The renowned sage Bhrigu once ventured to the abode of Lord Shiva, wanting to consult him on an important spiritual matter. On reaching, he knocked the door of Shiva's residence. There was no reply. He knocked again, this time a little louder. No avail. The knocking turned to pounding and then to a desperate beating. Finally Shiva emerged, taking his own time. He had his wife Parvati on his left arm.

Obviously, the Great Lord had thought it fit to first complete his lovemaking with the goddess, rather than immediately divert his attention to the venerated ascetic. Incensed at the treatment meted out to him, the sage cursed Shiva that henceforth, since he was so fond of making love, he would be worshipped in the image of his organ of generation, rather than his anthropomorphic representation. Thus, to this day, Shiva is worshipped in the form of the male organ of procreation, often alone, and frequently conjoined with the corresponding female organ, which is sculpted as a receptacle to receive Shiva's seed.

This representation of Shiva is known as the lingam. The word lingam literally means a 'sign' or distinguishing mark. Thus says the Linga Purana: "The distinctive sign by which one can recognize the nature of something is called lingam."

There are variations on the birth of this symbol of Lord Shiva, some of which ascribe an esoteric and abstract origin to it. For example when Shiva is visualized as the intangible primordial Creative Power, the lingam is said to be his sign (symbol) which can be worshipped by his followers, who require a concrete entity to focus their prayers on. This stream of thought however does not negate the phallic connotations of the lingam. Its literal meaning as a distinguishing mark links these two interpretations. Consider a newborn male child. What is the sign which distinguishes its sex?

Thus, the phallus is the lingam, the symbol of Shiva's manhood, and of which the human organ is just a microcosmic reflection.

Another instructive legend describes why the lingam is believed to be one of the most potent emblems in Hindu ideals. It all started with Brahma and Vishnu, who were arguing over their relative supremacy. Their vain arguments were interrupted by a superluminous glow from a strange and blazing pillar, its shape reminiscent of the linga. Both of them sped towards this indescribable flaming light, which grew before their eyes into infinity, piercing the earth and extending through the heavens. Overwhelmed and terrified by the unfathomable vision, the two gods decided to seek the beginning and end of this burning immensity. Brahma taking the form of a swan flew upwards, and Vishnu dove down acquiring the shape of a boar. Both of the gods however, could not fathom the extent of this fiery column at either end, and returned exhausted and bewildered to the level they had started from. At that moment, the central part of the pillar split open and Shiva revealed himself in his full glory. Overawed, both Brahma and Vishnu bowed before him. Thunderous laughter, or the sound of AUM, issued from the pillar, filling the sky.

Primarily, the glowing, flaming linga was a pillar of fire, connecting heaven and earth. It had no end and no beginning, but it had direction, upwards, as does the earthly fire. In metaphysical terms, it was (is), the vertical axis which both holds apart and joins heaven and earth, dividing and uniting them at the same time, an apt symbol of cosmic integrity. Like the Tree of Life, it is both the foundation and support that ensures equilibrium between heaven and earth.

In Vedic hymns, Rudra (an epithet for Shiva) is identified with Agni, who in these sacred texts is deified as the carrier of the sacrificial offerings to the gods for whom they are intended. Hence, Agni is the mediator between men and gods, and acts as a metaphysical bridge between the two, just like the cosmic linga. A pertinent observation here is that every creative process is accompanied by the generation of heat. Indeed the sexual act is nothing but the offering of the seed of life into the sacred fire of love. Hence, Agni, the God of Fire, is eminently suited as a metaphoric emblem of the tejas (creative heat) of Shiva, both metaphysically and physically.

A typical Shaivite shrine has dharapatra above the linga, with a serpent parasol behind.

In this context it is interesting to note that in temples where the linga is worshipped, there is often a conical pot (Skt. Dharapatra), kept hanging over it. At the bottom of this vessel is a small hole, from which water drips continuously. The idea is to cool the 'fiery' linga. In the shrine, Shiva is eternally in embrace of the goddess. By entering the sacred enclosure we are, in a sense, interrupting his amours. Thus water is poured to stifle the hotheaded god's temper. Shiva is Bhairava (quick-tempered), but he is also Ashutosh (One who calms down quickly). Indeed, a devotee needs to calm his god before asking for favors.

Another description of the origin of the lingam gives a more sensuous portrayal. According to this view, there once lived in a forest, a group of hermits with their wives. At some point of time, Shiva ventured their way, resplendent in his naked glory. The virtuous wives, the very epitomes of chastity, lost all their moral qualms, and went berserk with desire at the sight of his tempting body. In addition to their restraint, they also shed their inhibitions, ornaments, and clothes, and embraced this naked stranger in a wild, uncontrolled frenzy.

