Shiva Lingam
ॐ नम: शम्भवाय च मयोभवाय च
नम: शंकराय च मयस्कराय च
नम: शिवाय च शिवतराय च।।
(Yajurveda)
Shiva Linga is the holy symbol of Lord Shiva that is considered sacred by the devotees of Lord Shiva. The word, ‘Lingum’ in Sanskrit means, ‘symbol’. Shiva Lingum, therefore means symbol of Lord Shiva and is therefore considered most sacred by Shaivaites. Siva Linga has been worshipped in Hinduism since ages. Worship of Shiva Linga is regarded sacred and superior Shiva Mahapurana. This is because the form makes worship simple while maintaining the truth that God does not have any definite form.
Structure of Shiva Linga
Most prevalent icon of Shiva and virtually found in all Shiva temples, Shiva Linga is a rounded, elliptical, an-iconic image that is usually set on a circular base or peetham. According to some scholars the Peetham represents Parashakti, the manifesting power of God.
Shiva Lingas are usually made of stone that may either be carved or naturally existing - svayambhu, such as shaped by a swift-flowing river. Shiva Lingas may also be made of metal, precious gems, crystal, wood, earth or transitory materials such as ice. Some scholars say that transitory Shiva Linga may be made of 12 different materials such as sand, rice, cooked food, river clay, cow dung, butter, rudraksha seeds, ashes, sandalwood, darbha grass, a flower garland or molasses.
Various Interpretation of Shiva Linga
Besides regarding Shiva Linga as the symbol and form of Lord Shiva, religious scholars have given various interpretations of Shiva Linga. Here is the brief description of some of the popular theories and interpretations related to Shiva Linga and its origin:
Worship of the Phallus
According to some scholars, worship of Shiva Linga in effect means worship of the reproduction function. For, they say that the other meaning of the Sanskrit word ‘Linga’ is gender in general and phallus (the male reproductive organ) in particular. They believe that the base of the Lingam corresponds to the Yoni which mean vagina or the female reproductive organ. Correspondence of Linga and Yoni in a Shiva Linga is therefore interpreted as the representation of the process of copulation. Scholars further opine that the Kalash (container of water) that is suspended over the Shiva Linga from which water drips over the Linga also correspond to the idea of intercourse.
Connecting the origin of Shiva Linga to the early Indus Valley civilization, scholars opine that tribes of the Indus Valley took to the togetherness of Lingam and Yoni in a Shiva Linga as the point of energy, creation and enlightenment.
Interpretation in Tantra
According to Tantra, Lingam is a symbol of Shiva's phallus in spiritual form. They say, the lingam contains the soul-seed within which lies the essence of the entire cosmos. The lingam arises out of the base (Yoni) which represents Parvati according to some or Vishnu, Brahma in female and neuter form according to others.
Interpretation in Puranas
Puranas, especially the Vamana Purana, Shiva Purana, Linga Purana, Skanda Purana, Matsya Purana and Visva-Sara-Prakasha attribute the origin of Shiva Linga to the curse of sages leading to the separation of and installation of the phallus of Lord Shiva on earth. Some also refer to the endlessness of the lingam to be linked to the egos of Lord Vishnu and Lord Brahma.
Interpretation of Shiva Linga as an Abstract Symbol of God
Some scholars of the Hindu scriptures say that Linga is merely an abstract symbol of the God. They point towards several legends in Hinduism where a sundry rock or even a pile of sand has been used by as a Lingam or the symbol of Shiva. Citing a particular instance they say, Arjuna once fashioned a linga of clay when worshipping Shiva. Scholars of Puranas, thus argue that too much should not be made of the usual shape of the Lingam. Scholars say that the interpretation of Shiva Linga as an abstract form of God is also consonant with philosophies that hold that God may be conceptualized and worshipped in any convenient form. The form itself is irrelevant, as the divine power that it represents is all that matters. Scholars thus say that Sivalinga represent the formless Nirguna Brahman or the formless Supreme Being.
Different Names of Lord Shiva
One of the most important Hindu deities, Lord Shiva is known by several names. The Shiva Purana list 1008 names for Lord Shiva. Each of these names in Sanskrit signifies certain attribute of the Lord. Given here are 108 names of Lord Shiva with their meaning.
