Lord Shiva, one of the principal deities in Hinduism, is often depicted and worshipped in the form of a Linga. The Shivalinga, a cylindrical stone or pillar, holds profound symbolic significance and is the primary representation of Shiva in temples and shrines across India. The Linga is not merely a representation of Shiva but a profound symbol that encapsulates the essence of the divine. But why is Shiva primarily worshipped in this form? Let’s delve into the reasons and scriptural references behind this sacred tradition.
This iconic representation of the Hindu deity Shiva has been the focus of devotion and contemplation for centuries, deeply rooted in the ancient scriptures and spiritual traditions of the subcontinent. According to the Vedas, the oldest sacred text of Hinduism, the Linga is a symbolic representation of the formless, infinite, and eternal nature of the divine (Rigveda, Book 10, Hymn 90, Verse 1). As the Shiva Purana states, “The Linga is the embodiment of the Supreme Lord Shiva” (Shiva Purana, Chapter 1, Verse 16).
Symbolism of the Formless Divine
Lord Shiva is fundamentally regarded as “Nirguna” (beyond attributes) and “Nirakara” (formless), embodying the ultimate “Nirakar Nirguna Brahm” (the formless, attribute-less absolute). This understanding of Shiva was affirmed by Shiva himself in his teachings to Vishnu and Brahma, highlighting his formless nature.
According to the Linga Purana, the Linga form is said to represent the infinite and formless nature of the Supreme Being. The Linga is a manifestation of the eternal, immutable, and all-pervasive Brahman, the ultimate reality in Hinduism.
The linga is the supreme Brahman, the origin of all creation
— Linga Purana, Chapter 1, Verse 6
The linga is the symbol of Shiva, the supreme Lord who is beyond all forms and qualities.
— Linga Purana 1.16
The Linga is the formless form of the Lord. It is the visible symbol of the invisible, formless, and all-pervading Supreme Being, reminding devotees of the omnipresent and eternal nature of Shiva.
Moreover, the Linga is often associated with the concept of Brahman, the ultimate, formless, and absolute reality in Hinduism. The Linga is seen as a physical manifestation of this abstract and infinite divine principle, allowing devotees to connect with the divine in a tangible and accessible form
Representation of Creation
The Linga’s significance is further emphasized in the Lingashtakam, a hymn that extols the virtues of the Shiva Linga. The text states, “O Linga, you are the essence of the entire universe. You are the beginning, the middle, and the end of all that exists” (Lingashtakam, Verse 1). This underscores the Linga’s representation of the divine as the source, sustainer, and ultimate destination of all creation.
The Linga is the representation of the Supreme Being, the source of all creation, and the embodiment of the three gunas – Sattva, Rajas, and Tamas.
The Linga is the source of all creation, the seed from which the universe emerges
— Skanda Purana, Maheshwar Khanda, Chapter 3, Verse 11
The cylindrical shape of the Linga represents the cosmic pillar or the axis mundi, connecting the earth to the heavens and symbolizing the creative energy of Shiva. The worship of the Linga form of Shiva is deeply symbolic, embodying all aspects of creation. The Linga Purana (Part 2, Chapter 46) narrates an incident where sages were debating the reason behind the Linga’s worship. Goddess Saraswati intervenes with a profound declaration:
अथांतरिक्षे विपुला साक्षाद्देवी सरस्वती ।
अलं मुनीनां प्रश्नोऽयमिति वाचा बभूव ह ।।
सर्वं लिंगमयं लोकं सर्वं लिंगे प्रतिष्ठितम् ।
तस्मात्सर्वं परित्यज्य स्थापयेत्पूजयेच्च तत् ।।
— Linga Purana (part 2 chapter 46)
She asserts that the entire universe is encapsulated within the Linga, advocating for its installation and worship. Further, Goddess Saraswati elaborates that all divine entities, including major deities like Brahma, Vishnu, and Shakti, are encompassed within the Linga, emphasizing its significance as a universal symbol:
स्वेषुस्वेषु च पक्षेषु प्रदानास्ते यथा द्विजाः |
ब्रह्मा हरश्च भगवान्विष्णुर्देवी रमा धरा ।।लक्ष्मीर्धृति: स्मृति: प्रज्ञा धरा दुर्गा शची तथा ।
रुद्राश्च वसव: स्कन्दो विशाख: शाख यव च ।।नैगमेशश्च भगवाँल्लोकपाला ग्रहास्तथा ।
सर्वे नंदिपुरोगाश्च गणा गणपति: प्रभु: ।।पितरो मुनय: सर्वे कुबेराद्याश्च सुप्रभा: ।
आदित्या वसव: सांख्या अश्चिनौ च भिषग्वरौ ।।विश्वेदेवाश्व साध्याश्च पशव: पक्षिणों मृगा:।
ब्रह्मादिस्थावरांतं च सर्वं लिंगे प्रतिष्ठितम् ।।तस्मात्सर्वं परित्यज्य स्थापयेल्लिंगमव्ययम् ।
— Linga Purana
यत्नेन स्थापितं सर्वं पूजितं पूजयेद्यदि ।।
This inclusion underscores the Linga’s capacity to represent the entirety of divine existence, thereby making its worship highly auspicious.
