The Mystery of the Shivling: How Did Shivling Worship Begin, and Is It Beneficial?
The ancient and glorious history of worship on Earth provides us with an opportunity to feel proud, while also guiding us towards the right path for successful devotion. Religion and spirituality are the forces through which humanity has always sought to fulfill its purposes. In this spiritual journey, we will explore one of the essential aspects of devotion that has inspired the minds of sages and religious thinkers. Yes, here we are talking about the "Shivling."
A significant population around the world, especially Hindus, worship the Shivling. Therefore, understanding the origin of the Shivling, the reasons for its worship, and the benefits derived from it, is crucial for a complete spiritual journey. Through this article, we will delve into the hidden spiritual and cultural meanings behind the worship of the Shivling and analyze its important elements. We will also examine the claims that suggest the Shivling is crafted from the private parts of Shiva and Parvati.
Through this article, we will learn how the worship of the Shivling began. In this way, this article will inspire us to think, understand, and progress in the direction of spirituality in a new light.
Points that we covered in the Article
- What is Shivling according to ignorant religious Gurus of Hinduism?
- How is Shivling formed?
- What is a Shivling, according to the Scriptures?
- How did Shivling worship begin?
- Is Shivling worship a scripture-based practice?
- Is Shivling worship Futile?
- The Worship of the ShivLing is Prohibited by Almighty Kabir Sahib in Holy Suksham Ved
- Do Brahma, Vishnu, and Mahesh have parents? Does Devotion to the Trinity leads to liberation?
- Is it Correct to recite ‘Om NamaH Shivay’ mantra in front of Shivling?
- The 'Panchakshari Mantra': Does It Lead to Liberation?
- What is the Correct Way of devotion?
- Other believes related to the Shiva Linga
- Conclusion: No Benefits from worshiping the Shiva Linga; practice scripturally approved devotion.
What is Shivling According to Ignorant Religious Gurus of Hinduism?
The Shiving is a symbol of the religious faith of Hindu people. For devotees of Lord Shiva, it is a representation of the deity without a conventional image. It typically manifests the image of Lord Shiva in Hindu temples for his devotees. Shiva Lingas are found in both small and large Shiva temples. In many places, they naturally occur and later become symbols of devotion. Generally, the upper part of the Shiva Linga is in the form of an elliptical structure known as "Parashiva," and the lower part is known as "Pitham Parashakti." It is said that Parashiva and Parashakti represent two aspects of Lord Shiva's completeness. Together, they symbolize the unity of the microcosm and the macrocosm. The union of the feminine and masculine forces leads to the regeneration of the entire existence.
The original meaning of "Lingam" is a "sign," as has been described in the Shvetashvatara Upanishad. Lingam is considered an "external symbol without form" of the formless ‘Brahmye’.
How is Shivling formed?
According to Shaiva Agamas, a Shivling can be made from materials like clay, sand, cow dung, wood, brass, or black granite. However, the purest Shiva Linga is made from sphatik (crystal), which is naturally formed over hundreds, thousands, or even millions of years through the accumulation of mineral particles. Its development is similar to the gradual formation of a living body. This type of creation by nature itself is a miraculous phenomenon.
Due to Shaivite beliefs, the sixth verse of the Agama states that a temporary Shiva Linga can be constructed using 12 different substances: sand, rice, cooked food, river clay, cow dung, butter, rudraksha seeds, ash, sandalwood paste, Bermuda grass, a garland of flowers, or sugar.
What is a Shivling, According to the Scriptures?
There are numerous misconceptions about the Shivling prevalent in society. There are many queries in the mind of the devotees like
- Is the Shiva Linga a male organ?
- Does Shivling represent the fusion of male and female organs?
- Is the Shiva Linga a part of the body or not?
- Which part of the body is Shivling?
- Why does Lord Shiva have lingam in that shape?
- What is the real meaning of Shivling?
The answers to all these questions are present in the sacred scriptures, which we will explore further in the following article.
