The devotees of the Lord Shiva Linga are known as the Saivaitees. The Shiva Linga is considered as the holy symbol of Lord Shiva and is held with utmost respect. ‘Lingum’ in Sanskrit represents, ‘symbol’. Thus Shiva Lingum represents symbol of Lord Shiva and is considered most sacred by Shaivaitees. Siva Linga has been worshipped in Hinduism since ages. Shiva Mahapurana eulogises the worship of . This is because the form makes worship simple while maintaining the truth that God does not have any definite form.
Structure of Shiva Linga
Shiva Linga comes in any different forms but generally it is rounded, elliptical, an-iconic image which is usually set on a circular base or 'Peetham' which represents the Parashakti, the manifesting power of God as different from Aparashakti which is only a witness. A detail description of the both shaktis are found in the Bhagabhad Gita.
Shiva Lingas can be made of metal, precious gems, crystal, wood, earth or even ice. However, they are usually made of stone. 'Swayambhu', means manifested by itself is considered very sacred and are few in numbers. Shiva Linga may be made of 12 different materials such as duba grass, rudraksha, sandal wood, rice or cooked rice, clay, cow dung, ashes, flower, butter, molasses or sand .
Various Interpretation of Shiva Linga
Shiva Linga has been interpreted in many ways. But no matter however it sis interpreted is considered very sacred and worshipped with all sincereity. Let us discuss a few of the popular theories and interpretations related to Shiva Linga and its origin:
Shiva Linga as the Phallus
Here the Siva Linga represents the reproductive system or process. The other meaning of the Sanskrit word ‘Linga’ is the phallus (the male reproductive organ) and it is further accepted that the circula base where the Lingam is set is regarded as the Yoni which mean vagina or the female reproductive organ. Thus this represents the copulation where the dripping of water from top from a Kalas is considered as intercourse.The Shiva Linga can be dated back to the early Indus Valley civilization where all these represented the point of energy, creation and enlightenment.
Shiva Linga in Puranas
Puranas are the scriptures primarily menat for the less knowledgeable rural folks in a poetic form with stories and descriptions of the mythology in a beautiful context. Thus we find references of Shiva Linga in the Shiva Purana, the Linga Purana, the Skanda Purana, the Vamana Purana and the Matsya Purana. where the lingam is said to be linked to the egos of Lord Vishnu and Lord Brahma.
Shiva Linga and the Tantra
The Tantra describes Shiva Linga as a symbol of Shiva's phallus in spiritual form which the soul-seed within which lies the essence of the entire cosmos. The lingam arises out of the base (Yoni) which represents Parvati.
Shiva Linga as an Abstract Symbol of God
Interpretation of the Shiva Linga has also been extended to the abstract symbol of the God. Many instances of Shiva Linga can also be found where they have been made out of sand alone. It is also seen that during a penance, Arjun, the great warrior of Mahabharat has worshipped the Lord Shiva by creating a Shiva Linga made out of clay. Lord Shiva was very much pleased and had bestowed with many weapons along with the most powerful Pashupat Astra.
The God does not have a particular form and can assess any form according to the wish of a devotee. This is also emphasised in the Bhagavat Gita. Thus creating a form of Shiva Linga can also be attributed to this philosophy among many others.
Structure of Shiva Linga
Shiva Linga comes in any different forms but generally it is rounded, elliptical, an-iconic image which is usually set on a circular base or 'Peetham' which represents the Parashakti, the manifesting power of God as different from Aparashakti which is only a witness. A detail description of the both shaktis are found in the Bhagabhad Gita.
Shiva Lingas can be made of metal, precious gems, crystal, wood, earth or even ice. However, they are usually made of stone. 'Swayambhu', means manifested by itself is considered very sacred and are few in numbers. Shiva Linga may be made of 12 different materials such as duba grass, rudraksha, sandal wood, rice or cooked rice, clay, cow dung, ashes, flower, butter, molasses or sand .
Various Interpretation of Shiva Linga
Shiva Linga has been interpreted in many ways. But no matter however it sis interpreted is considered very sacred and worshipped with all sincereity. Let us discuss a few of the popular theories and interpretations related to Shiva Linga and its origin:
Shiva Linga as the Phallus
Here the Siva Linga represents the reproductive system or process. The other meaning of the Sanskrit word ‘Linga’ is the phallus (the male reproductive organ) and it is further accepted that the circula base where the Lingam is set is regarded as the Yoni which mean vagina or the female reproductive organ. Thus this represents the copulation where the dripping of water from top from a Kalas is considered as intercourse.The Shiva Linga can be dated back to the early Indus Valley civilization where all these represented the point of energy, creation and enlightenment.
Shiva Linga in Puranas
Puranas are the scriptures primarily menat for the less knowledgeable rural folks in a poetic form with stories and descriptions of the mythology in a beautiful context. Thus we find references of Shiva Linga in the Shiva Purana, the Linga Purana, the Skanda Purana, the Vamana Purana and the Matsya Purana. where the lingam is said to be linked to the egos of Lord Vishnu and Lord Brahma.
Shiva Linga and the Tantra
The Tantra describes Shiva Linga as a symbol of Shiva's phallus in spiritual form which the soul-seed within which lies the essence of the entire cosmos. The lingam arises out of the base (Yoni) which represents Parvati.
Shiva Linga as an Abstract Symbol of God
Interpretation of the Shiva Linga has also been extended to the abstract symbol of the God. Many instances of Shiva Linga can also be found where they have been made out of sand alone. It is also seen that during a penance, Arjun, the great warrior of Mahabharat has worshipped the Lord Shiva by creating a Shiva Linga made out of clay. Lord Shiva was very much pleased and had bestowed with many weapons along with the most powerful Pashupat Astra.
The God does not have a particular form and can assess any form according to the wish of a devotee. This is also emphasised in the Bhagavat Gita. Thus creating a form of Shiva Linga can also be attributed to this philosophy among many others.
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