PALPA, Nov 12: The invaluable Shaligram shells found in the Kaligandaki river of Nepal are fast disappearing with people seeking the fossilized stones for religious and commercial use increasing by the day. 

The shells holding religious, cultural and scientific importance are found in a stretch from Mustang's Kagbeni to Devghat, which is now known as the 'Shaligram area'. 

The Hindus view Shaligram shells as an incarnated form of Hindu God Vishnu and are worshipped in temples and houses. The foreigners are starting to lend special focus on Shaligram and buying it more, said Surya Prasad Pokharel, a local of Kalighat of Rampur Municipality. 

The locals believe the Shaligram shells' components include minute particles of gold. They say the shells which used to be found in abundance are hard to find these days. A Shaligram shell is sold for Rs 200 to Rs 500 in the market. RSS 

 
• palpa
 
• shaligram
 
• disappering
 
• kaligandaki