In the Shiva Mahapurana (published by "Khemraj Shri Krishnadas Prakashan," translated by Vidyavaridhi Pandit Jwala Prasad Mishra), Part 1, Vidyaeshwara Samhita, Chapter 5, Page 11, Nandikeshvara (meaning Shiva's vehicle) reveals the mysteries of the Shivling
Vidyaveshwar Samhita Chapter 5 Verse 27-30:-.
27. In the past, in the first ‘Kalpa’ which is famous among the people, at that time, Brahma and Vishnu fought with each other.
28. In order to eradicate their arrogance, the formless Supreme Being manifested as a pillar between them.
29. At that time, out of the desire for the welfare of the universe, the formless Shiva revealed the form of his Linga (symbol) from that luminous pillar.
30. From that day onwards, the Linga form of the formless Shiva became renowned in the world.
How did Shivling Worship Begin?
The worship of the Shivling began with two main incidents mentioned in our sacred texts.
The first incident:
In the Shiva Mahapurana, {whose publisher is "Khemraj Shri Krishnadas Prakashan Mumbai (Bombay), Hindi commentator, translator is Vidyavaridhi Pandit Jwala Prasad Ji Mishra} in Vidyaveshwar Samhita, Chapter 5, Page 11, it is described that Nandikeshwara, who is Shiva's vehicle, explained how the worship of the Shiva Linga began? The formless Shiva instructed his sons Brahma and Vishnu about it -
Vidyaveshwar Samhita Page 18 Chapter 9 Verse 40-43:-
40. Because of this, I am an unknown form. However, for the sake of revealing myself to you, I instantly assume a Corporeal form as the divine.
41. Understand my divine form completely. This formless pillar is the revealer of Brahm.
42. Due to the characteristics of the Linga, my Linga form will be formless. Thus, my son, you should worship it regularly.
43. This form is always present within me and is the cause of my proximity. Due to the inseparability of the Linga and Lingi, it is eternally worshipable.
Explanation: This description has been written word by word from the Shri Shiv Mahapuran (published by Khemraj Shri Krishna Das Prakash Mumbai). It is clear that Kaal Brahm has intentionally taught unconventional practices in the form of Lord Shiva, as he does not want anyone to follow the practices mentioned in the scriptures. That's why asked to worship his penis (genitals). At first, the luminous pillar was placed between Brahma and Vishnu. Then, appearing in the form of Shiva, he manifested his consort Durga as Parvati and concealed the luminous pillar, revealing a stone statue in the form of his lingam (genitalia), as well as a stone statue of the feminine genitalia (lingi). Entering the lingam into the lingi, signifying the unity of masculine and feminine, he told Brahma and Vishnu that these forms are indivisible, and one should perpetually worship them as such.
The second event:
Chapter 12 of Shiva Mahapurana Koti Rudra Samhita
Shiv Puran (eleven volumes) Translated by P. Pyarelal Raghu, Publisher Tejkumar Kumar Book Depot (P) Ltd. Lucknow Page number 144 to 147
Shri Brahma Ji is telling his son Sage of the Lords Narad, the story of Shiva's separation after Sati gave up her life. Shiva started traveling in the form of ascetic in the whole world with the sorrow of separation.
Later, Shiva got naked and smeared his whole body with ash, and adorned himself with matted hair, a garland of skulls, snake coils as earings, and a loincloth. Seated in the cave of a mountain, he began his penance. Enduring various hardships, one day he went to the ‘Daruk’ forest in a naked state. Seeing Shiva in his naked form, the wives of the sages, overcome by desire, approached him. At that time, the sages were away in the forest. The sages' wives could not control their mind after seeing the charming form of Shiva in their immense state of sorrow and all of them hugged Shiva. Meanwhile, their husbands returned from the forest and got angry seeing the condition of their wives. The sages called Shiva unrighteous and said, ‘you yourse have adopted a religion against the Vedas and have also spoiled our religion, so your penis should fall on the earth’.
As per the result of a curse, Lord Shiva's linga fell on Earth and went into the netherworld. Without his linga, Shiva felt ashamed and took on a terrifying form like a holocaust, yet no one knew why he did so. After the linga fell, there was great chaos in all three worlds; people were sad and anxious, trembling. Mountains caught fire, stars fell during the day, but the secret of the fallen linga wasn't revealed. The most upheaval occurred in the hermitages of the sages.