108 Names of Lord Shiva | ||
S No | Lord Shiva Name | Meaning |
1 | Aashutosh | One who fulfills wishes instantly |
2 | Aja | Unborn |
3 | Akshayaguna | God with limitless attributes |
4 | Anagha | Without any fault |
5 | Anantadrishti | Of infinite vision |
6 | Augadh | One who revels all the time |
7 | Avyayaprabhu | Imperishable Lord |
8 | Bhairav | Lord of terror |
9 | Bhalanetra | One who has an eye in the forehead |
10 | Bholenath | Kind hearted Lord |
11 | Bhooteshwara | Lord of ghosts and evil beings |
12 | Bhudeva | Lord of the earth |
13 | Bhutapala | Protector of the ghosts |
14 | Chandrapal | Master of the moon |
15 | Chandraprakash | One who has moon as a crest |
16 | Dayalu | Compassionate |
17 | Devadeva | Lord of the Lords |
18 | Dhanadeepa | Lord of Wealth |
19 | Dhyanadeep | Icon of meditation and concentration |
20 | Dhyutidhara | Lord of Brilliance |
21 | Digambara | One who has the skies as his clothes |
22 | Durjaneeya | Difficult to be known |
23 | Durjaya | Unvanquished |
24 | Gangadhara | Lord of River Ganga |
25 | Girijapati | Consort of Girija |
26 | Gunagrahin | Acceptor of Gunas |
27 | Gurudeva | Master of All |
28 | Hara | Remover of Sins |
29 | Jagadisha | Master of the Universe |
30 | Jaradhishamana | Redeemer from Afflictions |
31 | Jatin | One who has matted hair |
32 | Kailas | One Who Bestows Peace |
33 | Kailashadhipati | Lord of Mount Kailash |
34 | Kailashnath | Master of Mount Kailash |
35 | Kamalakshana | Lotus-eyed Lord |
36 | Kantha | Ever-Radiant |
37 | Kapalin | One who wears a necklace of skulls |
38 | Khatvangin | One who has the missile khatvangin in his hand |
39 | Kundalin | One who wears earrings |
40 | Lalataksha | One who has an eye in the forehead |
41 | Lingadhyaksha | Lord of the Lingas |
42 | Lingaraja | Lord of the Lingas |
43 | Lokankara | Creator of the Three Worlds |
44 | Lokapal | One who takes care of the world |
45 | Mahabuddhi | Extremely intelligent |
46 | Mahadeva | Greatest God |
47 | Mahakala | Lord of All Times |
48 | Mahamaya | Of great illusions |
49 | Mahamrityunjaya | Great victor of death |
50 | Mahanidhi | Great storehouse |
51 | Mahashaktimaya | One who has boundless energies |
52 | Mahayogi | Greatest of all Gods |
53 | Mahesha | Supreme Lord |
54 | Maheshwara | Lord of Gods |
55 | Nagabhushana | One who has serpents as ornaments |
56 | Nataraja | King of the art of dancing |
57 | Nilakantha | The one with a blue throat |
58 | Nityasundara | Ever beautiful |
59 | Nrityapriya | Lover of Dance |
60 | Omkara | Creator of OM |
61 | Palanhaar | One who protects everyone |
62 | Parameshwara First among all gods | First among all gods |
63 | Paramjyoti | Greatest splendor |
64 | Pashupati | Lord of all living beings |
65 | Pinakin | One who has a bow in his hand |
66 | Pranava | Originator of the syllable of OM |
67 | Priyabhakta | Favorite of the devotees |
68 | Priyadarshana | Of loving vision |
69 | Pushkara | One who gives nourishment |
70 | Pushpalochana | One who has eyes like flowers |
71 | Ravilochana | Having sun as the eye |
72 | Rudra | The terrible |
73 | Rudraksha | One who has eyes like Rudra |
74 | Sadashiva | Eternal God |
75 | Sanatana | Eternal Lord |
76 | Sarvacharya | Preceptor of All |
77 | Sarvashiva | Always Pure |
78 | Sarvatapana | Scorcher of All |
79 | Sarvayoni | Source of Everything |
80 | Sarveshwara | Lord of All Gods |
81 | Shambhu | Abode of Joy |
82 | Shankara | Giver of Joy |
83 | Shiva | Always Pure |
84 | Shoolin | One who has a trident |
85 | Shrikantha | Of glorious neck |
86 | Shrutiprakasha | Illuminator of the Vedas |
87 | Shuddhavigraha | One who has a pure body |
88 | Skandaguru | Preceptor of Skanda |
89 | Someshwara | Lord of All Gods |
90 | Sukhada | Bestower of happiness |
91 | Suprita | Well pleased |
92 | Suragana | Having Gods as attendants |
93 | Sureshwara | Lord of All Gods |
94 | Swayambhu | Self-Manifested |
95 | Tejaswani | One who spreads illumination |
