Hinduism uses the Shiva Linga, a potent symbol that symbolises Lord Shiva's heavenly power. It is a round-topped, cylindrical stone building that represents the cosmic pillar of fire. The essay examines the Shiva Linga's importance and its connection to truth (Satya). It emphasises the idea that realising the ultimate truth and attaining spiritual enlightenment are possible as a result of pure, devotional worship of the Shiva Linga.
The article explores many ceremonies and interpretations related to the Shiva Linga, demonstrating its rich symbolism in Hindu culture. Lord Shiva is among the most respected deities in Hinduism and is part of the ‘Trinity of Gods’ that includes Lord Vishnu and Lord Brahma. He is worshipped in both human form and a form known as Lingam. However, the devotees mostly worship Lord Shiva in the form of Linga or Lingam.
This representation of Shiva is most recognizable to Hindus for their worship and ritual is known as the lingam. The word lingam 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.” Taking from these Hindu beliefs, the Shiva Lingam referenced by metaphysical disciplines refers to a specific stone.
There is a mysterious or indescribable power (or Shakti) in the Linga. It is believed to induce concentration of the mind and help focus one's attention. That is why the ancient sages and seers of India prescribed Linga to be installed in the temples of Lord Shiva.
Narrated in the Shiva Purana, a legend describes why the lingam is believed to be one of the most potent emblems in Hindu ideals. It all started with Lord Brahma and Vishnu, who were debating over their relative supremacy. Their arguments were interrupted by a super luminous glow from a strange and blazing pillar, its shape was similar to the lingam.
Both of them sped towards this indescribable bright light, which grew before their eyes into infinity, piercing the earth and extending through the heavens. Overwhelmed and shocked by the mysterious vision, the two gods decided to seek the beginning and end of this burning immensity.
Brahma took the form of a swan flew upwards, and Vishnu dove down acquiring the shape of a boar. Both of the gods, however, could not understand the extent of this fiery column at either end and returned exhausted and confused. 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. It now became clear that the glowing, flaming lingam 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 that 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.
👉🏿 According to one view, there once lived in a forest, a group of hermits with their wives. At some point in time, Shiva ventured their way, resplendent in his naked glory. The noble wives, the very epitomes of chastity, lost all their moral reservations and went wild 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 Sage Bhrigu in the mythological context mentioned 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 lingam 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 lingam penetrated, who managed to quench it inside her womb. In this regard, it must also be stressed here that though Shiva is visualized as an ithyphallic deity, his true message is not a license to licentiousness. 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, 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 the yogic formula, through the subtle channels flanking the backbone, 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 utilizing 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.
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 all 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 lingam. Thus, the lingam 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 lingam, 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 is reserved exclusively for Shiva’s lingam.
Super Large Shiva Linga
Of all the Shiva Lingas in India, a few stand out as holding the most importance. The temple of Lord Mahalinga at Tiruvidaimarudur, known also as Madhyarjuna, is regarded as the great Shiva temple of South India.
🌀 Jyotir-lingas : Found in Kedarnath, Kashi Vishwanath, Somnath, Baijnath, Rameswar, Ghrusneswar, Bhimshankar, Mahakal, Mallikarjun, Amaleshwar, Nageshwar, and Tryambakeshwar.
🌀 Pancha-bhuta Lingas : Found in Kalahastishwar, Jambukeshwar, Arunachaleshwar, Ekambareshwar of Kanjivaram, and Nataraja of Chidambaram
Then there is also the Sphatika-linga which is made of quartz. It is prescribed for the deepest kind of worship of Lord Shiva. It has no color of its own but takes on the color of the substance which it comes in contact with. It represents the Nirguna Brahman, the attribute-less Supreme Self or the formless Shiva.
Shiva Lingas are traditionally crafted from a variety of materials, each imbued with specific qualities and believed to offer distinct spiritual benefits.
🌀 Stone Shiva Linga : The most common type, stone Lingas are carved from various rocks like granite, sandstone, or marble. They are considered durable and long-lasting, symbolizing the steadfast nature of the divine.
🌀 Sphatika (Crystal) Shiva Linga : Believed to possess exceptional purity and clarity, Sphatika Lingas are highly prized. They are said to amplify spiritual energy and facilitate meditation.
🌀 Marble Shiva Linga : Known for its elegance and smoothness, marble Lingas exude a sense of peace and tranquility. They are often adorned with intricate carvings.
🌀 Metal Shiva Linga : Made from metals like copper, brass, or gold, metal Lingas are believed to conduct energy efficiently. They are often used for specific rituals and purposes.
🌀 Wood Shiva Linga : Crafted from sacred woods like sandalwood or neem, wooden Lingas are considered temporary and are often used for specific occasions or rituals.
🌀 Clay Shiva Linga : Made from clay, these Lingas are typically created for worship during festivals or special occasions. They are considered to be more connected to the earth and its elements.
The worship of the Shiva Linga is a profound spiritual practice that involves various steps and rituals. While the exact process may vary depending on regional traditions and personal beliefs, the core elements remain consistent.
☸ Purification : The worshipper begins by purifying themselves through bathing and wearing clean clothes.
☸ Preparation of the Puja Space : A clean and sacred space is prepared for worship. The Shiva Linga is placed on a raised platform or pedestal.
☸ Invocation : The worshipper invokes Lord Shiva and seeks His blessings.
☸ Abhishekam : This involves pouring water over the Shiva Linga, often accompanied by the chanting of mantras. Other substances like milk, honey, curd, and ghee may also be used.
☸ Offering Bilva Leaves : Bilva leaves are considered sacred to Lord Shiva and are offered to the Linga with devotion.
☸ Aarti : The waving of a lamp or incense around the Shiva Linga is performed as a mark of reverence.
☸ Prarthana : The worshipper offers prayers and requests to Lord Shiva.
☸ Dhyana : Meditation on the form of Lord Shiva is encouraged to deepen the connection.
☸ Namaskar : The worship concludes with salutations to the Lord.
The Ten-faced Shiva-linga Modeled as a Temple Shikhara
The Shiva Linga, a potent symbol of divine energy, holds a central place in Hindu worship. Its form, a simple, phallic stone, paradoxically represents the infinite and formless. Through the meticulous process of worship, devotees seek to connect with the divine, purify their minds, and attain spiritual enlightenment. The Shiva Linga is more than just an object; it is a doorway to inner transformation.
Its worship is a journey of self-discovery, where the devotee, through devotion and ritual, seeks to align with the cosmic principles embodied by Lord Shiva. As a symbol of both creation and destruction, the Linga invites us to embrace the cyclical nature of existence and find peace amidst life's impermanence. The infinite power of Shiva represented in a visual form, the Lingam above all else, can not be understood by simple definitions but only through devotion.
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