Shiva Linga

The Shiva Linga symbolizes Lord Shiva, one of the most important Hindu deities, and is idolized in shrines. Hindu worshippers revere Shiva Lingam as an emblem of God's power and ability. The people regard Shiva linga as Lord Shiva himself. The yoni, an emblem of Goddess Shakti, has always been represented with Shiva lingam. It symbolizes the unique undivided strength of the male and female lingam and yoni, which is the source of everything that exists. It is presumed that Shiva linga seems to have no start or end, and that everything in the world will combine with one another and form a shapeless form. A lingam is thus an emblem of the onset and fresh beginning of anything.  The Amarnath lingam is popular all over the world, and thousands of believers visit every year to witness it. It is established every single year during the colder months by ice from the western Himalayas, which is why the moniker "ice lingam." And during winter, ice trickles down on the stone floor and solidifies to form stalagmite. A large number of pilgrims from across the globe come here to witness the shiva linga and worship it. 

The Symbolism behind the Shiva Linga

The linga's historical roots are described in the holy scripture, Shiva Purana's first segment. Shiva-linga has also been described as a neverending celestial pillar of fire that is the underlying basis of all things that cause. It has neither a beginning and thus no end. It symbolizes dominance on all gods, including the heroes of the Hindu Pantheon, Vishnu and Brahma. As stated in the Linga Purana, the celestial pillar implies Shiva's unbounded essence. It is a portrayal of a Universe Holder who is devoid of taste, form, or smell.

The Skanda Purana characterizes it as "the everlasting sky is the Linga, and the Earth is its foundation." The rest of the universe and all the Deities integrate seamlessly in the Linga itself towards the end of the universe. It is characterized as the "first version to arise when formation occurs, as well as the final form well before disintegration of creation" in yogic legends. The meaning of Shiva Ling differ depending on how it is used, symbols, indications, and gender qualities-

• It is a distinguishing mark, credential, symbol, emblem, identification card, signifier, differentiating mark, and character trait.

• It is a fictitious sign, a cover up, or a misleading symbol.

• It is a confirmation or evidence, an indication of sex or gender and a male sexual organ.

• It could be the genital part of the body of Lord Shiva (phallus) or an illustration of a god.

• It is a nuanced frame or body that is invincible in contrast to the observable body.

• It serves as both the founder and destroyer of the world.

Midnight is believed to be the ideal and also most desirable time to revere Linga by uttering the mantra Om Namah Shivaya. Sixteen services are considered a priority to be conducted while venerating the linga, and that are Asana (Seating), Padyam (means having to wash God's legs), Arghya (providing water for taking a sip), Snana (implies body wash), Anulepana (means trying to apply Ash to Deity body), Gandham (involves offering lamps), Naivedyam (means serving the food, fruits, etc), Tambula (providing betel leaves and nuts) etc.

FAQS

Q1. What does the Shiva Lingam symbolize?

Nature means Prakriti, and Shiva linga signifies the existence of the shapeless Transcendent Deity.

Q2. What are the different parts of the Shiva Lingam?

The lower portion of the Shiva Linga is recognised as Brahma-Pitha, the middle portion is referred to as Vishnu-Pitha, and the topmost portion is recognised as Shiva-Pitha.

Q3. What is Shivling made of?

Shivling is considered as the stone symbol of Lord Shiva. It is found in many Hindu temples; although some Shivlings are self-manifested known as Swayambhu. It is often regarded as the emblem of generative power. A Shivling may be made of metal (lohaja), precious stone (ratnaja), stone (Sailaja), clay (mrinmaya), or wood (daruja).

Q4. Which color Shivling is good for home?

Lord Shiva doesn't have any favorite color, any favorite person, or any favorite food because as per the holy book Shiv Purana Lord Shiv is formless, Lord Shiva is infinite, Lord Shiva is the beginning and he is only the end that's why lord Shiva called lord of destroy.

According to the Linga Purana, the lingam is a complete symbolic representation of the formless Universe Bearer – the oval-shaped stone is the symbol of the Universe, and the bottom base represents the Supreme Power that holds the entire Universe in it.

Q5. Can we pour milk on Shivling in the evening?

Milk is said to be one of the best conductors of positive energies and when poured on the Shivling, the flow of energies begins to concentrate towards the lingam and the devotee becomes the recipient of the outflow for his proximity.

Some say one must not offer water or milk on the Shivling after sunset. On the other hand, some say there is no problem. Evening worship is permitted for Shiva.

On Mahashivaratri, Milk, curd, honey, and other cool ingredients are offered to Lord Shiva. Shiva Abhishek can be done in the evenings. Temples in South India, Tamilnadu especially, perform Abhishek 4 times in the day - Mornings (7–8 am), Afternoon (noon), Evenings (4–5 pm), and Night (8 pm).

Q6. Can we put a sindoor on Shivling?

Usually, vermilion is offered to many deities in worship but vermilion is never offered to Shankar Ji. Vermilion has considered a symbol of ‘suhag’ and Shiva is the destroyer. In such a situation, offering vermilion to shiva can be inauspicious, instead applying tilak of sandalwood is considered auspicious.

Kumkum/Sindur also represents the material world and for him, everything is the same and when burnt away everything becomes Ashes.

Q7. Rules to keep shiva lingam at home

There are two types of Idols. Swayambhuva (Self Manifested) and non-Swayambhuva (Artificial idols). Swayambhuva idols have Shiva in them but for Artificial idols, one needs to invite Lord into them and do Prana Pratishta (invite Shiva into that idol).

Get a Swayambhu one. Easy to get as well. For homes one should not buy a banalingam, which is more than 3 fingers in breadth, 2/3 inches will be just fine. Along with the Shivalinga one also need to place a Nandi.

The Jaaldhari of the Shivling should always face the North direction and the Nandi should face the Shivalinga. First, pray to Lord Nandi and then to the Shivalinga.

It is a must to offer Abhishekam and Bilva leaves daily.