Sakta Cult
(See India.) Salagrama, The: An Indian stone, credited with possessing magical properties, and worn as an amulet. This stone is black in colour, about the size of a billiard ball, and pierced with holes. It is said that it can only be found in the Gandaki, a river in Nepaul, which some believe rises at the foot of Vishnu, and others in the head of Siva. It is kept in a clean cloth, and often washed and perfumed by its fortunate owner. The water in which it has been dipped is supposed thereby to gain sin-expelling potency, and is therefore drunk and greatly valued. It possesses other occult powers, and is a necessary ingredient of the preparations of those about to die. The departing Hindu holds it in his hand, and believing in its powers has hope for the future, and dies peacefully.