TANTRIC SCULPTURES OF SHIVA LINGAM

The lingam is commonly at the core of Shaivite temples, encircled by murtis. The lingam is clearly aniconic when compared with the latter. The mass is flat and cylindrical. It usually occupies the center of the yoni, a lipped, disk-shaped object that functions as the goddess Shakti's emblem.

Ancient Sanskrit texts, such as the Mahabharata and the Puranas, contain stories that portray the lingam as Shiva's phallic symbol. Hindu devotees see the erect phallus and yoni as a symbol of the union of the masculine and female principles in addition to the totality of creation.

Services of milk, water, flower arrangements, new grass seedlings, fruit, foliage, and sun-dried rice are offered in reverence of the lingam. The svayambhuva lingams, which are tubular rocks unearthed in caves or on the ground and are believed to have developed on their own during the dawn of time; around 70 of these lingams are venerated in different parts of India, are some of the most prominent lingams. The lingodbhavamurti, which portrays Shiva emerging from a flaming lingam, is a popular image in South India.

Shiva Lingam devotion was not confined to Sri Lanka and India. The Romans, who introduced the devotion of Shiva Lingam to Europe, called the Lingam as "Prayapas." In the ancient Mesopotamian city of Babylon's archaeological finds, Shiva Lingam sculptures were unearthed.

Furthermore, the unearthing of numerous Shiva Lingam sculptures in Harappa-Mohenjo-daro amid archaeological excavations uncovered the existence of a fully advanced civilization. Hinduism defines the Shivling Pillar as a pillar of fire that symbolizes the 3 Divinities, Brahma, Vishnu, and Maheshwara, while the Disc, or Peedam, is thought to symbolize Sakthi.

Lord Shiva is portrayed in the Mahabharata by Sage Vyasa as also being lower than elementary particles like the proton, neutron, and electron. He also adds that Lord Shiva is greater to all grandeur at the same time. He is the basis why so many living creatures are thriving.

Shiva is the source of everything that is both alive and inanimate. There are three main components to a Shiva Linga. The Brahma-Pitha is the bottom of these, accompanied by the Vishnu-Pitha in the midst, and the Shiva-Pitha at the peak.

The Hindu deities Brahma (the Creator), Vishnu (the Preserver), and Shiva are connected to them. An elongated bowl-like structure (Vishnu-Pitha) that mimics a flattened teapot with the head cut off sits on the typical round bottom or peetham.

A tall tube with a spherical head is contained within the bowl. Many folks assume they have witnessed a phallus in this region of the Shiva Linga. Most typically, the Shiva Linga is fashioned out of stone. 

They can indeed be fairly enormous in Shiva Temples, looming over devotees, yet Lingam may also be quite small, resting at approximately knee height. Some are rather industrialized or fairly simple and concise, whereas others are adorned with elaborate carvings or historical motifs.

The Linga contains a mysterious or ethereal power known as Shakti. It is thought to improve clarity of thought and aid in selective attention. For this purpose, Lord Shiva's shrines were supposed to have Lingas installed, in accordance with the ancient Indian philosophers and soothsayers.

The Linga is much more than a stone fragment to a sincere devotee; it is all-luminous. It tries to communicate with him, liberates him from body consciousness, and promotes his connection with the Lord.

FAQS

Why is milk poured over a Shiva Lingam?

According to tradition, milk is one of the greatest transmitters of high energy, and when it is spilled over the Shivling, the flow of energy focuses on the lingam.

Where did Shiva Lingam originate?

They originate in Western India, near the Narmada River.

Why is lingam in that shape?

According to the Linga Purana, the lingam is a complete symbolic representation of the formless God Shiva – the oval-shaped part is the symbol of the Universe, and the bottom base represents the Supreme Power holding the entire Universe in it.

The oval shape indicates that in this universe every being, matter, and celestial body is oval. The shape of the Milky Way and solar system are all oval. The Lingam is shaped like an egg and represents the 'Brahmanda' or the cosmic egg.

Shiva Lingam represents the atomic structure. According to the Rishis, Shiva and Vishnu are present in the Lingam. In the atomic structure, there are Protons and Neutrons which are surrounded by fast-spinning Electrons.

Can we drink Shivling water?

It is believed that water is an electrolyte, which transmits energy much faster than air. Thus, pouring holy water on Shiva Linga releases powerful vibrations and energizes the deity. This helps in cleansing the negativity in the aura and correlates the mind and water as one.

When water is poured on the Shivling or an Abhioshekham is done, it calms the mind and frees the devotee from all negative energies like worries and problems.

The offered water and milk or any other liquid is known as Charanmrat. It is auspicious to drink it little by little three times.

Where does Shiva lingam come from?

According to Swami Vivekananda, the Shiva-linga had origins in the idea of Yupa-Stambha or Skambha of the Vedic rituals, where the term meant the sacrificial post which was then idealized as the eternal Brahman.

In Hinduism, Shiva lingam is a semi-precious gemstone, also known as linga or narmadeshwar Lingam. It is a type of crypto-crystalline quartz containing iron oxide deposits and inclusions of minerals like agate, basalt, feldspar, and jasper.

Shiva lingam mainly hails from one of the seven holy sites (or Sapta Gangas) of India — the Narmada River in Western India, where they are gathered by villagers and polished into their traditional elliptical egg shape. According to Hindu beliefs, this river was formed from Lord Shiva’s sweat after his cosmic dance.