In one version, the forest sages gave a similar curse to Shiva as Bhrigu above. A second source says that naturally angered by this unabashed display of passion by their better halves, they snatched out Shiva's phallus and threw it on the ground. In a sacred twist to the tale, it is believed that it broke into twelve pieces when it struck the earth, and at each of the spots a pilgrimage center sprung up. These twelve sacred sites are today known as the 'Twelve Jyotirlingas,' and are important destinations in the itinerary of a Shaivite pilgrim. The word jyotirlinga itself means a 'linga of light,' thus further cementing the association of Shiva's phallus with the cosmic pillar of light.

Yet another legend says that the severed linga of Shiva proved to be proverbially too hot to handle. Falling to the ground, it did not come to rest, but moved about, burning anything and everything that came in its way. Even the combined efforts of all the gods could not restrain its fierce fieriness. Finally it was Mother Earth, whom the linga penetrated, who managed to quench it inside her womb.

Nepal: Ithyphallic Shiva, 17th Century, Kathmandu.

In this regard it must also be stressed here that though Shiva is visualized as an ithyphallic deity, his true message is not a licence to licentiousness.

According to Agehananda Bharati, Shiva's erect organ connotes the very opposite in this context. It stands for 'seminal retention,' and represents complete yogic control of the senses. Shiva's linga is always vertical, pointing upwards as the phallus of an accomplished yogi, with the semen (Sanskrit. virya) rising up, rather than discharging itself.

Here a parallel is drawn with the uncoiled energy of kundalini, which rises and climbs the length of its path. Indeed the vertical is the direction of the sacred; it is a symbol of ascent, pointing to heaven and transcendent regions. The spermatozoid substance when reabsorbed through sexual abstinence, nourishes the cerebral matter. Rising, according to yogic formula, through the subtle channels flanking the backbone, it renders the intellectual faculties more acute. The Yogi perceives sexual energy as though it were coiled up at the base of the spine, which is why it is called kundalini (coiled) and likened to a sleeping snake. When, by means of mental concentration, it awakens and unwinds its coils, it rises like a column of fire toward the zenith, toward the top of the skull and pierces it to reach the transcendent worlds. Shiva's liberated phallus represents this illuminating power rising heavenward beyond the material world. Thus is the linga likened to a pillar of light, guiding us to true knowledge.

The Two Images of Shiva

Images of Shiva are of two kinds: iconic (anthropomorphic) and aniconic. The former represents Shiva as a human being while the latter envisages an abstract origin for him. In this manner is Shiva different from other deities. The images of all other deities bestow only sensuous enjoyment since they are invariably represented in an anthropomorphic form, appealing solely to the sense organs. But Shiva grants both enjoyment and spiritual release. As an icon, he has the body of man, but in his aniconic form he is visualized as the cosmic pillar. Yet this pillar also evokes his phallus. As an abstract shape, the pillar symbolizes a purely conceptual reality that cannot be sensed in material terms. Visually however, the shape of the cylindrical pillar with a rounded top resembles that of the phallus. Also when the time came for Shiva to reveal himself to both Brahma and Vishnu, he did so in the form of a linga. Hence the linga is an object of the greatest sanctity, more sacred than any anthropomorphic image of Shiva. Not surprisingly thus, the innermost sanctuary of all Shiva temples is reserved for the linga, while the outer precincts of the sacred architecture may show him in his human form. Indeed, though his iconic images abound, no such image ever occupies the center of attention in a Shiva temple, this honor being reserved exclusively for his linga.

According to Stella Kramrisch, the linga of Shiva has three levels of signification, these are:

1). As a sign of Shiva: This is evident in the literary meaning of the word 'linga,' and also in the fact that the linga fell from Shiva's own body. Indeed, God resides in whatever is part of god.

2). The Linga as Phallus: This is depicted in the tale of the curse of sage Bhrigu, and Shiva's violation of the chaste wives of the ascetics in the forest.

3). The Linga as made up of cosmic substance: Established in the tale of the rivalry of Brahma and Vishnu.

In a different three-fold division, it is believed that the linga contains within itself all the three divinities making up the Indian trinity of Supreme Godhead, namely Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva. Brahma abides in the lower part that is hidden inside the earth. Vishnu occupies the middle portion of the linga that is covered by the pedestal, and finally there is Shiva, in the top portion that is visible above the pedestal.

The Shiva portion (Rudra-bhaga) is also known as 'puja-ansha,' or the part of the linga that is to be worshipped. The Vishnu part is identified with Devi ('yonis tu jagad-dhatri Vishnu-svarupini). The Rudra-bhaga is said to be masculine, Vishnu part feminine, and the Brahma part neuter. There is a logical framework behind this identification. Shiva's masculinity is obvious because of his phallic connotations, while Vishnu is often visualized as a woman in ancient mythology. This has its origin in the incident, when to deprive the demons of the nectar of immortality, Vishnu took on the form of a woman, aptly named Mohini (one who bewitches). Lastly Brahma, as the creator, represents that primordial unmanifest state which precedes all creation. In this archetypal state there is no perceptible duality, and no distinction of positive and negative forces. Only when there is a tendency to create does the first spark of duality appear in this undifferentiated stratum. This duality has the character of complementary poles of attraction, which is eventually manifested in the whole of creation by male and female characteristics. Hence Brahma, by virtue of preceding the duality inherent in creation, is non-dual, neither male, nor female.

