To give a tangible shape to the idea of Shiva is not easy because he is a god with many forms, the greatest embodiment of godheads, the cosmic spirit. Hence, the symbol is worshipped. Shiva’s symbol is perhaps the simplest conceivable an ordinary stone that rises from the fertile earth, reaching out to touch the radiant sky. It is the ‘linga’.

Many tales are told to explain why Shiva is worshipped as a linga. According to one version in the Padma Purana, the ascerbic sage Bhrigu came to Mount Kailash and found Shiva and Parvati so lost in love that they refused to acknowledge his presence. In his fury, the sage cursed Shiva that people would worship him without a form, a linga, trapped by a yoni.

This linga is covered by a metal sheath and given the face of Shiva so that the lord is more accessible to his devotees. This is called the ‘Mukhalinga’. Here, his third eye is obliquely placed on his forehead and is in higher relief than the other two eyes. Shiva’s neck touches the yoni and thereon a snake curls on to reach the right side of Shiva’s head. He is always depicted wearing venomous serpents as if they were jewelry. On the left side of his head is the crescent moon, earning him the title of Chandra Chuda. On the apex is Ganga trapped in Shiva’s matted locks.

The linga is installed on a base called a bhaga, representing the Mother Goddess, Shiva’s consort. This is the union of Shiva with his Shakti.

This description by Renu Rana.

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