Uddharani (Ritual Spoon)

Ritual worship is an integral part of Hindu religion. The scholar Tachirawa in his study of Vedic rituals states that, 'everything that is used during the ritual, be it offerings or utensils, must be transformed from a mundane state into a Vaidic state, thus reiterating the importance of such items.'

This is the ritual spoon, numerous times magnified, with which pure offerings are made. This spoon called 'uddharani' has the Shiva Linga guarded by a seven hooded cobra at the base of the long neck. Sitting in reverence in front of the Linga is Nandi, Shiva's Vehicle. The vigorous bull, the Linga and the coiled serpent are all symbols of the Great Lord's sexual energy. According to Brahmanical literature, Linga is the sign of the transcendental, unseen Shiva and symbolizes Shiva's capacity to produce life itself. Besides the symbols apparently associated with Shiva, the neck has other auspicious symbols like the pair of feet, the sun, the moon etc. From its form to its decorations, all spell sacredness.