Most commonly, in the sanctuaries where it is worshipped, the lingam is represented surrounded by the female organ of generation, the yoni. The yoni grasps the lingam, and indeed it is only when the phallus, the giver of semen, is surrounded by the yoni that procreation can take place. From the relation of linga and yoni, the whole world arises. Everything therefore bears the signature of the linga and the yoni. Each individual linga that enters a womb and procreates is a harbinger of divinity, and engaging in a sacred act.

Brahma has for his cognizance, the lotus. For Vishnu it is the discus; and Indra has his thunderbolt. But we ordinary mortals do not carry any of the distinguishing characteristics of these gods. On the other hand, each of us does have either a linga or a womb. Hence all creatures of this world are but a part of the composite image of the Shiva linga, grasped by the womb of the goddess.

Since the linga is shown to encompass the trinity (Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva) and also all creatures of the earth, it is safely logical to say that those ancient venerables who conceived of this awesome symbol were right in deducing that the entire living world, nay the entire universe, is a part of the lingam of Shiva.

Worship of the Linga

The sect of Shiva worshippers known as Lingayats are distinguishable by the miniature linga they wear on their bodies throughout their lives. It is kept in a silver receptacle hung around the neck, and is believed to act both as a protective talisman and an amulet to defeat negative influences.

Female Lingayat Virashaiva or layperson (linga banajiga) wearing a silver lingam casket (ayigalu) in modified egg form (gundgurdgi). Lingam caskets are also worn by men and women on the left arm or by a Lingayat Jangam priest on the top of the head under a cloth cap.

The Lingayata's are a unique community who do not believe in the caste system, and are known for their undiscriminating attitude towards all. Not surprisingly, a Lingayat woman menstruating continues to keep the linga on her body near her heart. This is in contrast to orthodox thought where women traditionally do not associate themselves with sacred imagery during their periods.

Shiva lingam with pilgrim's offerings.

The linga is indeed a great equalizer. Any ordinary devotee will testify to this who has seen worshippers, regardless of sex, caste, or creed, washing and pouring generous libations on the linga, while simultaneously caressing it intimately. Also, the linga is always installed at the ground level, while other anthropomorphic deities remain established at a height, beyond the reach of the ordinary worshipper.

The linga is not just the organ of generation, but a sign of the progenitor and the essence of cosmic manhood manifested in the microcosm. By worshipping it we are not merely deifying a physical organ, but recognizing a form that is both eternal and universal.

References and Further Reading

• Agrawala, Vasudeva S. Siva Mahadeva: Varanasi, 1984.
• Andrews, Tamra. A Dictionary of Nature Myths: Oxford, 2000.
• Bharati, Agehananda. The Tantric Tradition: London, 1970.
• Chatterjee, Gautam. Sacred Hindu Symbols. New Delhi, 2001.
• Cooper, J.C. An Illustrated Encyclopedia of Traditional Symbols: London, 1999.
• Danielou, Alain. Gods of Love and Ecstasy (The Traditions of Shiva and Dionysus): Vermont, 1992.
• Danielou, Alain. The Hindu Temple: Vermont, 2001.
• Danielou, Alain. The Myths and Gods of India: Vermont, 1991.
• Danielou, Alain. The Phallus: Vermont, 1995.
• Elgood, Heather. Hinduism and the Religious Arts: London, 1999.
• Gokhale, Namita. The Book of Shiva: New Delhi, 2001.
• Gupta, Shakti M. Shiva: Bombay, 1993.
• Kumar, Nitin. Shiva - The Sensuous Yogi, Newsletter of the Month
  at Exotic India: April 2002.
• Kramrisch, Stella. The Presence of Shiva: Delhi, 1988.
• Lysebeth, Andre Van. Tantra The Cult of the Feminine: Delhi, 2001.
• Maxwell, T.S. The Gods of Asia: New Delhi, 1997.
• Pattanaik , Devdutt. Shiva An Introduction: Mumbai, 2001.
• Parthasarathy, A. The Symbolism of Hindu Gods and Rituals: Mumbai, 2001.
• Rao, S.K. Ramachandra. Shiva-Kosha (Vol. I): Bangalore, 1998.
• Sahi, Jyoti. The Child and the Serpent (Reflections on Popular Indian Symbols): London, 1990.
• Tresidder, Jack. The Hutchinson Dictionary of Symbols: Oxford, 1997.
• Tucci, Giuseppe. Rati-Lila An Interpretation of the Tantric Imagery of the Temples of Nepal: Geneva, 1969.
• Walker, Benjamin. Hindu World: New Delhi, 1983.
• Untracht, Oppi. Traditional Jewelry of India: London, 1997.
• Zimmer, Heinrich. Myths and Symbols in Indian Art and Civilization: Delhi, 1990.

