A shaligram, or shaligrama shila, is a fossilized stone or ammonite collected from the riverbed or banks of the Kali Gandaki, a tributary of the Gandaki River in Nepal. It is considered a form of Vishnu within Hinduism. Shaligram stones are viewed primarily as manifestations of the Hindu god Vishnu, and they are believed to have an intrinsic consciousness of their own. Shaligrams come in a variety of shapes and titles, but they are always regarded as fortunate idols of Lord Vishnu. According to Hindu mythology, Lord Vishnu was cursed to become the shaligram stone for "betraying the chastity of the goddess Tulsi". The stone is considered to have divine powers and is seen as a symbol of good luck and prosperity. Shaligram stones are kept in homes and in temples, where they are treated as both living gods and active community members. They can be worshipped in individual residencies alongside temples, can be carried away from one place to another easily, and can be worshipped as long as the chakra inside it has not been broken or cracked. Worship of a shaligram shila requires only tulasi leaves and water poured from a Dakshinavarti Shankh (special conchshell) for ablution compared to traditional upacharas (articles of worship) whose number varies from five, 10, 16 to 18.