Tangible Symbol of Cosmic Union
When we make offerings to the lingam and invoke Shiva and Shakti, we are acknowledging and celebrating the fact that Shiva and Shakti are not separate. That is, as husband and wife, Shiva and Parvati may appear to be two but in fact they are but One. Hence we give so much importance to the lingam in Shiva temples across region. The concept of unity is very relevant in family life as well. The husband and wife must live with one mind; they need to complement each other. The Shivalingam is a miniature representation of the egg-shaped universe.
By venerating the Shivalingam, we are paying our respects to the entire cosmos, seeing it as an embodiment of auspiciousness and divine consciousness. The Shivalingam teaches us to perceive and realise the truth that service of the world encompasses all living beings, and in such service is visible, the path to salvation. This is the essence of Shiva worship. The term Shivalingam is composed of two words `Shiva’ and ‘Lingam One of the meanings of the word, `Shiva,’ is auspiciousness. Another version is “linga is derived from the two Sanskrit words laya (dissolution) and agaman (recreation).” Thus the linga symbolizes both the creative and destructive power of the Lord and great sanctity is attached to it by the devotees. Whosoever worships the Shivalingam with an understanding of its true meaning and knowledge of its true principle, will be blessed.
The word `Lingam’ also refers to the principle into which everything ultimately dissolves or merges. The lingam is that form, from which the cosmos arose and into which it will dissolve eventually (According to Hindu Texts when one dies, his soul or life energy or soul which is enveloped in the Linga Sarira or a subtle sheath and invested with the sum total of good and bad Karma passes after sometime into another plane shaping of the gross body as a man castes of his own - out clothes and put on new one). The Rishis who investigated the nature and origin of the universe discovered through tapas or meditation, that the source and substratum of everything is Brahmn. It cannot be described or signified by words. The fountainhead of all attributes, it is itself attribute less and formless. How can the attribute less are described? Only something with attributes can be an object of the mind and senses.
So the Rishis conceived of the Shivalingam to represent this inexplicable juncture between the unmanifest Brahmn and the manifest creation. The Shivalingam symbolises the universe rising from the Brahmn. The supreme truth, which is attributeless, is beyond name, form and individuality. The shivalingam represents all this in a tangible form. Scientists describe the shape of the universe as ellipsoidal or egg-like, and is referred to in Indic tradition as andam or brahmandam. Therefore by paying obeisance to the lingam, we are merely bowing before the cosmos as well as acknowledging the power of Oneness.
By worshipping the egg shaped Shivalingam, it is hoped that the aspirant will become aware of all this. When we sing "akash-linga pahimam, atma linga pahimam", it means; "may all- pervading God, who is as expressive as akash or the sky, protect us; May the Paramatma or Supreme Soul who is of the nature of our true self, protect us."
According to puranic legends, Shiva reduced Kamadeva to ashes by opening his third eye. At the start of Creation the Supreme Truth ramified into Prakriti or nature and Purusha or the indwelling principle
Purusha and Prakriti are not two different concept- they are one, just as fire and the power to burn are one, and they cannot be separated.
In the same way, Shiva represents the principle of the unchanging, changeless substratum behind all change or flux. The Shiva-Lingam is a symbol of the Shiva-Shakti union. By meditating on the Lingam, we will inspired to realize this Supreme Truth.
When we make offerings to the lingam and invoke Shiva and Shakti, we are acknowledging and celebrating the fact that Shiva and Shakti are not separate. That is, as husband and wife, Shiva and Parvati may appear to be two but in fact they are but One. Hence we give so much importance to the lingam in Shiva temples across region. The concept of unity is very relevant in family life as well. The husband and wife must live with one mind; they need to complement each other. The Shivalingam is a miniature representation of the egg-shaped universe.
By venerating the Shivalingam, we are paying our respects to the entire cosmos, seeing it as an embodiment of auspiciousness and divine consciousness. The Shivalingam teaches us to perceive and realise the truth that service of the world encompasses all living beings, and in such service is visible, the path to salvation. This is the essence of Shiva worship. The term Shivalingam is composed of two words `Shiva’ and ‘Lingam One of the meanings of the word, `Shiva,’ is auspiciousness. Another version is “linga is derived from the two Sanskrit words laya (dissolution) and agaman (recreation).” Thus the linga symbolizes both the creative and destructive power of the Lord and great sanctity is attached to it by the devotees. Whosoever worships the Shivalingam with an understanding of its true meaning and knowledge of its true principle, will be blessed.
The word `Lingam’ also refers to the principle into which everything ultimately dissolves or merges. The lingam is that form, from which the cosmos arose and into which it will dissolve eventually (According to Hindu Texts when one dies, his soul or life energy or soul which is enveloped in the Linga Sarira or a subtle sheath and invested with the sum total of good and bad Karma passes after sometime into another plane shaping of the gross body as a man castes of his own - out clothes and put on new one). The Rishis who investigated the nature and origin of the universe discovered through tapas or meditation, that the source and substratum of everything is Brahmn. It cannot be described or signified by words. The fountainhead of all attributes, it is itself attribute less and formless. How can the attribute less are described? Only something with attributes can be an object of the mind and senses.
So the Rishis conceived of the Shivalingam to represent this inexplicable juncture between the unmanifest Brahmn and the manifest creation. The Shivalingam symbolises the universe rising from the Brahmn. The supreme truth, which is attributeless, is beyond name, form and individuality. The shivalingam represents all this in a tangible form. Scientists describe the shape of the universe as ellipsoidal or egg-like, and is referred to in Indic tradition as andam or brahmandam. Therefore by paying obeisance to the lingam, we are merely bowing before the cosmos as well as acknowledging the power of Oneness.
By worshipping the egg shaped Shivalingam, it is hoped that the aspirant will become aware of all this. When we sing "akash-linga pahimam, atma linga pahimam", it means; "may all- pervading God, who is as expressive as akash or the sky, protect us; May the Paramatma or Supreme Soul who is of the nature of our true self, protect us."
According to puranic legends, Shiva reduced Kamadeva to ashes by opening his third eye. At the start of Creation the Supreme Truth ramified into Prakriti or nature and Purusha or the indwelling principle
Purusha and Prakriti are not two different concept- they are one, just as fire and the power to burn are one, and they cannot be separated.
In the same way, Shiva represents the principle of the unchanging, changeless substratum behind all change or flux. The Shiva-Lingam is a symbol of the Shiva-Shakti union. By meditating on the Lingam, we will inspired to realize this Supreme Truth.
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