Shivling or the Ling of Shiv
As the Savan mas has started as per the Hindu calendar, many of us are big devotees of lord Shiva and perform daily pooja on Shivling. Most of us have never thought, why we worship Shivling more than the statue of Shiva, unlike all other gods, and even if we did, we do not know the actual significance of Shivling, or may be having a wrong supposition of the same.
I was also among one of such people until I came across a discussion with my friends. While taking my usual evening walk, this topic was kicked off, and six out of my eight friends told me that Shivling is nothing but the Ling of Shiv, the male reproductive organ, which is clearly seen in the name and the visuals of the Shiv ling. I was shocked to hear that description, as I had never ever imagined of this interpretation, while worshiping the Shivling. Have you also heard or believed a similar perception, if yes then this article is for you…
After hearing this interpretation from my friends, I did some research to find out the actual significance of Shivling. Here is what I endow: The Sanskrit meaning of the word ‘ling’ is ‘symbol’. It is an identification, a symbol of the eternal universe through which you can identify what the truth is, what the reality is, what is not visible yet can be identified by one thing- that is lingam.
The scientific significance — Shivaling represents the totality of the Cosmos and the Cosmos, in turn, represented as a Cosmic Egg. In ancient days instead of using English words such as Proton, Neutron, Electron, Molecules and Energy, the ancient sages preferred the usage of the Sanskrit words like Lingam, Vishnu, Brahma, Sakthi, Sarppa, etc.
The spiritual significance- When non-manifest energy begins to manifest itself, the first form is always the Ling. The word Ling also means the form. Thus, the first form is a Ling and the final form before dissolution is a Ling too. If you become meditative, your energies will naturally take the form of a Ling. Thus, Ling means the place of dissolution for the world and all beings. It also signifies truth, knowledge and infinity. It is also believed that, the Shivling helps us focus our attention and go beyond our consciousness.
The Visual Significance- Shivling consists of three parts. The bottom part, which is four-sided remains underground, the middle part, which is eight-sided remains on a pedestal. The top part, which is actually worshiped, is round. The height of the round part is one-third of its circumference. The three parts symbolize Brahma at the bottom, Vishnu in the middle and Shiva on the top. The pedestal is provided with a passage for draining away the water that is poured on the top.
It is unfortunate for some critics to have an imaginary invention on the image of Shivling as a male organ and viewed with obscenity, but had conveniently forgotten how a phallus could have appeared from the base. Moreover, since Lord Shiva is described as having no form, it is ridiculous to maintain that Ling represents a phallus.
So next time when people come to you with an explication of Shivling as the ling of Shiva, give them this elucidation and change the perception.
