Shivling is the manifestation of the Supreme God Mahadev or Shiva. It has numerous facts, myths, and stories related to it. The Shivalingam represents Lord Shiva and is a physical sign of formless Reality. It shows how Prakriti i.e. the form merges with Purush i.e. the formless Reality. People always keep Shivalingam on a Yoni base and there are various interpretations of these two elements. Lingam is the masculine energy while Yoni is the feminine. Lingam is Shiv and Yoni is Shakti. Together this cosmic union works miraculously to fulfill the worshippers’ desires. We find this form of Lord Shiva in every temple or puja altar.
People divide this entire lingam into two parts where the upper part is Parashiva and the lower base is the Parashakti. Parashiva is the absolute reality and Parashakti is pure consciousness. A lot of different studies and sources infer the structure of Shivalingam as per their perspectives. According to the Puranas, one of the stories about the origin of Shivling states that it appeared as an infinite pillar of light.
While Lord Brahma and Lord Vishnu argued over who was superior amongst them, a large pillar of illuminating light appeared in front of them. A heavenly voice from the sky made an announcement that the one who finds the end of the pillar will the most supreme of the three worlds. Both Brahma and Vishnu went upwards and downwards respectively in the search of the apex. Unable to find the end, they both came back. Lord Brahma lied and said that He found the ending point of the pillar while Lord Vishnu told the truth. A furious Lord Shiva curses Lord Brahma for lying and affirmed that no one will worship Brahma. People believe this to be the time when the Lingam occurred and people started praying to it as a form of Lord Shiva.
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Significance:
People dedicate a lot of festivals to Lord Shiva where people worship Shivalingam on a grand scale. Especially, Hindus celebrate Mahashivratri every year on the 13th night and 14th day of Phalgun month in the Hindu calendar. It literally means the great night of Shiva where Shiva and the Shakti became one and some even say that Lord Shiva performed Tandava on this occasion. Majorly, people carry on Shivling Abhishek using holy items. It holds tremendous importance and is a significant ritual to appease Lord Shiva. It not only holds the power of Shiva but also the presence of the Almighty.
Things to remember while worshipping a Shivling:
- Do not offer Turmeric (Haldi) and Vermillion (Kumkum) to Shivalinga. Never apply these two powders to any Shivalinga idol.
- Do not use Ketaki flower in Shivalinga puja. According to the Purana, when Lord Brahma lied that he found the apex of the Lingam, the Ketaki flower supported this lie.
- Do not offer Dhatura, Bel leaves, Bel fruit, etc. to Shivaling to appease the God of Gods Mahadev.
- Offering milk to Shivalingam on Mondays is auspicious and a great practice for spiritual upliftment.
- One should only install a Shivalingam idol in the home if he can worship the Lingam on a regular basis. It is mandatory to look after the Lingam daily, cleanse it and pray in front of it.
- We advise keeping small size Shivalingam in the home. Ideally, if a Shivalingam is to be installed in puja altar at home, it should be no larger than the thumb size.
- Sandalwood paste can be applied to the Shivalingam to make a tilak or Tripundra.
- It is recommended to place a Jaladhara above the Shivalingam with continuously dripping water over it. This is to ensure that the sacred energies of Lingam remain balanced.
- Tulsi leaves are not offered to the Lingam.
- If Shivalinga Abhishek is performed, Panchamrit (mixture of honey, sugar, milk, yogurt, and ghee) can be used.
The abovementioned set of things to know while worshipping or installing a Shivalingam is generally followed. There may be different rituals and methods of worship varying from region to region in India. Although the basic rule of daily puja of Shivalingam once installed at home or temple remains the same.