BLESSED BE WELL SAID
- jewel

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thank you. i think you've done a brilliant job in your discussion of the shiva lingam in hindu mythology. this article if both eloquent and thorough. the images are beautiful. i honor your knowledge and dedication and am gracious for your posting.

infinite pranams to you.
- mimi (megarre@hotmail.com)

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Hello. Some thoughts on the spiritual perversion mentioned. Shiva did not chose for his linga to be taken literally. It is a symbol and merely that. The yoni-linga union is very holy and it shouldn't be de sanctified by the soiled minds of outside observers. Shiva will curse them. The purpose of his linga being worshipped is so people can see the neverending love between shiv-parvat. People who are sick will never understand this and are doomed to hell eternally.
- Nicole

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This article on Linga worship is an attempt to justify the sexual perversion observed by Hindus, which in fact has no logic. This Linga worship leads many Hindus to blatant sexual perversion and hence cause of sexual explotation of many children, women and men.

A friend of mine was kidnapped when he was a child by Hinduz and held in captivity for twenty one days to satisfy the sexual perversion of Hindu divorcees. The poor guy is an emotional wreck thanks to the Hindu practice of Ling Pooja.

Being a Hindu myself, I strongly reject this part of the Hindu religious belief and hope that this practice will be forbidden as was the practice of Sati by Raja Ram Mohan Roye. Many thanks.
- Mukra Ji Hairo

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you dumb dick Rocky,

u are fucking brain dead or so used to eating ur own shit that you are omitting it out on blogs. I am christian, but I hate thoes epeople who go aroung mud slugging other's religion calling it disgusting. well, rocky, I have news for you and people like you, go fuck off.
sex is nothing wrong, if you have read bible, you ignorant fool that is, if you know to read, you ignorant fuck, you itny eeny meeny brain would ahve realized that songs of solomon talks abut sex.
- joy

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What I say is, please read the Holy bible and you all find all the answers to your questions, about the creation of the world, the love of the God and the life after death. don't follow blindly the the methodology's of Greek, ancient Egypt and any other form.it will led to astray and you are much confused in your life. I encourage you , just one time in your life please read the Bible and find what a wonderful plan the God made for you. God through Jesus Christ, call all human to reconcile to Him,God has made human in His form and because of the big error of Adam and Eve, human were separated from God in the garden of the Eden and Now the God 2000 years back, has send The Jesus Christ,to reconcile the human being to Him. the garden of Eden is still waiting for its lost occupants, so follow Jesus and through the word of God which is Holy Bible, there is away of the salvation and peace in mind and the everlasting hope and the bright future ahead, Please go to the way which is straight and the "way and life" is Jesus , Jesus says He is the door to the heaven and His love for all the human beings, whether they are Christian, hinds, Muslims or the bud dist. He love is same for all , He is always ready to welcome all the human being, He has created with His words. all human being for who He died on the cross and call everyone to come and find the salvation, which is the free gift of God and find the eternal life in the heaven.Jesus says, whoever believes in Him will never die, He will have the eternal life in him. please come and taste the wonderful experience of God loves as found in His Holy Bible. Faris Qazi
- faris qazi

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I think Anita, Monty and Baljeet the Turban head should rott in hell for disgracing my lord I wish them the very worst how dare they look @ my lord with disgust those stupid mortals if you dont beleive so be it you fools but we dont want to know about your empty thoughts you low lifez!
- HINDU

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This article claims some ridiculous things which uses perverted eyes to look at something very spiritual and deep in meaning. Absolutely rubbish article.
Find better ideas at
www.vedanet.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=107&Itemid=2.
thes perverted thoughts of the writier makes me sick.
- Anita

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penis & vagina worship. this is totally screwed up man. and to top it all they allow the children to do the same!!!!!. yuck!!!!.
- monty

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How ignorant an human become than this? you say that everyone should pray to somes dick or his idol in order to meet god? People who have been propagating this are fools, who not know that the only way to meet the holy Soul is by meditating NAAM [name] How stupid does it sound when you say you should pray to a lingam which has no spritual connection.

God is not in meterialistic things, neither he is in stones.

They talk about vedas, who wrote them, lets put them , how many hindus know about them, how many follow it? ill tell you none, because the people who wrote it never lead by example, who wrote the Bible? some deciples which was later manupilated ,, Quran was not written by Mohamed,, it was written 70 years after his death.

So which holy scripture was written by th eliving gurus and tell you about god and how to reac him.

You people are wise enough to know what i talking about.
- Baljeet singh (vodcaa@hotmail.com)

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These are just stories which is good for kids because they dont have any real heros or Guru's whom they can refer to as True.

how many millionn gods and goddesses are in Hinduism?

