A Shaligram β€” especially one with Sudarshana Chakra markings β€” is not just symbolic, but considered to be Lord Vishnu Himself.

πŸ“ Origin

Found only in the Gandaki River (Nepal), these are naturally occurring fossils of ancient marine creatures (ammonites).

The chakra (spiral/disc-like marks) that form on the Shaligram are naturally embedded β€” not man-made.

Chakra also signifies the wheel of time (Kala Chakra)