The Linga Purana further states the positioning of the trinity within the Linga, highlighting its comprehensive nature:
मूले ब्रह्मा वसति भगवान्मध्यभागे च विष्णु: ।
सर्वेशानः पशुपतिरजो रुद्रमूर्तिर्वरेण्यः ।।
— Linga Purana
Union of Shiva and Shakti
The Linga is not merely a representation of the male reproductive organ, as is sometimes misinterpreted. Rather, it is a symbol of the union of the masculine and feminine principles, the integration of the active and passive aspects of the divine.
He who is both male and female, who is neither, the One who governs all the worlds, the One who is beyond all the worlds, He is the One who deserves worship.
— Rigveda 10.129
The Linga symbolizes the union of masculine and feminine principles, representing the creative energy of the universe. The cylindrical shape of the Linga represents the infinite and eternal nature of Shiva, while the circular base (Yoni) represents the divine feminine energy, Shakti.
Shiva and Shakti are inseparable, like the Linga and the Yoni
— Shiva Purana, Rudra Samhita, Chapter 12, Verse 43
The Shiva Purana, specifically in the Vayaviya Samhita, emphasizes the fundamental unity of Shiva and Shakti, akin to the relationship between word and meaning. This inseparability is crucial for understanding the symbolic significance of the Linga form:
शब्दजालमशेषं तु धत्ते सर्वस्य वल्लभा ।
अर्थस्वरुपमखिलं धत्ते मुग्धेन्दुशेखरः ।।The beloved of Shiva (Uma) is in the form of words. The moon-crested Lord (Maheswara) is in the form of the meaning of those words.
This verse highlights how Shakti (Uma) embodies the expressive aspect of divinity, akin to words, while Shiva represents the intrinsic meaning behind them. This metaphor underscores the profound interconnectedness of consciousness and energy, formless and form, illustrating the philosophical depth of Linga worship.
The text further articulates the symbiotic relationship between Shiva (consciousness) and Shakti (energy):
एवं परस्परापेक्षा शक्तिशक्तिमतोः स्थिता ।
न शिवेन विना शक्तिर्न शक्त्या च विना शिवः ।।There is mutual dependence between Shakti and Shaktiman (the possessor of power, i.e., Shiva). There is no Shakti without Shiva and no Shiva without Shakti.
This mutual dependence illustrates that neither principle can exist without the other, reinforcing the concept of their eternal unity and the profound symbolism of the Linga as a representation of this cosmic balance.
Transcendence of Duality
The Linga represents the non-dual nature of reality, transcending the dualities of male and female, form and formlessness, creation and destruction. The worship of the Linga is not merely an act of devotion but a means to attain spiritual enlightenment and liberation. By meditating on the Linga, devotees seek to transcend the limitations of the material world and merge with the infinite consciousness of Shiva.
As mentioned in the Mahabharata
The Linga is beyond all dualities, it is the supreme truth
— Mahabharata, Anushasana Parva, Chapter 14, Verse 29
The Linga Purana (Part 2, Chapter 47) presents a vivid imagery of the Linga and its pedestal (Yoni), symbolizing the physical manifestation of this cosmic union:
विशोध्य स्थापत्येद्भक्त्या सवेदिकमनुत्तमम् ।
लिंगवेदी उमा देवी लिंगं साक्षान् महेश्वर ।।The devotee shall clean the Linga along with the pedestal and then devoutly install it. The pedestal of the Linga is Goddess Uma, and the Linga itself is Maheswara.
— The Linga Purana (Part 2, Chapter 47)
This description not only embodies the physical and metaphysical aspects of Shiva and Shakti but also prescribes the act of worship as a means to honor and realize this unity.
Addressing the aspect of Shiva as both Sakala (with form) and Niskala (formless), the Shiva Purana articulates:
रुपित्वात्सकलस्तद्वत्तस्मात्सकलनिष्कल ।
निष्कलत्त्वान्निराकारं लिंगं तस्य समागतम् ।।He is also Sakala as he has an embodied form. He is both Sakala and Niskala. It is in his Niskala aspect that the Linga is appropriate as it represents the formless aspect.
Lastly, the infiniteness and eternal nature of the Linga are underscored by a reference in the Mahabharata’s Drona Parva:
दहत्यूर्ध्वं स्थितो यच्म प्राणेत्पतिस्थितश्चयत् ।
स्थितलिङ्गस्य पन्नित्यं तस्मात्स्थाणुरिति स्मृतः ।।Since he is great and ancient and is the source of life and its continuity, and since his Linga form is everlasting, he is for that reason called Sthanu.
Through these verses, the texts articulate the Linga as not only a symbol of the divine union of Shiva and Shakti but also as a representation of the universe, the continuity of existence, and the formless nature of the divine, thereby justifying its central place in worship and spiritual practice.
The worship of the Shiva Linga is an integral part of Hindu spiritual practices, with temples and shrines dedicated to this sacred symbol found throughout India and the Hindu diaspora. The Linga is often the focal point of rituals, prayers, and meditations, where devotees seek to connect with the divine and find spiritual fulfilment.
In conclusion, the Shiva Linga is a profoundly significant and multifaceted symbol in Hinduism, representing the infinite, eternal, and all-encompassing nature of the divine. Its veneration and worship have been integral to Hindu spiritual traditions for millennia, offering devotees a tangible and sacred connection to the ultimate reality.