Significance of the Shiva Lingam during Maha Shivaratri
On January 28, 2025In many Hindu temples in India, especially those dedicated to Lord Shiva, one can see Shiva Lingams. Resembling a phallus, it is worshipped as Shiva himself, in his formless state. But why do people worship Shiva in the form of this symbol? Let us find out.
Symbolism behind the Shiva Lingam
The Shiva Lingam represents Lord Shiva. It is a symbol of his divine form and cosmic energy. During the Maha Shivaratri festival that honors Shiva, Hindus worship the Lingam, focusing on it during their meditation to achieve spiritual awakening.
The 129th Sukta in the 10th mandal of Rigveda’s Naradiya Sukta says that Shivalinga is associated with the creation of the Universe. This cosmic energy was worshipped by Hindus in the form of a stambha or pillar. In Sanskrit, Linga means a mark.
The Shiva Lingam is often represented alongside the yoni, a symbol of Goddess Shakti, the female creative energy. The Lingam represents Brahmanda, or the Cosmic egg, which has no beginning or end.
The Lingam is formless and infinite. Ancient Hindu scriptures like the Vedas and Puranas, including the Shiva Purana, Linga Purana, Skanda Purana, Kurma Purana, Vayu Purana, etc., mention the Shiva Lingam and its significance. Shiva Lingam supposedly encompasses the 3 primary energies of creation, preservation, and destruction. Hence, Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva dwell in it.
The union of Shiva and Shakti is responsible for all creation. There are many sacred objects, and among these, the Shiva Lingam resonates at the highest frequency. So, it is very sacred and powerful.
The Shiva Lingam has many meanings. It is, for instance, a cosmic pillar of fire, embodying the Universe and the Divine Power that holds it together. It is also the unmanifested aspect of Shiva, beyond physical form and attributes. The Shiva Lingam also signifies the union of masculine and feminine energies and Shiva's divine form.
Maha Shivaratri
The festival of Maha Shivaratri is very important for Shaivites. It celebrates the nuptials of Shiva and Parvati.
Devotees also believe that on this night, Shiva performed his cosmic dance of creation, preservation, and destruction. According to mythology, during the churning of the Milky Ocean for Amrit, a deadly poison emerged from the ocean. To save the world from destruction, Shiva drank the poison, holding it in his throat, which caused his throat to turn blue. The gods were very grateful to him for saving the Universe, and they sang and danced all night to entertain him and express their gratitude. Shiva was so pleased by their actions that he performed his Ananda Tandavam, or dance of bliss, in order to show his pleasure.
For this reason, devotees keep an all-night vigil on Maha Shivaratri and perform meditation. People who worship Shiva in this manner are believed to get release from the sins they committed in many lifetimes.
Why Do People Worship the Shiva Lingam on Maha Shivaratri?
The Shiva Lingam is worshipped by devotees on Maha Shivaratri with great devotion, as it is a powerful symbol of Shiva and encapsulates his divine energy. It becomes a focal point for their meditation and spiritual awakening. They also perform Abishekam to it four times during the night, using different sacred substances. By meditating on the Shiva Lingam and performing these rituals, devotees hope to connect with Shiva’s energy and gain his blessings.
Maha Shivaratri Rituals
Participate in the Maha Shivaratri Rituals
Sacred texts describe it as a ‘sthambha’ or pillar that holds swarga/heaven, earth and the earth’s atmosphere. It also supports all the 6 directions and stretches across the Universe. Thus, the linga signifies the Universe. It stands for boundless energy and power. It has the power to create and erase life.
The 129th Sukta in the 10th mandal of Rigveda’s Naradiya Sukta says that Shivalinga is associated with the creation of the Universe. This cosmic energy was worshipped by Hindus in the form of a stambha or pillar. In Sanskrit, Linga means a mark.
The Shiva Lingam is often represented alongside the yoni, a symbol of Goddess Shakti, the female creative energy. The Lingam represents Brahmanda, or the Cosmic egg, which has no beginning or end.
The Lingam is formless and infinite. Ancient Hindu scriptures like the Vedas and Puranas, including the Shiva Purana, Linga Purana, Skanda Purana, Kurma Purana, Vayu Purana, etc., mention the Shiva Lingam and its significance. Shiva Lingam supposedly encompasses the 3 primary energies of creation, preservation, and destruction. Hence, Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva dwell in it.
The union of Shiva and Shakti is responsible for all creation. There are many sacred objects, and among these, the Shiva Lingam resonates at the highest frequency. So, it is very sacred and powerful.
The Shiva Lingam has many meanings. It is, for instance, a cosmic pillar of fire, embodying the Universe and the Divine Power that holds it together. It is also the unmanifested aspect of Shiva, beyond physical form and attributes. The Shiva Lingam also signifies the union of masculine and feminine energies and Shiva's divine form.
Maha Shivaratri
The festival of Maha Shivaratri is very important for Shaivites. It celebrates the nuptials of Shiva and Parvati.
Devotees also believe that on this night, Shiva performed his cosmic dance of creation, preservation, and destruction. According to mythology, during the churning of the Milky Ocean for Amrit, a deadly poison emerged from the ocean. To save the world from destruction, Shiva drank the poison, holding it in his throat, which caused his throat to turn blue. The gods were very grateful to him for saving the Universe, and they sang and danced all night to entertain him and express their gratitude. Shiva was so pleased by their actions that he performed his Ananda Tandavam, or dance of bliss, in order to show his pleasure.
For this reason, devotees keep an all-night vigil on Maha Shivaratri and perform meditation. People who worship Shiva in this manner are believed to get release from the sins they committed in many lifetimes.
Why Do People Worship the Shiva Lingam on Maha Shivaratri?
The Shiva Lingam is worshipped by devotees on Maha Shivaratri with great devotion, as it is a powerful symbol of Shiva and encapsulates his divine energy. It becomes a focal point for their meditation and spiritual awakening. They also perform Abishekam to it four times during the night, using different sacred substances. By meditating on the Shiva Lingam and performing these rituals, devotees hope to connect with Shiva’s energy and gain his blessings.
Maha Shivaratri Rituals
- Devotees make offerings like milk, yogurt, honey, and turmeric and worship the Lingam.
- Between each offering, the Lingam is bathed with water.
- Flowers are used to decorate the Lingam.
- People chant Shiva Mantras and sing devotional hymns.
- Many devotees engage in deep meditation on this occasion.
- Many people offer prayers at Shiva temples. Some embark on pilgrimages to the 12 Jyotirlingams (shrines dedicated to Shiva).
