Significance Of The Shiva Linga

A Shiva linga is a common sight in India. You can witness women pouring milk, curd, honey or water over the Shiva linga in temples or at home. Some pray to Lord Shiva to get a good husband while others pray to beget children. Whatever be the reason, offering puja to Shiva linga forms an important ritual in Hinduism.

It is a matter of great curiosity for many as to what is exactly a Shiva linga and why it is worshipped so meticulously? If you are curious to know about the significance of the Shiva linga then read on.

'Linga' in Sanskrit literally means a symbol. A 'linga' is a representation of Shiva which symbolises cosmic energy. The linga is usually placed along with a circular structure which is known as the 'yoni'. A 'yoni' is a representation of the female creative energy or the Nature. The union of the linga and the yoni symbolises the indivisibility of the male and female forces which is necessary for a life to originate.

Let us find out more about the significance of the Shiva linga:

Origin

According to the Atharva Veda and Shiva Purana, when there was absolute darkness in the Universe, the only thing which existed was a flaming pillar which had no end. This pillar was deemed to be the 'Purush' or the male energy which is denoted by Lord Shiva. Hence Shiva or the male energy is worshipped in the form of a 'linga'.

Symbol Of Shiva

Shiva linga is the mark of Lord Shiva. It denotes that the absolute God is formless. It symbolises that the nature is formless and speaks through the language of silence. Since Shiva is seen as the absolute God, Shiva linga is the symbol of Shiva. It represents the Universe which is in the form of the Cosmic Egg.

The Three Parts

A Shiva linga has three parts. The lowest part of the linga is called the 'Brahma Pitha', the middle part is the 'Vishnu Pitha' and the upper-most part is called the 'Shiva Pitha'.

The Quartz Shiva Linga

The 'Sphatik Linga' made up of quartz is generally the most preferred kind of Shiva linga to be worshipped. It is because the substance has no colour of its own. It takes the colour of the substance with which it comes in contact. Hence, it represents the 'Nirguna Brahmana' or the Supreme Being devoid of all attributes or the Formless Shiva.

Significance Of Linga For Devotees

A Shiva linga is supposed to be a mysterious thing which contains huge and indescribable powers. Due to the union of Shiva and Shakti, the Shiva linga is imbibed with miraculous powers which helps to induce concentration of mind and provide on with great spiritual energy. It is not merely a block of stone but a means by which the devotee is freed from all his bodily consciousness and is able to connect directly to the Supreme God.