Shivalinga consists of two words - Shiva and Linga.
Shiva word means ‘Kalyan’ or welfare and happiness for all, irrespective of caste, creed, gender etc. Hence, when we chant ‘AUM NAMAH SHIVAYA’ , it means we humbly surrender before the all powerful, omniscient, omnipotent..
Shiva word means ‘Kalyan’ or welfare and happiness for all, irrespective of caste, creed, gender etc. Hence, when we chant ‘AUM NAMAH SHIVAYA’ , it means we humbly surrender before the all powerful, omniscient, omnipotent..
... and omnipresent Supreme spiritual force wishing for His blessings for our happiness and welfare.
Linga means a sign or a symbol. When we say Streelinga, it refers to anything or anybody that can be represented in feminine form. For example, apart from an actual women, country (like Bharat Mata), river, rain etc are considered as feminine or streelinga...
.. Similarly, Pulinga or Masculine gender represents everybody or everything that is Male in nature.
Thus, Shivalinga is a symbolic representation of the ‘Kalyankari’ supreme from whom devotees seek blessings for happiness and welfare.
Coming to the most popular representation of Shivalinga in the form of a Linga on a Yoni, let’s try to understand the symbolic meaning of the same.
In Vedas and all other associated texts, the Supreme Ishwar is represented in the form of a pillar
Which supports all the goodness and prosperity in the universe, for all the living beings. This pillar guides the immorality to morality and ordinariness to outstanding.
Which supports all the goodness and prosperity in the universe, for all the living beings. This pillar guides the immorality to morality and ordinariness to outstanding.
In a temple too, pillars can be considered to be supporting not only the civil structures but also symbolically the spiritual and ‘kalayankari’ environment in such an auspicious location.
In addition to above, yogis or ascetics involved in Yoga Sadhana (also recommended in Bhagwat Gita) practise and master the art of concentrating on a flame 🔥 while connecting with the Supreme Ishwar.
Thus, Shivalinga is also a representation of a Cosmic Pillar (with Flame) upon which we can practise concentrating like a Yogi, and seek Shiva’s blessings for us, friends, family and the whole Universe.
Shivalinga is also regarded as Jyotirlinga, because like a flame it emits lights to get rid of all the darkness, ignorance and pain in our lives.
Now, coming to the flat base at the bottom upon which the Shivalinga (cosmic pillar) stands.
The flat base at the bottom is the Yoni which also means ‘Home’, apart from referring to womb.
In the context of Jyotirlinga representation of Shivalinga, Deepak symbolises Home of Jyoti (flame), for it gives a stable base and acts as a source of energy which keeps the flame lit under all adverse circumstances...
.. The Shivalinga, being the Cosmic Pillar (symbolised as Jyoti too) needs a strong foundation, which must be equally powerful and strong to provide the essential stability to the pillar, otherwise the pillar will crumble down.
Thus,Shiva (the cosmic pillar) needs Shakti (Yoni) like a strong, equally powerful foundation & source of energy & stability & vice-versa.Shiv-Shakti relationship is mutually inclusive & symbiotic merging of whom leads to construction while separation causes destruction.
In our daily lives, Females represent Shakti while Males symbolise Shiva. Females, in the roles of a Mother, Daughter, Sister, Wives etc, nurture, support and stabilise our lives as Shakti. And Males, in the form of Son, Husband etc, act like a pillar in adverse conditions,...
... like Shiva. But, for males to act like a powerful pillar, they need to be nurtured and must have a stable, strong foundation from females side. Thus, Male and Female like Shiv-Shakti complement each other.
We can conclude that Shivlinga is another manifestation of all powerful, omniscient, omnipotent and omnipresent Shiv-Shakti.
Source and Credit :
Attacks on Hinduism and its Defense forever by Sanjeev Newar.
Attacks on Hinduism and its Defense forever by Sanjeev Newar.