Brahma further told Narad, "Humans should not rush into any task due to ignorance. They should think and understand before acting. Educated and arrogant individuals suffer without fully knowing Lord Shiva. All the distressed sages went to the realm of the gods. When there was no solution there, they came to me (Brahma). We all went to Lord Vishnu. After bowing to Vishnu, we inquired about the cause of the chaos. Vishnu explained that this situation arose because of the arrogance of sages who cursed Shiva by not recognizing him. We all went to Shiva with Vishnu. We praised him, requested his mercy, and asked him to reacquire the linga. Feeling ashamed, Shiva said ‘there is no fault in anyone, and it was all done by me’. Moreover, we don't really need the linga without a spouse."
The deities said, "Sati has incarnated here in the Himalayas. She will perform penance to marry you. Therefore, you should hold the linga; there will be joy in creation." Shiva replied, "You worship my linga, and I will assume a new form." Vishnu and other present deities assured, "We will worship your linga." In the midst of this, Shiva disappeared. We all went to the netherworld to worship the fallen linga. In sequence, everyone worshiped the linga: First Vishnu, then I (Brahma), followed by Lord Indra and all other deities. As a result of this worship, flowers rained from the sky, and various musical instruments were played.
At that moment, Shiva manifested from the linga, smiling, and said, "I am pleased with your worship. Ask for a boon." We all prayed that by assuming the linga, he should bestow happiness upon all three realms. We promised to remain devoted without arrogance. Shiva agreed, and he held the linga. Vishnu and I took a flawless and pure diamond, crafted a beautiful idol resembling the linga, and placed it on the spot of the Shiva linga. We proclaimed that whoever worships it would attain happiness in both this world and the afterlife.
Is Shivling Worship A Scripture-Based Practice?
Not at all, this shameless worship is going on among all Hindus on a folklore basis. If you see a Shivling in a temple, around the ling there is the shape of a vagina, in which it appears as if the penis has been inserted. By providing this way of worship, Sadashiv i.e. Brahm Kaal misguided the devotee community and told the Contrary method of devotion to the Vedas and Gita. You read above in Shiva Purana Part-1, Vidyaveshwar Samhita, Chapter 5 Verse 27 to 30 on page 11 that the effulgent pillar was erected by Shiva. Then hiding that pillar, gave the stone the shape of his penis (genitals) and said to worship it. Readers would not be able to believe that how Kaal Brahm i.e. Sadashiv can ask his sons Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh to worship his Linga.
Is Shivling Worship Futile?
Scripture-based devotion leads to salvation, on the contrary, idol worship, linga worship, pilgrimage, fasting etc. are practices against the scriptures. Idol worship and Linga worship are also nowhere mentioned in the Bhagavad Gita. In Holy Gita Chapter 9 Verses 23, 24, it has been said that ‘Those individuals who worship other deities are also engaged in a worship that keeps them entangled in the trap of Kaal’. In Bhagavad Gita Chapter 16 Verse 23, it has been told that the one who does devotion apart from the method described in the scriptures, neither attains happiness, nor perfection nor salvation. Until a complete saint is not found, only Kaal (in the form of mind) enjoys the fruit (bliss) of all religious Sacrifice.
It is worthwhile to examine who is the Supreme God about whom the knowledge provider of Gita himself advises Arjuna to go in refuge in Chapter 18 Verse 62 and 66. The Supreme God (Sarva Gatam Brahm) who is revered in all religious Sacrifice, that is, the one to whom the religious Sacrifice are devoted, is said to be a complete Brahm in Gita Chapter 3 Verse 14 & 15. He created the foundation of karma and makes it necessary to all sentient beings.
The Worship of the ShivLing is Prohibited by Almighty Kabir Sahib in Holy Suksham Ved
Shivling is revered by blind devotees, which is not only a cause for shame but also a violation of religious principles since it is not mentioned in the Gita and Vedas.
