The Origin Of Shiva Lingam

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According to the Hindu mythology, Lord Shiva is also known as 'Swayambhu', which means no one knows about the origin of Lord Shiva.

He is the beginning; he is the end. He is the ultimate in this universe and on the holy occasion of Shivratri, all his devotees worship him to get his blessings.

Also Read: Read to know the powerful mantras of Lord Shiva

While worshipping Lord Shiva, all of you worship the 'Shiva Lingam' for sure. Even, in temples, you can see the 'Lingam' to be worshipped. While other gods and goddesses are worshipped in idols, why do you worship Shiva Lingam? What is the significance of the 'Linga'?

Actually, to the Hindus, the Shiv Linga is the symbol of energy and potentiality. The Shiva Lingam is always represented with the Yoni, which is the symbol of Maa Shakti.

Also Read: Did you know the various forms of Lord Shiva? Read here!

The entire entity of Shiv Lingam symbolizes that the creation is the gift of the male and female energy. Today, before the day of Maha Shivratri, you will get to know about the origin, meaning and the stories that are associated with the Shiv Lingam.

1. What Does The Symbol Say?
According to Sanskrit language, "Linga" means a mark or symbol, as you know that Lord Shiva is known as 'Devadidev' that means there is no form of the Lord. Lord Shiva, therefore, represents the shapeless eternity and creation with full of energy. Lord Shiva is also the symbol of the most powerful soul that dwells inside you and then gets merged with the 'Parabrahma'.

2. Shiva Lingam - The Symbol of Creation
It was the post-Vedic period when the Shiva Lingam became the representation of generative power. According to several beliefs, the Linga is kind of a giant cosmic egg which actually means 'Brahmanda'. This means it is the symbol of the entire universe, which is the creation of the 'Purush' and 'Prakriti', which means the male and female energies.

3. The Shiva Lingam For Trinity
Apparently, the Trinity stands for Lord Brahma, Vishnu and Maheshwar. If you try to know more deeply, these three lords stand for Satya, Gyan and Ananta (truth, knowledge and infinity). When these three aspects of life are achieved, one can say he has attained 'Brahma'. These three entities merge into one, which denotes the origin of the Shiva Lingam.

4. The Ananta Lingam - The Story
There is a very interesting story behind the origination of the Shiva Lingam. Once Lord Brahma and Lord Vishnu got trapped into an argument on who is the greatest god. When they were fighting over the issue, a bright 'Jyotirlingam' appeared to them and a voice orated to them to find the beginning and the end of the lingam. Whoever gets to any of the ends first will be announced to be the greatest of all, was told to the both of them. They tried hard, but didn't find the ends. They both realized that the 'Lingam' is actually the eternity and there is no beginning and end to it.

5. The Origin Of Quartz Lingam
This is also known as 'Sphatika-lingam'. It has no colour and takes the colour of the materials with which it comes in contact. It is needed for the deepest type of worship to Lord Shiva and it stands for "Nirguna Brahma".

6. The Origin Of Lingam
Though it is true that there is no end and beginning to the Shiva Lingam, the first section of Vidyeshwar Samhita (Shiva Purana) has described the origin. It is the endless cosmic pillar which is the reason of all happenings. On one hand, it is the symbol of superiority; while on the other, it talks about eternity.