96 | Trilochana | Three-Eyed Lord |
97 | Trilokpati | Master of all the Three Worlds |
98 | Tripurari | Enemy of Tripura |
99 | Trishoolin | One who has a trident in his hands |
100 | Umapati | Consort of Uma |
101 | Vachaspati | Lord of Speech |
102 | Vajrahasta | One who has a thunderbolt in his hands |
103 | Varada | Granter of Boons |
104 | Vedakarta | Originator of the Vedas |
105 | Veerabhadra | Supreme Lord of the Nether World |
106 | Vishalaksha | Wide-eyed Lord |
107 | Vishveshwara | Lord of the Universe |
108 | Vrishavahana | One who has bull as his vehicle |
SHIVA LINGODBAVAM
Lingodbhavamurthy is an iconic representation of Shiva, installed in the rear devakoshta (niche) of the garbagriha (sanctum) of all Shiva temples. The story of Lingodbhavar is that of the attempts of Vishnu and Bhrama to discover the origins (the beginning Aadi and the end Antha) of Shiva, as stated in three of the puranas - the Kurma Purana, the Vayu Purana and Shiva Purana.
Vishnu was engaged in his yoganidhra - the slumber of yoga - at the end of a kalpa, in the waters of the great deluge, when there appeared before him, Bhrama emerging from a great illumination. Bhrama introduced himself to Vishnu as the Creator of the Universe, to which Vishnu replied that he was the architect of the Universe. An argument ensued between both as to their superiority over one another, when there appeared before them - a huge lingam of fire - with tongues of flames blazing out of it.
Curious to trace the origins of this column of fire, Bhrama assumed the form of a swan and flew upwards, while Vishnu assumed the form of a boar, and burrowed down into the earth. Days of search in either direction proved futile, and hence the duo surrendered to this column of fire with prayers. Shiva then appeared out of this column of fiery lingam, with a thousand arms and legs, with the sun, moon and fire as his three eyes, bearing the pinaka bow, wearing the hide of an leephant, bearing the trishul, and addressed Vishnu and Bhrama in a thunderous voice, explaining that the two were born out of him, and that the three were then separated out into three different aspects of divinity.
The non-anthropomorphic form Shivalingam is a representation of this infinite cosmic column of fire, whose origins were not tracable by Bhrama or Vishnu. The Shivalingam is the center of reverence and worship in all Saivite temples.
The manifestation of Shiva in this column of fire in front of Bhrama and Vishnu, is carved in stone, as the Lingodbhavamurthy manifestation of Shiva, and is always enshrined in the rear niche of the sanctum enshring a Shivalingam. Since most temples face east, Lingodbhavar faces West.
This legend described above is held at the vast Arunachaleswara temple complex at Tiruvannamalai, where the sacred Annamalai hill itself, is considered to be a manifestation of this cosmic column of fire. Tiruvannamalai, is one of the Pancha Bhoota Stalas, representing the primordial element fire.
There is another interesting aspect to this legend. While Bhrama was flying upwards in the guise of a swan, he saw the petals of a ketaki flower drifting down. Tired by the futility of his efforts to reach the top of the mysterious column of fire, Bhrama requested the flower to acquiese to his lie that he had seen the top of the column where the flower had previously resided. Accompanied by his accomplice, Bhrama confronted Vishnu and asserted that he had indeed discovered the origin of the cosmic column. An enraged Shiva appeared out of the fiery column and cursed Bhrama so that he would not be worshipped in temples on earth. This legend relates to the fact that there are hardly any temples dedicated to Bhrama in India. There is a shrine to Bhrama at Uttamar Koyil in Tamilnadu, and Bhrama is also represented in the devakoshtas (niches) in Shiva temples; there are thus no Bhrama temples of any significance in India.
