what is the story behind the Shivling


Shivling's Origin Stories




The Shiva Linga, also known as the Shivling or Lingam, holds significant religious and cultural importance in Hinduism. It represents Lord Shiva, one of the principal deities in Hindu mythology. The story behind the Shivling varies in different Hindu texts and legends. Here are a few popular narratives associated with its origin:

Puranas: According to Hindu Puranas (ancient scriptures), there was once a dispute between Lord Brahma, the creator, and Lord Vishnu, the preserver, about who was the supreme deity. As the argument escalated, Lord Shiva appeared in the form of a massive column of fire, challenging them to find the top or bottom of the fiery pillar. Brahma took the form of a swan and flew upwards, while Vishnu took the form of Varaha, a boar, and delved into the earth. After their futile attempts, they humbly acknowledged Lord Shiva's supremacy. The pillar of fire then transformed into the Lingam, representing the infinite nature of Lord Shiva.

Agni Purana: In the Agni Purana, it is mentioned that Lord Shiva incarnated as a cosmic pillar of light, splitting the universe into two halves, male and female. This act demonstrated the fundamental duality and interconnectedness of creation. The upper half represented the heavens, and the lower half symbolized the Earth. The Lingam represents the cosmic pillar and embodies the male and female principles.

Legend of Ravana: According to another story, Ravana, the antagonist of the Hindu epic Ramayana, was an ardent devotee of Lord Shiva. He wanted to bring the powerful Lingam from Mount Kailash, the abode of Lord Shiva, to his kingdom. However, Lord Shiva entrusted the Lingam to Lord Ganesha, who cleverly placed it on the ground before Ravana could reach Lanka. Frustrated, Ravana tried to uproot the Lingam but failed, leaving it broken into pieces. Those pieces became sacred sites where Shiva Lingas are worshipped.

These are a few of the many stories associated with the origin of the Shivling. The Shivling serves as a focal point for worship and meditation, representing the formless and eternal aspect of Lord Shiva. It symbolizes creation, preservation, and dissolution, as well as the union of the male and female energies in the universe.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

The Story of Lord Vishwakarma.

Vishwakarma Bhagawan, regarded as the divine architect and craftsman in Hindu mythology, is revered as the creator of the universe's architecture, the gods' weapons, and various divine palaces. He is often depicted as the chief architect of the world, embodying creation, innovation, and technical knowledge. According to ancient scriptures, Vishwakarma is the son of Brahma, the creator of the universe, and is believed to have constructed the magnificent cities of gods like Dwarka for Lord Krishna, Lanka for Ravana, and Indraprastha for the Pandavas. His role is crucial in Hindu mythology, as he not only creates but also helps maintain the cosmic balance through his divine creations. The most famous legends associated with Vishwakarma revolve around his exceptional craftsmanship and engineering. One popular story tells how he was tasked with building a palace for Lord Indra, the king of the gods. Vishwakarma constructed an extraordinary palace, adorned with celestial gems and des...
Read more

Maa Shidhidatri ki Katha.

Maa Siddhidatri is the ninth and final form of Goddess Durga, worshipped on the ninth day of Navaratri. She is known as the Goddess who bestows all types of Siddhis (spiritual powers) to her devotees. According to Hindu mythology, her name is derived from two words: "Siddhi," meaning supernatural power, and "Dhatri," meaning giver. Maa Siddhidatri is often depicted seated on a lotus or a lion, holding a conch, discus, mace, and lotus flower in her hands. Her divine energy is believed to have created the universe and blesses all with knowledge and wisdom. In ancient times, when Lord Shiva sought the ultimate source of knowledge and power, it was Maa Siddhidatri who bestowed him with all eight Siddhis, including Anima, Mahima, and Garima. These Siddhis gave him supreme control over the material and spiritual realms. Legends also suggest that to receive her blessings, Lord Shiva merged half of his body with hers, resulting in the form of Ardhanarishvara, a fusion of Sh...
Read more

Bhagabata Janma Katha.

The Bhagabata Janma Katha is the story of how the Bhagavata Purana, one of the most revered texts in Hinduism, came into existence. This sacred scripture primarily focuses on the life and teachings of Lord Krishna, along with the stories of other incarnations of Lord Vishnu. The katha (narrative) of its birth begins with the sage Veda Vyasa, the compiler of the Vedas and Mahabharata, feeling an intense sense of dissatisfaction even after completing these monumental works. Despite his immense contribution to preserving knowledge, Vyasa felt that something was missing, a spiritual emptiness that he could not comprehend. In his quest for fulfillment, Veda Vyasa was visited by Narada Muni, the divine sage who roams across all realms. Narada Muni advised Vyasa that the cause of his unease was his failure to emphasize devotion (bhakti) and the supreme glory of Lord Vishnu in his earlier compositions. While the Vedas were rich in rituals and philosophy, they did not sufficiently highlight the...
Read more