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Origins and History of Shiva lingam

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The Lesser Known Origins and History of Shiva Lingam

  1. The Lesser Known Origins and History of Shiva Lingam

Shiva Lingam is the anionic representation of the Supreme Godhead. Explained as Sat, Chit and Ananda (The eternal truth, the eternal consciousness and eternal bliss), Lingam is described in the agamas as denoting the three principles of Godhead namely creation, sustenance and destruction (Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva – all in one piece).

  1. History of Shiva Lingam

Perhaps the most famous object of worship in the Hinduism, Shiva Lingam is a symbolic representation of the eternal cosmic energy. Here is the origin and history of Shiva Lingam from different sources.

  1. The meaning of Shiva Lingam

The term Lingam is composed of two syllables namely ‘Ling’ (to dissolve) and ‘ga’ (to emerge) thus representing the cosmic principle that is responsible for creation as well as destruction. Lingam is often associated with the primordial matter that sprung forth into the universe (Big Bang Theory).

  1. Mythological Origin as per Puranas

The story narrated in Kurma Purana, Vayu Purana and Shiva Purana talk of the two gods Vishnu and Brahma debating on a Shivratri day as to who was the most powerful one among them. At that time, a huge pillar appeared in front of them.

  1. Mythological Origin as per Puranas

Both of them failed to discover its origin and end and were thus humbled and made to accept the supremacy of Shiva, the supreme one. This blazing pillar of fire came to be worshiped as the aniconic form of Shiva.

  1. Lingam in Atharvana Veda

Atharvana Veda talks of a sacrificial post called Yupa Stambha which is described as the symbol of Brahman, the absolute principle. In the Paris Congress of the History of Religions in 1900, Swami Vivekananda identified this concept of Yupa Stambha as the source of Shiva Lingam’s origin.

  1. Lingam in Linga Purana

The Linga Purana says Lingam is the total symbolic representation of the formless universe bearer – with the oval shaped stone denoting the visible creation or the conspicuous universe with its base denoting the supreme power holding of supporting the entire universe.

  1. Lingam in Skanda Purana

Skanda Purana says Lingam is the endless sky that contains the whole universe. After the dissolution, all the created things shall dissolve and merge back into this Shiva Lingam.

  1. Lingam in Shiva Purana

Shiva Purana says Shiva Lingam is the formless representation of Shiva, the destroyer of the Hindu triad and regarded as the supreme principle.

  1. Naturally Occurring Shiva Lingams

In two places in the Himalayan Mountains we come across naturally occurring Lingams. Amarnath is the most famed pilgrim site that attracts millions of devotees throughout the world. A cave in Amarnath houses the naturally forming Shiva Lingam during every winter season. Called as Ice Lingam, this structure forms when the ice dripping from the cave top becomes a stalagmite after freezing.

  1. Naturally Occurring Shiva Lingams

In the Garhwal region of Himalayas in Uttarakhand, there is a Shiva Lingam shaped mountain of 6543 meters tall which is again a popularly visited pilgrimage site.

  1. Bana Lingam

Bana Lingams are the Swayambu or naturally formed Shiva Lingams shaped by the Narmada River in the Central Western part of India. Also called as Narmada Banalinga or Narmadeshwar Shiva Lingams, these elliptical stone like formations are made of Crypto Crystalline Quartz, a Gemstone material called Chalcedony, Basalt and Agate with a hardness of 7 on the Moe’s Scale, which is one of the hardest stones available on the earth.

  1. Bana Lingam

Mythology says these Lingams are formed when the arrow from Shiva’s bow shattered the three flying cities of Tripurasuras. Geology says these stones were formed 14 million years ago when a meteorite struck the earth at this region.

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I am a postgraduate in science from Renowned University of India and my spiritual journey began in the early years of my childhood .( must say it’s a God Gifted talent) I developed a natural interest in vaidik Astrology at a very young age and after rigorous learning and practice I began practicing the science of Astrology, Numerology , and Vaastu professionally. Over 20 years I have helped many Individuals, Industrialists, and Business Owners for all common issues of life related to health, wealth, job, career, sickness, marital issues and material success. I like to advise all without any bias regarding the social strata and like to keep the solutions simple. Constantly contributing as a relationship expert I write blogs for my astrology Facebook page known as Astro Vision by Pallavi and started sharing our ancient science in Australia in 2017 . It’s my Passion which turn to profession with grace of Almighty and wonderful people around me. My Vision To be a trusted advisor/consultant in creating a better everyday life for every individual through simple and practical Astrological solutions. My Mission To serve individual by providing professional Astrological guidance and education so that individuals can effectively manage and overcome challenging situations and achieve the goals as per insight of astrology. Reinvigorate with ancient vaidik astrology our motto is to know yourself deeply as insight is your Birthright.