Lingam or Linga (Sanskrit: Gender as in purusha-linga : Phallus) is used as a symbol for the worship of the Hindu God Shiva (Siva). The use of this symbol as an object of worship is a timeless tradition in India; mainstream scholars connect the origin of the lingam / linga to the early Indus Valley civilization. Interestingly, the Lingam finds no mention in the Vedas; this is held by most scholars to be a significant indication of the different origins of the Aryans with whom the Vedas are associated, and the people of the Indus Valley Civilization, to whom Shiva and the Lingam were important objects of worship. Notwithstanding its absence from the Vedas, the Shiva Lingam is of pervasive importance in many
Significance of the Shiva Lingam
The Shivalingam denotes the primeval energy of the Creator.It is believed that at the end of all creation, during the great deluge, all of the different aspects of God find a resting place in the Lingam; Bhrama is absorbed into the right, Vishnu to the left and Gayatri into the heart. The Shivalingam is also a representation of the infinite Cosmic Column of fire, whose origins, Vishnu and Bhrama were unable to trace. (see Lingodbhavar). 1. Introduction to Holy ash (Vibhuti) as a spiritual healing remedyUse of Holy ash (Vibhuti) derived from SSRF incense sticks is a very good and handy self-help spiritual healing remedy. It can be used routinely to gain positive energy as well as to get relief from distress from departed ancestors and ghosts (demons, devils, negative energies, etc.). Refer to
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Found first in the Vedic scriptures of Hinduism, Aum has been seen as the first manifestation of the unmanifest Brahman (the single Divine Ground of Hinduism) that resulted in the phenomenal universe. Essentially, all the cosmos stems from the vibration of the sound 'Aum' in Hindu cosmology. Indeed, so sacred is it that it is prefixed and suffixed to all Hindu mantras and incantations. It is undoubtedly the most representative symbol of Hinduism.
Use of this sound in rituals, may have originally started by imitating a similar territorial call of the male tiger.
The OM symbol's left part, which is like a figure 3, is also a component of some Devanagari letters, where it means "this syllable has no initial consonant".
Philosophy of AUM / OM
Gods and Goddesses are sometimes referred to as Aumkar, which means Form of Aum, thus implying that they are limitless, the vibrational whole of the cosmos. Ek Onkar, meaning 'one god' is a central tenet of Sikh religious philosophy. In Hindu metaphysics, it is proposed that the manifested cosmos (from Brahman) has name and form (nama-rupa), and that the closest approximation to the name and form of the universe is Aum, since all existence is fundamentally composed of vibration. This is considered by some to be remniscent of some current physical theories such as quantum physics and super string theory, which describe the universe in terms of vibrating fields or strings.
It is frequently used to represent three subsumed into one, a common theme in Hinduism. It implies that our current existence is mithya, or 'slightly lesser reality,' that in order to know the full truth we must comprehend beyond the body and intellect and intuit the true nature of infinity, of a Divine Ground that is immanent but also transcends all duality, being and non-being, that cannot be described in words. Within this metaphysical symbolism, the three are represented by the lower curve, upper curve and tail of the ॐ subsumed into the ultimate One, represented by the little crescent moon-shape and dot, known as chandrabindu. Essentially, upon moksha, mukti, samadhi, nirvana, liberation, etc. one is able not only to see or know existence for what it is, but to become it. In attaining truth one simply realizes fundamental unity; it is not the joining together of a prior manifold splitting. When one gains true knowledge, there is no split between knower and known: one becomes knowledge/consciousness itself. In essence, Aum is the signifier of the ultimate truth that all is one.
Examples of Three into One:
Creation (Brahma)- Preservation (Vishnu)- Destruction (Shiva) into Brahman | |
Waking- Dreaming- Dreamless Sleep into Turiya (transcendental fourth state of consciousness) | |
Rajas (activity, heat, fire)- Tamas (dullness, ignorance, darkness)- Sattva (purity, light, serenity/shanti) into Brahman | |
Body, Speech and Mind into Oneness | |
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The Chandogya Upanishad (1.1.1-10) states, "The udgitha is the best of all essences, the highest, deserving the highest place, the eighth."
