. Gopala: Deep black in colour, large in size, endowed with two chakras, a vanamala, triangular markings resembling shrivatsa, white teeth-like structure at the sides within the mukha resembling a smile. Madanagopala : A Gopala shila endowed with additional attributes - markings resembling full-bloomed lotuses on the sides, a garland and an ear-ring. Santanagopala : A Gopala shila whose mukha is shaped like a half-moon. Govardhanagopala : Circular in shape, the front portion is lowered, endowed with bindus of silvery hue alongside markings resembling a staff and a garland on the sides, another resembling a venu (flute) at the mukha and a long linear mark on the right side. Lakshmigopala : A Gopala shila which is oval in shape like a chicken's egg, endowed with markings resembling a venu, an ear-ring and a country plough. Kaliyamardana : The sides are large and endowed with golden linear marks and three small bindus. Syamantahari : The colour is white like the blade of a sword, has a large chakra, the top surface is endowed with a vanamala and triangular markings resembling shrivatsa. Chanuramardana : Green in colour with two red bindus, endowed with linear markings on both left and right sides, giving a resemblance to a fist. Kamsamardana: Blue in colour, having a different colour either at the front or on a rear side.	Grants wealth, crops, happiness and redemption from sins on being worshipped. Grants progeny and prosperity on being worshipped. Grants property, crops and wealth on being worshipped. Grants children, grandchildren, wealth and control over the world on being worshipped. Increases progeny on being worshipped. Grants fulfilment of all desires, destruction of all enemies, redemption from all sins, cattle and crops on being worshipped. Grants progeny, spouse, property, enjoyment and liberation on being worshipped. Grants destruction of enemies, progeny and wealth on being worshipped. Increases progeny and fame on being worshipped. Destroys all enemies on being worshipped.