Lord Shiva, the supreme deity in the Hindu religion is worshipped in the form of linga. Since ancient times and holds great importance for the Hindu women folk who pray the linga for a good life partner and fertility.
Lord Shiva derives its name from the Sanskrit word “शिव”(shiv). which comes from Shri Rudram Chamakam of Taittiriya Samhita of Krishna Yajurveda. Hence Shiva is also known as Rudra, Mahesh, Mahadeva, or the supreme lord.
The story behind Shiva lingam.
In Hinduism, it’s said that Shivalinga is the shape of our universe. The lingam is represented alongside the yoni(source), a symbol of the goddess or of Shakti, female creative energy. Shivalinga is the infinite form of Lord Shiva and Goddess Shakti (Parvati). Also, the symbol of the equality of man and nature, not only the male but also the dominance of nature (feminine) in this world.
Mentioned below are some never heard before shocking and weird facts about Shivlinga and its importance in Hindu mythology. Which is truly going to surprise you and clear away many doubts surrounding the linga which is considered as the form of great vitality and power for women and men as well.
Here are some facts Unheard & Amazing Facts About Shivlinga and its Importance in Hinduism
1. What is Shiva linga actually?
Many have given many baseless and thoughtless interpretations regarding the structure of the linga. The most famous interpretation of the linga is obviously the male organ which is a widely accepted interpretation around the world. Hence one cannot say the linga was or is only an Indian symbol, Linga has been mentioned even in texts found in ancient Babylon and Roman texts which referred to the linga as “Prayapas” and found many archaeological pieces of evidence to determine their proximity to the ancient world as well.
2. Linga consists of Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu, Lord Mahesha(Shiva)
Ever wondered why Hindus worship Shiva Linga? Well here is the answer, it consists of everything in it, including TRIDEV. The linga or the lingam consists of three parts. The bottom part consisting of four sides at the ground level is worshipped as Lord Brahma, the middle one revered as the place for Lord Vishnu is the pedestal which is 8 sided and the top part worshipped as the place for Lord Shiva is worshipped as three supreme deities in one single form as per Hindu rituals. Its also contains the universe and nothing is can be bigger than that.
3. Linga – The symbol of the Universe
Unlike many who make up their own imaginary stories and uncanny interpretations of the linga. Swami Vivekananda has himself confessed to the fact that the linga is a symbol of Brahman(Universe) and not some male organ as professed by many superstitious people residing among us.
4. Scientific Interpretation of Shiva Linga
According to some scientific interpretations, scientists have concluded that linga is a cosmic egg. It looks like a molecule that is composed of atoms that are further comprised of three components-Proton, Neutron, and Electron. Hence these components are the three essential parts of the Shiva Linga.
In modern cosmology shape of Shiva Linga is believed to symbolize a black hole, representing the infinite and the unknown. Black holes are invisible and infinite, fields of energy from where even the light can’t pass through. Caused by the death of a star in the universe, which is a place where destruction and creation take place at the same time.
5. The Linga is the male reproduction organs?
Some foreign outlets misrepresented the word ‘Linga’ does not solely mean “phallus(because male genital is also called linga),” is often misunderstood. In Sanskrit, “Linga” means sign or symbol. Thus, the Shiva Linga is the symbol of the formless Supreme Being.
6. Western Misconception about Shiva Linga
Western believes in the myth, that praying the Shiva linga is not to arouse any physical prowess as misconstrued by most Westerners but to bring forth the faithful belief about their inner energy to the foray.
7. The biggest question? Why are women prohibited from touching the Shiva Linga?
Many misconceptions and superstitious beliefs have denied the women folk from touching or even doing the Puja. There is no written evidence proof of this misconception that women or unmarried women are not allowed to touch Shiva Linga. But some say that women should not touch Shiva linga only during periods.
In some temples in Southern parts of India, women are even not allowed to enter the main sanctum where the linga is kept. Male devotees and in some cases, male priests are allowed to do the Puja.
8. Another reason women are restricted to touch Shiva Linga
In many ancient texts, it has been mentioned that Lord Shiva performs the most austere form of meditation. Hence he does not wish for any disturbance while meditating. That is the reason why women are not allowed to go near the Shivlinga.
9. Males worshiped linga at natural locations & Women at houses
Since the location of the natural Shivalinga is situated in the most remote, sacred, and inaccessible places even for the mortals hence no men were allowed to these sacred places. Hence since then, women became inaccessible to these holy places and only the males were given the right to go near the sacred sanctum. As they are strong and sturdy built which makes them reach even to the remotest corner of the world. Women were considered to be weak so they were allowed to do the Puja only within the houses.
10. Lord Shiva – The God of Destruction
Lord Shiva is also considered to be the lord of destruction, hence lot of care was taken by Goddesses and Apsaras.(Heavenly dancing maidens or angels according to Indian mythology) Especially while praying to Lord Shiva that nobody provoke him during his meditation or the whole world would face the wrath of his anger.
10. Lord Shiva – Most ideal husband
In many places of North India women usually, keep the “Sola Somvaar Vrat” that is fasting for 16 consecutive Mondays and pray to Lord Shiva. Monday is considered to be Lord Shiva’s day and a holy day for all women folk who want a husband just like Shiva. Hence Monday became a unanimous day for praying to Lord Shiva for women in order to get the husband of their desire and likewise. Married men and women also consider fasting for the well-being of their families.
11. All men are part of Shiva and all women Parvathi
According to the Linga Purana, it has been specifically mentioned that all men are Shiva’s “amsha-ansh”. Which means of Shiva and similarly all women are part of Parvathi. Lord Shiva’s spouse and Goddess with many names and reincarnations. So can we say that is the reason why men are given the coveted opportunity of touching the linga and not the women folk?
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