"Aum" can be seen as Sri Ganesh, whose figure is often represented in the shape of Aum. He is thus known as Aumkar (Shape of Aum). Sri Nataraja, or the Hindu god 'Shiva' dancing his dance of destruction, is seen in that popular representation mirroring the image of Aum. It is said to be the most perfect 'approximation' of the cosmic existence within time and space, and therefore the sound closest to Truth.
"The First Word Om (Aum) It is also called Pranav because its sound emanates from the Prana (vital vibration), which feels the Universe. The scripture says "Aum Iti Ek Akşara Brahman" (Aum that one syllable is Brahman).
When you pronounce AUM: A - emerges from the throat, originating in the region of the navel U - rolls over the tongue M - ends on the lips A - waking, U - dreaming, M - sleeping It is the sum and substance of all the words that can emanate from the human throat. It is the primordial fundamental sound symbolic of the Universal Absolute." Today, in all Hindu art and all over India and Nepal, 'Aum' can be seen virtually everywhere, a standard sign for Hinduism and a vast but economical storehouse for the deep mythology inherent in the world's oldest religion.
It has been argued that Aum can be translated, into English, as "Eternal Yea". Notes the Chandogya Upanishad, "That syllable, is a syllable of permission; for, whenever we permit anything, we say Aum." However, this is seen by others as a myopic perspective because the same Hindu scriptures, the Upanishads, that aver this function also attribute to it the divine property of the source of the universe. Aum is seen as the source of existence as we know it within the causal dimensions of time and space, and thus affirmatory meanings in languages are a natural progression. Aum is not only affirmation, but negation, and transcends both.
The AUM sound is sometimes called "the 3-syllable Veda". The third syllable arises because in Devanagari and similar alphabets, a consonant at the end of a word is sometimes written as a separate consonant letter with the virama "no vowel" sign, and this combination is treated as a syllable when talking about Devanagari writing rather than about phonetics.
The Sanskrit word omkāra (from which came Punjabi onkār, etc), literally "OM-maker", has two families of meanings:-
- Brahma (god) in his role as creator, and thus a word for "creator".
- Writers' term for the OM sign.
Some quotations from Hindu scriptures regarding AUM / OM
In the Rig-veda we find the following information; "One who chants om, which is the closest form of Brahman, approaches Brahman. This liberates one from the fear of the material world, therefore it is known as tarak brahman."
"O Vishnu your self-manifest name, om, is the eternal form of cognizance. Even if my knowledge about the glories of reciting this name is incomplete, still, by the practice of reciting this name I will achieve that perfect knowledge. "He who has unmanifested potencies and is fully independent, manifests the vibration omkara, which indicates Himself. Brahman, Paramatma, and Bhagavan are the three forms He manifests."
Aum takes the form of Gayatri, then Veda and Vedanta sutra; then it takes the shape of Srimad Bhagavatam and the lila, the divine pastimes, of the Lord."
Other Traditions, Interpretations and Understandings
Tibetan "Om" symbol
With Buddhism's evolution and breaking away from Vedic/Hindu tradition, Aum and other symbology/cosmology/philosophies were co-opted from the Hindu tradition. This character often appeared as "唵" in Buddhist scripts in East Asia.
In Buddhism this syllable is almost never transliterated as Aum, but instead as Om.
This syllable is also incorporated in the mantra "Om Mani Padme Hum".
The Beatles reference the symbol in their Let It Be song "Across the Universe", singing "Jai Guru Deva Aum," meaning "Salute Guru Deva, Aum."
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Saurashtre Somanathamcha Srisaile Mallikarjunam
Paralyam Vaidyanathancha Dakinyam Bheema Shankaram
Setu Bandhethu Ramesam, Nagesam Darukavane
Varanasyantu Vishwesam Tryambakam Gautameethate
Himalayetu Kedaaram, Ghrishnesamcha shivaalaye
Etani jyotirlingani, Saayam Praatah Patennarah
Mother is shakti, Father is the Great Master shiva, relatives are the devotees of shiva and own land is all three worlds.
- shankara bhagavatpada
Observe Carefully you will find omkara roopam
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