Plz dont take me wrong im not against Hinduism, but people who mislead others for there own benifits are treated as gods,,, why do pray to someone who wants to be called by others as god like vishnu, brahma, who always fought for power
like shiva for sex,

Ram who dint trust his wife, Krishna who had gopis around him?


Give a minute and listen to ur heart.
- akaal (vodkas@hotmail.com)

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For the shiva or hindu believer...please dont argue with those barbaric especially who is talking about lingam is dirty. As "OnewhosubmitshiswilltoGOD" talk about GOD Almighty has no form,no image hence no dick.no pussy bussiness i mean its us humans, have you learned your religious 100%? If yes, then you can walk in to learn about HINDU. Remember Christian Bible or Islam Quran are form of Rig-Veda. Go back to school and study back what is all about....
- Mac

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This is a fantastic description of the lingam cult, now I know a lot more about this theme.

THANK YOU your articles of hinduism and buddhism are SUPERB!
- Mirari

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Those who doubt the lingam as phallus should study the legend of Bhikshatana wherein Shiva takes on the disguise of an ash-smeared and naked mendicant to convert the Vedas to his worship. Unfortunately, their wives became impassioned by the sight thus enraging the Brahmins against him. His response, despite his immunity to their attacks and curses, was to tear off his own phallus and throw it at their feet, at the same time vanishing from sight. The phallus became the Shiva-Lingam which they revered, changing their worship practices.
- ian_ison

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Awesome article. Kept my interest whole time
- Shiva

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I have been observing people who while praying(atleast they feel its what they are doing) they close their eyes when inside a temple. there can be only two reasons1. they don't want to see what's in front of them or they think god is inside them/their mind. in both cases these jokers need not come in a temple.
Very shortly those who worship such things are only taking refuge in these acts to rationalise their guilt. Guilt from obsesion to sex and want to make others and them selves believe its ok to have sex. I am definitely not saying sex is not ok. But only trying to explain the abnormal thinking process of those who instead of doing the karma assigned to them. shred responsibility and take refuge behind "Bhasma/Incense sticks/ringing Bells etc. this discussion is un ending nothing will change.
- CGmenon

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world was created by lord shiva.they only have one god in the world that is lord shiva,mind it.....shiva is king of the god.OM NAMA SHIVAYA.............
- saran

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Exotic India Art,

Thank you for your compilation of fine information on Shivalinga.

Thanks also to Laura De Giorgio @ DeepTranceNow.com for having your link
for me to reach you.

There are many perspectives written in this feedback forum. They represent the great God in all of us. Through us & all things God operates in this infinite creation. Being directed to read your article by a series of events as everyone. This past year has been a highly transformative one.

The power that we call God has prepared a path for all of us. Some call it "their" creation but some are called by revelation to know things. The human understanding is greatly limited to it's bodily senses. Through these experiences we come to know greater things without the use of physical senses before death. A great blessing of divine proportion was received when seeking out the name Babaji, heard in mind.

Laura's site has a powerful A/V
presentation on MahaAvatar Babaji. After viewing it I was left with a state of bliss for 2-3 weeks. The only thoughts were of God the following days & nights.

Christ has come in dream and vision as well as the increase of spirit spoken about in Kings of Bible. For those who are experiencing the power of Shiva's transformative force you are invited to email me. For those also on the path, please love God with all your hearts & minds in things you see, feel, smell, taste, hear & do not. Your life will be transformed by the power of God as He reveals Himself through according to your love. Glory & Praise to God!!!

Love & Blessings Always...
- Ron

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Enligthenment, The highest attainment of the yogis in spiritual life is to transcend sexual energy to spritual world, called tantra the shiva and shakti.
the technique is called Kriyas (transformation of energy) I acknowleged the awesome article Makes me Realized thank you.
- Mackers

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Thank you very for the most informative article, Heart felt Thanks.

Thank you.
Venkat Sugguna.
- Venkat Sugguna

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Linga - the colourless, shapeless cylinder - is best considered as the representation of the Impersonal God _Brahman - who has no physical attributes, no shape, no organs etc.
- Joseph Vempeny (vempeny@hotmail.com)

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how to belive you guys?cruely kill jesus criest and later pray to him and now your are talking about bible.
- balan

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good work sudheesh,
- balan

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to all of you guy dont understand about god,you know what g for generate_o for organize_d for destroyer,that mean sisti, sree,samhara that what indu said.if you guy reverse god its become dog now you belive me god even inside dog.please wake up
- balan

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wow im glad i clicked onto this artical i personally am not hindu but do not beliive that the indea of the lingum is dirty how can someone say the idea of the lingum being male an female parts together be dirty i mean if those parts of us are so disgusting how can anyone have sex have children an how can we all exist if we did not hav those parts i love the idea of it being a statue of fire sperating yet joining heaven or moksha and earth am i right in calling heaven moksha ?? this site has been extremly helpful as im studing hinduism for my GCSE religious exam thank you again joanne xx
- jaonne

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well for your information, even Indian Kamasutra defines sex as something spiritual...as a yog!!!
- angel

