The river Kantaki is regarded as equal to that of the Ganges. It was worshipped as Hiranyavathi in the Kirutha Yuga. The very name 'Hiranyam' denotes gold. There is no wonder that in this holy river, Vishnu and Siva in the form of Salagramam with golden rays are being produced. "Bruhath Sthothra Rathnakaram" is a very old and popular book in Sanskrit with authenticity. This is an unparalled book that describes the spiritual values of Salagramam, its various kinds and the mode in it has to be worshipped etc. Sri Narasimha Puranam, Sri Thathva Nidhi and Sri Vedhantha Rudhra Bashyam are the famous books that also speak highly and beautifully about the kinds of Salagramam , their divine values , the story of river Kantaki and when and why Lord Vishnu assumed the form of Salagramam.

Why Lord incarnated as Salagramam The ratio between the innocent and the wicked is not always the same. The index has been a changing factor. In the Thretha and Dhuvabhara yuga innocents(saadhus) were the majority ones. The wicked were the minority. This has become vice versa in this Kali Yuga i.e. the wicked and the criminals are the manority now. Admittedly the innocent has become a rare species. People are forced to think that it is foolish to be very innocent in this world of fraud and prejudice. Even those who have the inclination to worship god with Bhakthi would be tempted to commit evil acts. Only to alleviate the common man from these evils Vishnu has showed an easier way of worship. Worshipping through easy ways and thereby getting the benefits and finally to reach mukthi which is the main objective of our birth in this world.