“Shaivism is intimately connected with the Shiva lingam. This is a
beautiful symbol that in the highest sense represents consciousness.” -Swami
Satyananda
The Shiva lingam is an ancient symbol consisting of a pillar, column, or
standing stone and a ring or circle in which the standing stone is placed. The
pillar symbolizes the Shiva principle (consciousness) and the ring is the
symbol of the Shakti principle (energy, power of consciousness). The Shiva
lingam represents the union of these two principles, a union that governs all
of creation. The Shiva lingam expresses the idea that Shiva and Shakti are
inseparable and timeless. It is the prime symbol of both Shaivism and Shaktism,
and of Tantra in general.
One aspect worth mentioning: The Shiva lingam is not a representation of
the human genitals. Rather, the sexual organs are one of the expressions or
manifestations of the universal forces (masculine and feminine principles)
represented by the symbol.
We can say that the Shiva lingam is a representation of the idea found in
Tibetan Buddhism, “samsara (the cycle of rebirth) and nirvana (liberation) are
born together.”
The same truth is expressed in the words of Ramakrishna, “Brahman is
Shakti; Shakti is Brahman. They are not two. These are only two aspects, male
and female, of the same Reality, Existence-Knowledge-Bliss.”
In Shaivism, the Shiva lingam is the symbol of Lord Shiva and the lingam
puja helps devotees reveal the light of consciousness that they are. Shiva as a
column of light without beginning and end represents the light of consciousness
as the background of the entire creation. A Shiva lingam puja is a ritual for
honoring the light of consciousness. According to the Tantric tradition, each
lingam puja takes the devotee step-by-step to the Eternal Truth.
Worshipping the Shiva lingam at home
Purification stage: Before
starting the puja, the devotee takes a bath and puts on freshly washed clothes.
Opening prayers: The devotee
recites hymns praising Lord Shiva or chants the mantra “om namaha shivaya” or
does japa with “om namah shivaya.” Then, the devotee sits in front of the
lingam and blows a conch or rings bells. This indicates the beginning of the
puja.
Panchamrit abhishek – the
libation of five holy liquids over the lingam: The libation can consist of any
five of the following – water from the Ganges River, honey, sugarcane juice,
milk, yogurt, ghee, seawater, coconut water or milk, fragrant oils, rose water,
or other precious liquids. Usually, only cow’s milk is used. While pouring the
liquid, the mantra “om namah shivaya” is uttered. Some devotees utter the
Lord’s name 108 times and some 1008 times. There is no fixed rule. Abhishek is
a symbol of the purification of the soul.
Cleaning and
“cooling” of the lingam: After the panchamrit abhishek, the lingam is cleaned
with water from the Ganges. (This might not always be possible, normal water
may be used.) After this, the lingam is smeared with sandalwood or vermillion
paste and is bedecked with flowers. In some Shiva temples, cooling liquid
constantly drops from a pot hung above the lingam.
Offerings: Next,
fruit, sweets, and coconuts are offered to Lord Shiva. Camphor and incense are
lit. The devotees sing praises to Lord Shiva.
Conclusion of
the puja: The ringing of bells or blowing of a conch indicates the end of the
puja. White ash (vibhuti) is rubbed on the forehead and is also distributed to
devotees. (In worship connected with Lord Shiva, vibhuti it is a symbol of
purity and is one of the main sacraments given during pujas in all Shaivite
temples and shrines; another meaning of rubbing the holy ash on the forehead is
as a reminder to devotees to cast away selfish, worldly desires and redirect
their attention towards the Divine Truth. It evokes the story of how Shiva
burned Kama (the god of desire) to ashes when Kama attempted to break Shiva’s focus
on the Divine Truth.
Prasad:
The fruit, sweets, and coconuts used during the puja are distributed as prasad
(blessed food).
Shivaratri Puja
During every Shivaratri (new moon), a Shiva lingam puja is performed.
According to the Shiva Purana, sincere worship of Lord Shiva yields merits,
including spiritual growth, for devotees.
Although different substances can be used for libation, the Shiva Purana says that performing the abhishek of the Shiva lingam with six different dravyas (substances) including milk, yogurt, honey, ghee, sugar, and water while chanting special hymns from the Vedas (Sri Rudram, Chamakam, and Dasa Shanthi) is the best way to worship Lord Shiva. According to the mythology, each of the dravya used in the abhishek blesses a unique quality in the devotees.