In Suksham Ved, it has been written that :
Dhare Shiv lunga bahu vidhi ranga, gaal bajave gahle,
Je ling pooje shiv sahib mile, to pooje kyo na khaile
Meaning: According to Kabir Ji, senseless and pointless rituals are practiced by people who lack true Spiritual Knowledge and mindlessly worship idols. They mislead people for their own survival by practicing various forms of devotion with vibrant stone lingas.
The message that Kabir Ji wants to convey is that if people think that worshiping Lord Shiva through the linga will bring them benefits, then they are deceiving themselves. And if they really want to worship linga they should worship the male organ of an OX (bull), which is responsible for the creation of cows. Cows produce nutritious milk and give birth to calves used to plough fields, both of which provide direct advantages. Despite the obvious benefits, such adoration is shameful.
It is apparent that blind worshippers do not understand the fundamental nature of the stone-made Shiva Linga and what does it represents?. If they were conscious, they would not even look at it, let alone worship it.
Do Brahma, Vishnu, and Mahesh have parents? Does Devotion to the Trinity leads to liberation?
Brahma (Kshar Purush) and Prakriti gave birth to three sons (Rajguna Brahma Ji, Satguna Vishnu Ji, and Tamguna Shiva Ji). In the sacred Bhagavad Gita, Chapter 14, Verse 20, it is stated that ‘that soul considers the Gunas as the cause (the root of suffering) of this body’s birth i.e. birth-death and transcending the three Gunas i.e. abandoning the bhakti of Brahma, Vishnu, Mahesh, becoming free from birth-death, old age and all the miseries (attaining complete liberation, the Complete God/Purna Parmatma) attains the supreme happiness. Thus, devotion to the three qualities (Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva) isn't the highest. Devotion to the Purn Brahm (Param Akshar Brahm) liberates the soul from the influence of the three qualities bestowing immortality, Happiness, and Salvation, preventing one from returning to the dreadful web of old age, death, and karmic bondage.
Is it Correct to Recite ‘Om Namah Shivay’ Mantra in Front of Shivling?
‘OM’ Ekakshri mantra is of God Sadashiv, the father of Brahma, Vishnu, Mahesh. The same has been mentioned in Gita Chapter 8 Verse 13. In the original Sanskrit it is one word ‘OM’. But the translators have added ‘OM NamaH Shivay’ in this. This is a wrong mantra.
Brahm has said in the 13th and 14th Verse of Chapter 8 of Gita that ‘a devotee who recites ‘OM’ mantra, that too, who has faith only in one God (Brahm) and is not concentrated towards other gods-goddesses, Mai-Masaani, Hanuman, Ganesh, Brahma-Vishnu-Mahesh, etc i.e. beyond the three Gunas, who always remembers me (Brahm), I am easily attainable to him i.e. my benefit can be easily obtained. Chanting of "Om'' (ॐ) mantra is of Brahm and with its remembrance, Brahmalok is attained. In the Gita Chapter 8 Verse 16, it is said that ‘even the creatures who have attained Brahmalok remain in the cycle of reincarnation and death.
The 'Panchakshari Mantra': Does It Lead to Liberation?
Only Brahmalok is attained by the Om mantra of Brahma-Kaal. The 'Om' mantra of Brahm-Kaal is a means to attain Brahm. In Bhagavad Gita, Chapter 8, Verse 16, God Sadashiva or Brahm, the Knowledge giver of Gita , says, "Arjuna, after attaining the realm of Brahm, all souls remain in recurrence. Beings who reach there undergo rebirth and death again. After their good deeds are exhausted, they experience hardships in the lives of other beings on Earth. Thus, mere worship of the Brahm doesn't lead to complete liberation."
By reciting the 'Panchakshari Mantra' (Five-Syllable Mantra) may yield various achievements for practitioners, but it doesn't grant complete liberation. Such practitioners enjoy pleasure in Brahmaloka for a certain time. After their virtuous deeds are spent, they become rulers on Earth. When their virtues are exhausted, they suffer in hell and experience difficulties across 8.4 million life forms. Our scriptures have proved this.
What is the Correct Way of Worship?