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Agree to the fact that the world would have ceased from the time of Adam & Eve if the practice of sex as the Shiva Linga represents would have not been in existence. It is because of that that we all are here.
Secondly it is in the eyes of the worshipper, how he translates or sees the image of god.
Nothing in this world should be taken in negative view. There is importance of every matter. be it in Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, or any religion. Sex is not considered as unpious, then how can the shiva lingha be taken so.
- Rakesh

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The Shiva lingam and yoni is the best
of Hinduism. Do not let westerners
make u believe its an import of Africa
etc. you are foolish if u think the male
genitalia and female genatalia is dirty.
only a retarded person would think that way.
- Shankar

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Hinduism is really disgusting! Hindus worship Sexual organs, cow dung, animal urine, stone, mud and what not! Pornography can be best seen in any Hindu temple! Why dont we all turn to vedas and follow vedas?? these artificial sexual gods are created by Brahmins!! quit them brothers. its for our own good.
- Rocky (rocky@gmail.com)

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Lingam & Yoni

Lingam and Yoni are the male and female sexual organs respectively. Hindus are allowed to worship anything - including sexual organs. It is not nknown for them to name their children Shiva Lingam (God Shiva's sexual organ) or Rama Lingam (God Rama's sexual organ). In some place in Karnataka, the gods demand both males and demales to pray naked together.

People think...Is God a linga(pennis)? is God cow dung??

Just see what image u guys have made of GOD!!!? God is divine. He created me and you and this entire universe. He is eternal and has no shape nor size.....He is much more than cow dung and pennis


* Hindu Scriptures: "His form is not to be seen; no one sees Him with the eye." [Svetasvatara Upanishad 4:20]

* Hindu Scriptures: "The Formless Supreme Spirit that pervades the universe can have no material representation, likeness or image." -- (Yajur Veda 32:3.)

God has unlimited qualities for example Yajur Veda mantra 40/8 says God is everywhere, He has no shape. Upanishads says 'TAD SRISHTA TADNU PRAVISHT' means God created Universe & entered therein. All the four Vedas say about the God, in Yajur Veda chapter 32/3 "The Formless Supreme Spirit that pervades the universe can have no material representation, likeness or image." In Rig Veda Mandal 10 sukta 129 " God creates but nobody create God" and Rig Veda 5:1:81 says "Verily, great is the glory of the divine creator"


Do you want more of this sort???? Go back to your books and study them carefully........ask question with your priests or saints or the filthy BRAHMINS and try to find out the real meaning of life and GOD..

All the best to all.



- Tantrums

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BP, yes, sexuality has got something deeply spiritual, when it goes together with love.

But there is love without sexuality, too. It is the 'broader' one because it can be shared independently from gender.

Namaste*
HCJ
- HCJ

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How amusing that when sexuality is considered sacred, there's always a backlash against it being somehow dirty and unrestrained. I have yet to see anyone who truly considers the human body sacred to insult it with loathing and irresponsible sexual behaviour. Those are the true crimes against human nature--not taking responsibility and choosing hateful denial instead. It's the people who are obsessed with uncleanliness and wrongness and hatred against the body that commit the worst atrocities possible. True spirituality isn't about a war between Us And Them, whether it's soul/body, man/woman or my religion/your religion. It's about union and love.
- snowgrouse

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well said...put it on their face....hindusim is nuthin but science in its purest form....maybe the bible has disregarded that fact though...
- baskar

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First of all , its important to distinguish SHIVA from SHANKAR both are different. Entities.

SHIVA is the supreme soul formless, and symbolized with SHIVALINGA , that is why we recite om shiv parmatmay nanah and om shankarayeh namah .

The SHIVA is the creator ,and SHANKAR, BRAHMA and VISHNU are the creations. The black shivalinga symbolizes the universe and the three horizontal rows simbolizes BRahma, vishnu and Mahesha. The vertical line symbolizes the Supreme soul PARAM PITA PARMATMA SHIVA.

Unfortunately the lack of information and religious hierarchy in Hinduism, total freedom of interpretation of religion in Hinduism , and infinite sect and branches is helping to radicalize as more as possible our SANATAN DHARM.

- mayur

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I am thankful for the information. The energy and power and sanctity involved with such a divine symbol has been made clear in the article. Informative, It was indeed a blessing to read it today. We miss so much when we don't stop for a moment to breathe in deeply to digest knowledge. Thank you for your service. There is no reason to remain in a rain storm of ignorance so much is available to us if we only clear the fog that we may observe it, experience it, and implement this knowledge in the proper context, its full Divinity not only one aspect but all its aspects. The lower the middle and the top. Though Shiva, Vishnu and Bhrama are one they have individual characteristics. Glimmering with pure significance, Love, Distruction, sustenance ever present to instruct us about ourselves. What will we do with this Macro Cosmic message today? I found it enlightening...
- Maxiji

