Shiva meaning The Auspicious One is worshiped as the Supreme God and is also called “the Transformer and the Destroyer”.

Shiva meaning The Auspicious One is worshiped as the Supreme God and is also called “the Transformer and the Destroyer”. The most popular form of worshipping Lord Shiva in Hinduism is in the Linga form. The Linga symbol is an attempt to give form to the formless Supreme Being Brahman. Linga in Sanskrit means symbol or sign. One of the first uses of the term ‘linga’ in association with Shiva is found in the Shvetasvatara Upanishad – it says that Lord Shiva, the Supreme Being, has no linga (sign or symbol). In simple terms, it is impossible to define Brahman or that is alinga.

Since it is not possible for a common man to pray to Brahman which is beyond any characteristic and, hence, human beings need a form to worship, therefore, in Sanatana Dharma it is stated that each individual has the freedom to define the Supreme Being or Brahman in the most convenient way he is comfortable. One of the best representations for the Supreme was to be the Linga in its form which represents the infinite.

The Mahabharata says ‘Know everything, which is male, to be Ishana, and all that is female to be Uma; for this whole world, animate and inanimate, is pervaded by these two bodies. Shiva’s divine Linga is worshipped by the Gods, seers, Gandharvas and Apsaras.’ (Chapter 7, section 20, verses 22)

Linga is the Representation of the Infinite Brahman. It is said that the Supreme Being appeared before Lord Brahma and Vishnu in the form of a ‘pillar of fire’, which had no end and beginning. This mention can be found in Puranas. It is one among the many symbols of the Brahman. So Shivalinga also signifies the column of bright light. This account was narrated by the sage Suta when other sages asked him about the origin of the linga.

According to Linga Purana, the lingam is a complete symbolic representation of the formless Universe Bearer – the oval shaped stone is resembling mark of the Universe and bottom base as the Supreme Power holding the entire Universe in it.

Linga is worshipped because Linga contains everything of this world. In the Linga Purana [chapter 46], once sages have debate regarding why Linga form is worshipped. Goddess Saraswati vist the sages and states that all Gods are present in the Linga form. She states ; May the questions of the sages stop. The whole world is identical with the Linga. Everything is founded on the Linga. Hence, one shall eschew everything, install the Linga and worship it. ✨🌀✨

Hari Om Tat Sat ~ Om Namah Shivaya 🕉
Shubh Ratri Divine Souls 💟