According to ancient Hindu scriptures the 3 fundamental states of cosmic reality are Sristi (Evolution), Sthiti (Existence) & Samhar (Destruction). They are controlled by Lord Bramha (Sristi i.e. creation), Lord Vishnu (Sthiti i.e. preservation), Lord Shiva (Samhar i.e. destruction), together known as Trinity. Lord Shiva is the cause of beginning as well as completion of cosmic cycle and so he is known as Mahadev. The iconic form of Shiva is known as Linga and it represents the unity of 3 fundamental cosmic states.
Thus the Linga consists of 3 parts
1) It has a base of 3 layers at bottom representing 3 lokas and it symbolizes Lord Bramha.
2) The middle is Octagonal round form. It represents 8 directions symbolizing Lord Vishnu.
3) The top cylindrical part represents the completion of the cycle symbolizing Lord Shiva.
The word Lingam in Sanskrit means Symbol. Hence it stands for symbol of Lord Shiva. Worship of Shiva Lingam is the worship of Lord Shiva. It is regarded as most sacred and superior by Shaivaites according to Shiva Puran. Lord Shiva is represented as Linga as he is Sadashiva (eternal reality). As a destroyer he is known as Rudra with Kali as his consort. As a terrible destroyer he is known as Bhairava with Durga as his consort. As a jovial god he lives in Himalayas with his consort Parvati. As he possesses all forms of divine power he is called Ishwara and his consort is Ishwari. He is also depicted as cosmic dancer Natraja as Lingodbava. He symbolizes the superiority. According to Linga Puran, Shiva Linga symbolizes infinite nature of Shiva. Shiva Linga found in most of the temples is rounded or elliptical set on a circular base known as Peetham. This Peetham represents Parashakti- the manifesting power of god.
Shiva Lingas are usually made of stone (carved into shape). Some are naturally occurring in swift flowing river-beds (river Narmada). They may be made of metals, gems, crystals, wood, earth, ice etc. According to some scholars the material may be sand, rice, cooked food, river clay, cow dung, butter, rudraksha, ash, sandlewood, darbha grass, etc. The naturally occurring Linga at Amarnath in Himalayas is made of ice. Besides the above explanation, religious scholars have given a number of different interpretations.
According to some, Linga worship is considered as worship of reproductive function. They believe the base corresponds to Yoni (female reproductive organ) and top corresponds to Phallus (male reproductive organ). Hence Shiva Linga is considered to be representation of process of reproduction.
Thus the Linga consists of 3 parts
1) It has a base of 3 layers at bottom representing 3 lokas and it symbolizes Lord Bramha.
2) The middle is Octagonal round form. It represents 8 directions symbolizing Lord Vishnu.
3) The top cylindrical part represents the completion of the cycle symbolizing Lord Shiva.
The word Lingam in Sanskrit means Symbol. Hence it stands for symbol of Lord Shiva. Worship of Shiva Lingam is the worship of Lord Shiva. It is regarded as most sacred and superior by Shaivaites according to Shiva Puran. Lord Shiva is represented as Linga as he is Sadashiva (eternal reality). As a destroyer he is known as Rudra with Kali as his consort. As a terrible destroyer he is known as Bhairava with Durga as his consort. As a jovial god he lives in Himalayas with his consort Parvati. As he possesses all forms of divine power he is called Ishwara and his consort is Ishwari. He is also depicted as cosmic dancer Natraja as Lingodbava. He symbolizes the superiority. According to Linga Puran, Shiva Linga symbolizes infinite nature of Shiva. Shiva Linga found in most of the temples is rounded or elliptical set on a circular base known as Peetham. This Peetham represents Parashakti- the manifesting power of god.
Shiva Lingas are usually made of stone (carved into shape). Some are naturally occurring in swift flowing river-beds (river Narmada). They may be made of metals, gems, crystals, wood, earth, ice etc. According to some scholars the material may be sand, rice, cooked food, river clay, cow dung, butter, rudraksha, ash, sandlewood, darbha grass, etc. The naturally occurring Linga at Amarnath in Himalayas is made of ice. Besides the above explanation, religious scholars have given a number of different interpretations.
According to some, Linga worship is considered as worship of reproductive function. They believe the base corresponds to Yoni (female reproductive organ) and top corresponds to Phallus (male reproductive organ). Hence Shiva Linga is considered to be representation of process of reproduction.
