Description

The Shiva Linga or Lingam is a symbol that represents Lord Shiva in Hinduism. As the most powerful of deities, temples are built in his honor that includes a Shiva Linga, representing all the energies of the world and beyond. The popular belief is that the Shiva Linga represents the phallus, the emblem of the generative power in nature. According to followers of Hinduism, their teachers have taught that this is not only a mistake, but also a grave blunder. Such a stance, for example, can be found in the teachings of Swami Sivananda, In addition to the Hindu tradition, the Shiva Linga has been adopted by a number of metaphysical disciplines. In this case, it refers to a particular stone from an Indian river that is believed to have healing powers for the mind, body, and soul. To understand these dual uses for the words Shiva Linga, let’s approach them one at a time and begin with the origin. They are completely different but connected in their underlying meaning and connection to Lord Shiva. Shiva Linga: The Symbol of Shiva In Sanskrit, Linga means a “mark” or a symbol, which points to an inference. Thus the Shiva Linga is a symbol of Lord Shiva: a mark that reminds of the Omnipotent Lord, which is formless. Shiva Linga speaks to the Hindu devotee in the unmistakable language of silence. It is only the outward symbol of the formless being, Lord Shiva, who is the undying soul seated in the chambers of your heart. He is your in-dweller, your innermost self or Atman, and he is also identical with the supreme Brahman. The Linga as a Symbol of Creation The ancient Hindu scripture “Linga Purana” says that the foremost Linga is devoid of smell, color, taste, etc., and is spoken of as Prakriti, or Nature itself. In the post-Vedic period, the Linga became symbolical of the generative power of Lord Shiva. The Linga is like an egg and represents the Brahmanda (the cosmic egg). Linga signifies that the creation is affected by the union of Prakriti and Purusha, the male a