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thank u very much for this best site. i got best idea about it & good knoledge one's again thank u very much gieding me.
- ravi

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Hey guys ,shiva linga is not a male organ or donkey organ or dog organ......as you people think.
The concept of linga is absolute.That is... come out of your desk and see the horizan and the sky .You will see the shape of linga.
So waht is there is in that structure between the horizan and the sky?...Nothing right i.e vaccum or akaash or brahman or what ever name you give to it.
So linga is nothing but akasha.This is the exact meaning of linga and not any organ or pussy or ass is involved in it :-).
- sivhasudhan

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Wonderful and informative article.
Helps to understand my absorption in the male genitals. I truly worship Shiva linga.
- Bill

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In 21st century, purana should be interpreted logically rather than as a story form or literal meanings of its words. Hence all these conceptions and perception should be after scientific evaluation, should be reinterpreted. To quote a simli, "Kama" signifies "aspirations or desires" rather than sex alone as believed by common man. Similarly Lingum does not signify "Human Phallus" but an abstract form of formless God. Let us undergo reorientation couses to learn about significance of our mythology. You may kindly start these courses to dispel ignorance and spread truth.
- Dr.Chandra Prakash

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siva linga
- sebastjan

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Oh yeah?. Thanks but I don´t need a such a humanistic deitie like yours. A god that take revenge, suffer, punish innocents, make mistakes, repeant, and many other things that bible said. No Thanks. Please let me in my ignorance.
- Devadip

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Shivaling is not a phallic symbol although later traditions concoted stories to imply the same. Shivaling is a representation of the Absolute..the Ultimate...Brahman...the highest knowledge to be acquired.

What is the nature of the realisation that one acquires by following the path of Brahmashivaling?

Many people today, are searching for God for various reasons. They look everywhere for God without realising that the real search has to begin by looking within ourselves. He does not realise that God’s nature is pure existence, consciousness and bliss and that by pursuing the cause or nature of our own existence, we progress towards realising the infinite bliss of God.

On the other hand, the search for an external God by looking outside of oneself, never brings about a feeling of completeness and one is always left dissatisfied.

He does not possess the knowledge and insight of thought to understand that the search for God must necessarily be an inner process of realising the Self within.

At this point, he does not understand his own nature and cannot differentiate between his own mind and conscience and as a result of this he is confused and lost. He acts on impulse, identifying himself with the whims and fancies of his mind.

When one concentrates on the form of Brahmashivaling during prayer and meditation, we begin to understand more about our selves and can identify and differentiate the ways in which the mind and conscience functions. One realises that our desires belong to the mind while the inner feeling which points out what is right and wrong, arises from the conscience.
Thus one begins to have a clear understanding of the working of the mind and conscience and is no longer deluded by material attractions. When one clearly sees desires as belonging to the mind and ceases to identify oneself with the mind, our desires no longer control our actions. In this way, inner knowledge becomes the sword which cuts down the roots of material desires.

Once we have understood the working of the mind and conscience, we begin to sense an inner voice which speaks to us. This inner voice borne out of stillness lies beyond the realm of both the mind and conscience and it directs and guides us in every aspect of our life. It is ever-present, a serene inner guidance. This is the true self or the Atman which is divine and supreme, unaffected by anything around it.

Slowly one realises that this divine inner voice which guides us is non-different from the Self and that we ourselves is that inner voice or the Atman. This is the highest stage of enlightenment when one realises one’s blissful identity with the Atman and constantly remains enveloped in that state of realisation, ceasing to be affected by the external world.

It is this inner self or Atman which is externalised in the form of Brahma Shivaling which helps guide this process of realisation. The ancient Maharishis and saints arrived at the conclusion that the form of Shivaling represents the Absolute and that it serves as the path to self-realisation, like a mirror which helps us look within ourselves.

Thus by focusing our energies and concentration on the form of Shivaling, we begin our quest to look within ourselves to realise and understand God or the divine Self.
- Sudheesh

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I must correct my earlier posting on Shiva lingam and the Egyptian god Shu. It was Shu's son, Geb, who was the earth god attempting to couple with his sister-wife, the sky goddess Nut. His sex would appear to be in the form of mountains (Gebel in Arabic - straight from Geb + el - 'god') and pyramids. His jealous father, the air god Shu, forced the couple apart, allowing the plants and beasts to flourish. I think the two deities merged during the migration to India. Shu's sister-wife was the dew goddess Tefnut and she may have become Shri or Ganga.
- Ian Ison

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Wonderful article! I hope that this article touches everyone positively who has the spiritual understanding to realize that we are all part of God/Divine, and all parts of body are beautiful and sacred.
And besides... I love the lingam! :-)
Goddess bless you all...
May you grow in love and light!
- Tiffany

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rick, that who says lingam is ACTUALLY a model of the brain, should know that he who speaks without knowledge does has the brain of a lingam
- eshan

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as a parcticing, solo, tantric witch I am always surfing the net for knowledge and information regarding the subject. I have learned much about the hindu religion through this process. I must admit that I am impressed with the way this article was put together. very informative and detailed yet easy to follow. though my intent was to just skim the article (for any tantric value) i found myself drawn in to it and read it entirely. that don't happen every day. good job and thanks for the education.
- PraetorEN

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An interesting read. It's also interesting to see the conflicts of views on the origin of the Ling, and the apparent hostile reactions it invokes.

