Shiva Lingam - Shiv Ling Story
According to ancient Hindu philosophy, the cosmic framework is composed of three fundamental phases:
1) Creation (Shrishthi)
2) Preservation (Sthiti)
3) Dissolution (Samhara)
These phases operate in an endless cyclical process. Each of these phases is overseen by a deity:
1) Brahma (The Creator)
2) Vishnu (The Preserver)
3) Mahesh / Siva /Shiva (The Destroyer)
These three deities together are referred to as the Trinity (Brahma, Vishnu, Mahesh).
Shiva, who marks the completion of one cycle and the beginning of the next, is honored as Mahadev, the Supreme Divinity.
The symbolic representation of Shiva, the Linga, embodies the unity of these three cosmic phases. (as shown in below shiv ling figure)
The Linga comprises three distinct components.
The first part is a square base with three layers at the bottom, symbolizing the three mythical realms (lokas) and representing the concept of evolution, which is associated with Brahma.
The second part is an octagonal round shape in the middle, signifying the eight directions and symbolizing existence or preservation, which is the domain of Vishnu.
The third part is a cylindrical section at the top with a spherical end, representing involution or the culmination of the cosmic cycle, which is the realm of Shiva.
This icon embodies the ultimate state of unity, and the Shiva Linga itself serves as a symbol of the cosmic mandala. As Sadasiva, the eternal reality, Shiva is depicted as the Linga, symbolizing total knowledge. In his role as Rudra, the destroyer, he is accompanied by his consort Kali.
As Bhairava, the formidable destroyer, his partner is Durga. When depicted as the jovial God residing in the Himalayas, he is accompanied by his wife Parvati.
As the possessor of all forms of divine power, Shiva underlies everything in motion, earning him the name Ishvara, derived from "I-cara," meaning "I the center," and "cara," signifying the rhythm of movement.
Shiv / Shiva is also depicted as the cosmic dancer, Tandava Nartakari, symbolizing the one who maintains the rhythm of the cosmos in the world. India is home to 12 Jyotirlingas and five Pancha-Bhuta Lingas.
Back to topThe Most Sacred Shiva Lingas in India
The twelve Jyotirlingas are distributed in a remarkable and distinctive manner. Each location has been celebrated with eloquent descriptions, highlighting the surrounding beauty. These sites also hold fascinating origin stories and offer unique blessings to those who visit them.
2 are situated on the seashore,
3 grace the banks of rivers,
4 are nestled in the high mountains,
3 can be found in villages within meadows.
12 Jyotirlingas with locations
Below are 12 Jyotirlingas with locations.
- Somnath (Gujarat)
- Malikarjuna Swami (Andhra Pradesh)
- Mahakaleshwar (Madhya Pradesh)
- Omkareshwar (Madhya Pradesh)
- Kedarnath (Uttarakhand)
- Bhimashankar (Maharashtra)
- Kashi Vishwanath Temple (Uttar Pradesh)
- Trimbakeshwar Shiva Temple (Maharashtra)
- Nageshvara Jyotirlinga (Gujarat)
- Baidyanath Temple (Jharkhand)
- Rameshwar (Tamil Nadu)
- Grishneshwar (Maharashtra)
Panchabhuta Lingas
Pancha Bhoota Lingas/Sthalam refers to the five revered temples dedicated to the Shiv/Shiva ji.
Each temple symbolizing one of the fundamental elements of nature: Earth, Air, Water, Fire, and Ether.
These five elements are believed to be embodied within the five lingams, which are abstract representations of the Hindu God Shiva in Shaivism. Each of these lingams is given a distinct name corresponding to the element they represent. To break it down further, ‘pancha’ means five, ‘bhoota’ means elements, and ‘sthala’ means place.
Panchabhuta Lingas are
- Ekambareswarar (Earth)
- Srikalahasteeswara (Air)
- Jambukeswarar (Water)
- Arunachalesvara (Fire)
- Nataraja (Ether)
About Linga Purana
The Linga Purana (लिंग पुराण, Liṅga Purāṇa) is one of the eighteen Mahapuranas and serves as a significant Shaivism text within Hinduism. Its title, Linga, pertains to the iconic representation of Shiva.
The authorship and precise date of the Linga Purana remain shrouded in mystery, with scholarly estimates suggesting that the original text was likely composed between the 5th and 10th centuries CE.
Numerous versions of the text exist, displaying inconsistencies and indications of revisions and expansions over time. The existing text is divided into two sections, comprising a total of 163 chapters.
The content of the text encompasses topics such as cosmology, mythology, seasons, festivals, geography, guidance for pilgrimage (Tirtha), instructions for the construction and consecration of Linga and Nandi, stotras (hymns), discussions on the significance of these divine symbols, and an exploration of Yoga practices with claims regarding their various benefits.
The proposed dates for the composition of the oldest core of the Linga Purana vary among scholars, spanning from the 5th to the 10th century CE.
As with all the Puranas, the Linga Purana exhibits a complex chronology.
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