By following the guidance provided by a true spiritual guru, adhering to principles like abstaining from intoxicants (as advised in Yajurveda Chapter 19, Mantra 30) and forsaking arbitrary way of worship etc, the devotees attain all benefits in their present life. Alongside, they achieve boundless tranquility upon leaving this perishable human body. Worldly pleasures are obtained through true devotion.
Hence, seeking refuge in an enlightened saint, one should attain the True Mantra mentioned in Bhagavad Gita Chapter 17, Verse 23, Yajurveda Chapter 19, Mantra 25, and Quran Sharif Surah Shura 42 Ayah 1, and consistently practice according to the instructions until their last breath.
Sacred scriptures confirm that an enlightened saint, as described in Bhagavad Gita Chapter 15, Verses 1-4, imparts true devotion, allowing the soul to break free from the entanglements of Brahm-Kaal. Yajurveda Chapter 19, Mantra 26, states that the enlightened saint imparts devotion performed three times daily.
A human should get cautious with the life remaining. There will be nothing left but to cry after this opportunity is gone. The knowledge of the Gita and the Vedas has been imparted by Param Akshar Brahm. That's why it is certified and beneficial.
Other Beliefs Related to the Shiva Linga
- Can a Married Woman Touch the Shivling?
- Can girls touch shivling or not?
- Can We Touch the Shivling at Night?
- Can We hug the Shivling?
- Should Women Perform Shivling Worship?
- Should Women Pour Water on the Shivling?
- Can Unmarried Girls Worship Lord Shiva?
Worshiping Lord Shiva or the Shiva Linga doesn't bring any specific benefits. If one seeks various benefits, it's better to worship the Supreme Father, the Almighty God, with the right devotional practices. Since there's no proven benefit from Shiva Linga worship, following or not following the aforementioned, rituals doesn't make a difference. However, if a seeker desires benefits from Lord Shiva, they should chant the appropriate mantras. These are the same ancient mantras given by Lord Shiva to Goddess Parvati at the Amarnath shrine granting her the same immortality that Lord Shiva possesses. These mantras are currently being granted by Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj. For complete immortality, chanting the mantras of Supreme God Kabir, as provided by Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj, is recommended.
Why is Milk Poured on Shivling? Is Pouring Milk on Shivling a Waste?
Pouring milk on the Shiva Linga is a ritualistic act which is useless since it is an arbitrary practice that goes against scriptures and holds no real benefits.
Why is Shivling kept in water?
The Shiva Linga is often placed in water to create a peaceful and sacred atmosphere. Water is considered a symbol of purity and aids in establishing a holy ambiance in the place of worship. According to popular belief, the coolness of water also symbolizes calming Lord Shiva's highest energy. But this practice is also opposite to the injunctions of spiritual texts.
Why is there 12 Shivling Beside the main Shiva Linga?
According to some beliefs, the 12 Shiva Lingas represent the 12 Jyotirlingas, which are prominent shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva.
Why is there a Snake around Shivling?
The snake encircling the Shiva Linga in the image is known as Vasuki. Vasuki primarily represents ‘Kundalini’ energy, which is self contained in the ‘Muladhara Chakra’. It's considered a symbol of awakening energy and spiritual transformation. The real method to awaken ‘Kundalini’ energy is also told by Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj.
Conclusion
When understanding the mystery behind the Shiva Linga worship, it's necessary to comprehend the spiritual and cultural meanings concealed within this ritual. It signifies the union of Shiva and Shakti in the form of a symbol. The worship of the Shiva Linga does not lead to attaining ultimate salvation, regardless of its form; it does not imply any intention. The one who revealed the real state of the Shiva Linga is not someone else but Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj, who, in His book "Andh shraddha Bhakti Khatra e Jaan," has exposed its reality.
Out of the eighty-four lakh life forms, human life is the most unique one. It needs to be lived with great caution. The Supreme Divine Himself descends to Earth to prescribe the correct method of devotion. Recognizing Him, receiving initiation from a true saint, practicing that devotion within prescribed limits, and breaking the cycle of birth and death to enter the realm of the Supreme Divine is essential.
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