I felt the article was sufficiently justified with mythological and archealogical evidence, therefore kudos.
- aneeta

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The comments were almost more fun than the article!! A girl friend of mine(American) was unable to become pregnant and longed for children. Her meditation teacher from Orissa told her to put an Image (picture) of shivlinga on the headboard of her bed. Guess what? In nine months she had a healthy baby.
- Donna

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I am a Brahmin by Birth, I have seen many holy pilgrimage sites on the path of Bhakti. Inspite of my Hindu background, i would like to say

It is amazing how we continue to commit mistakes, in interpreting Knowledge presented to us. Just ask yourself this question, is it that, you have found this article interesting or is it that you already had a longing and had hoped that something like this would be true, thus cementing your belief as correct. Now that you find this article, you start making decisions in your life based on it as if you have found what you were looking for. This is human interpretation, how could GOD who says that there are 5 vices [Kaam=Lust, Krodh=Anger, Lobha=Greed, Moha=Attachment, Ahankara=Ego] that you should gain victory over, practice the same vice. You may say Sex is not Lust. I would say donot try to open the door to this demon, you will soon lose all sense and fail to recognise the difference.

And now, someone says sex has something deeply spiritual, how utter ignorance, just think about it, we are trying to mend the meanings just because it gives pleasure.

Try to understand, the scriptures and statues in the temples are symbolic. Signifying the decay in morality, they are shown in dark stone. Humans can attain divine virtues thru purity, all religions say this, but we comfortably try to avoid it because, it is simply not "pleasurable', those who say this have not experienced supersensous joy/pleasure. There is more to this world than being born, and creating dozens of offspring. Just spare a thought, this marvel of the body, mind and the soul, how they interrelate and what is our relation among ourselves, whom do we belong do and more.

OK, we have followed the same path of Sexuality as depicted in all these images, what has it brought us to, a point where there is total loss in moral values and ethics not to mention the crimes against women. To think that this is right is a basic question of judgment.

Look at the Dilwara Temples in Mt. Abu, they are carved in marble and of the most exquisite of temples you will ever find, there are open eyed yogis meditating and deities on the roof. that is such a wonderful representation, a possibility that humans with practice can infact become divine. why doesnt that appeal to us, because it is not what we want now.

Dear Friends, you will find many interpretations to this and many more scriptures, just use your own intellect and decide for yourself, what can make us a better human being. We have followed the same path for centuries and it has brought us to a moral bankruptcy, let us awaken and re-think our priorities. We need to do something different or atleast to start with alter our way of thinking, then it words and actions will fall into place.

Thanks for reading !

BP
- BP

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Look people, the article is correct. The lingam and yoni represent the penis and the vagina. They do not represent a pillar of flame or the brain and brain stem.

Ancient Indian artwork is full of sexual imagery. It's not just the lingam and the yoni. Ancient Trantra Hindu honors sexuality as something deeply spiritual and surrounded by ritual, but not necessarily monogomous. Sexuality is at the core of our animal existence, whether our 20th century Euro-centric Judeo-Christian parents have taught us to be ashamed of it or not. And as for the brain thing, I highly doubt that people even knew the brain HAD a stem when the OLDEST MAJOR WORLD RELIGION was being developed.

With all do respect Visions, I don't give a damn if the lingam represents a pillar of flame to you because you're just wrong. How typically ethnocentric. Shiva is represented in statues as dancing, surrounded by a circle of flame, to symbolize joy and ecstasy. The fire is a POSITIVE symbol. And here who you are comparing the lingam to the burning bush, a symbol of a YOUNGER WESTERN RELIGION, that also uses fire as a symbol of Hell and damnation. The snake is a positive symbol in Hinduism too. You want to tell me THAT represents evil because the serpent tempted Eve to eat the apple? What's the point in studying another religion if you're going to make everything cooperate with the ideals of your own? And as for unrestrained sexuality being the cause of human suffering, such as "wars, tradgedy, civil strife, etc." I haven't heard something so dumb since the last time I heard George W. Bush speak. Give me one example of unrestrained sexuality being the cause of a war?

Considering European slavery operated under the guise of educating and converting Africans to Christianity...considering the Crusades...considering the Salem Witch Trials...considering Hitler...considering the Islamic fundamentalist terrorists that haunt the world we live in today...I'd be willing to argue that organized religion and the ignorance that results from blind faith, coupled with greed, are much closer to the cause of human suffering.

So don't anyone else come around with any more bullshit arguments unless you're going to back them up with something historically sound.


- Luke

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