Salagrama-Kosha (2 Volume Set)

Book Details:

• Title: Salagrama Kosha (2 Volumes, Illustrated)

• Author: Prof. S.K. Ramachandra Rao

• Publisher: Sri Satguru Publications

• Language: English

• Edition: 2009

• ISBN: 9788170309048

• Pages: 670 (Includes 48 Colour Illustrations + B/W Illustrations)

• Cover: Hardcover

• Dimensions: 25 cm x 19 cm

• Weight: 1.53 kg

About the Book:
Salagrama Kosha is a landmark two-volume encyclopedic study of Salagramas, sacred stones symbolizing Lord Vishnu, worshipped by Hindus across India. Written by the renowned scholar Prof. S.K. Ramachandra Rao, this work is the first of its kind—comprehensive, scholarly, and richly illustrated with rare color plates and black-and-white images.

Volume I delves deep into the mythological, ritualistic, and geological aspects of Salagramas. Drawing from rare Sanskrit manuscripts (some unpublished and part of the author’s personal collection), it provides detailed classifications, iconography, and the significance of various forms. The book includes verses from the Sri-Tattva-Nidhi—a royal manuscript from the Mysore palace—and features an appendix from Salagrama-Pariksa by Anupa-Simha, translated with permission from American scholar Krishna Dasa (Allan Aaron Shapiro).

Volume II expands into related sacred objects such as:

• Bana-linga (worship of Shiva),

• Sona-sila (sacred stones for Ganesha),

• Dhatu-patra and Yantras (for Devi worship),

• Worship accessories like Ghanta (bell), Sankha (conch), Arati (lamp), Rudraksha and Tulasi malas, and Pitha-asanas (pedestals).

Together, the volumes bridge mythology, ritual, art, and geology, offering a unique multidisciplinary approach. The work also counters several misconceptions surrounding Salagrama worship, including taboos about caste, gender, and ritual complexity.

About the Author:
Prof. S.K. Ramachandra Rao was a pioneering Indologist, philosopher, Sanskritist, and psychologist. Fluent in multiple Indian and classical languages, his academic output spans over 60 books in Kannada, Sanskrit, and English on Indian philosophy, iconography, Sri Vidya, and temple traditions. His contributions include the acclaimed Encyclopaedia of Indian Iconography, Agama Kosha, Sri Vidya Kosha, and commentaries on Buddhist classics.

Why This Book is Special:

• First comprehensive English reference on Salagramas

• Based on rare, unpublished manuscripts

• Includes historical and iconographical illustrations

• Debunks popular myths around Salagrama worship

• Valuable for devotees, scholars, Indologists, and collectors