The Story behind Shiva Linga

Lord Shiva, also known as Mahadev, is one of the supreme gods in the Trinity of Brahma-Vishnu-Mahesh. Unlike other gods, whose temples house their idols for worship, Shiva temple houses his representation – Shiva Linga. The word linga in Sanskrit means the mark, symbol or emblem; hence Shiva Linga literally means the symbol of Shiva.

The appearance of Shiva Linga epitomizes symbols of the transformational energy of yin and yang. At the very top is a cylindrical round structure which is often compared with the erect male reproductive organ, which resides on top of a circular structure at the base which signifies a yoni. These are the symbols of male and female creative energies which together is said to have created the Brahmand – the whole universe. It represents the energy in indivisible space and time, having no beginning and no end, from which everything is said to have been born.

The oldest mention of anything similar to Shiva Linga is found in Arthrvaveda. A hymn in the Veda praises a yupa sthambh – a sacrificial post, which seems to have no beginning or an end – resembling the eternal universe. Once the yagna (sacrifice) was over, its ashes, smoke along with the ox that carried the wood for sacrificial fire flames transformed into the brightness of Shiva’s body riding on the bull. Hence the Yupa sthambh eventually has been replaced by Shiva-Linga.

There is also another story mentioned in Shiva Purana. Once Lord Brahma and Lord Vishnu got into an argument over who is superior. Both gods fought in vain trying to prove their supremacy over other. When the intensity of the battle grew, other gods approached Lord Shiva asking him to arbitrate. Lord Shiva assumed the form of a blazing fire pillar which appeared in front of them. He challenged both Lord Brahma and Lord Vishnu to find the beginning and an end of the pillar. Arbitrarily both Lord Brahma and Lord Vishnu decided to find each end. Hence Lord Brahma went to skies looking for a beginning and Lord Vishnu went to the underworld trying to look for an end but both were disappointed not to find it. Exhausted in his journey, Lord Brahma met Ketaki (a flower) and made her his ally in the false claim that he had indeed found a beginning. When he returned and declared this false claim, the fire pillar split open and Lord Shiva stepped out in his magnificence. Humbled with this vision both Lord Brahma and Lord Vishnu accepted Lord Shiva’s supremacy. Angry at Lord Brahma for lying, he cursed him that no one will worship him, hence there are barely any temples dedicated to Lord Brahma. He cursed Ketaki too, rendering her unfit to be used in puja. The eternal fire pillar is symbolised with the conical oval shape of Shiva Linga as a formless universe bearer which radiates with all the celestial energy and provides focus for meditation.

It is believed that Shiva manifested himself in the form of Shiva Linga on the fourteenth day of Krishna paksha (dark side of the moon) in the Phalgun month as per Hindu calendar. This auspicious day is also celebrated as Mahashivratri by Hindus. Devotees offer prayers along with bel-patra and abhishek of milk to Shiva-Linga for happiness and prosperity.

Source: https://www.wheresmypandit.com/blog/the-story-behind-shiva-linga

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Why Lord Ganesha Has An Elephant Head?

There are as many as 330 million gods in Hindu mythology. But the one who is always worshipped before reminiscing others is Lord Ganesha. He is considered as the one who brings auspicious fortunes and a remover of obstacles. With his soft looks and wisdom, Lord Ganesha is ever so popular and loved by all. He looks all cute and cuddly bearing an elephant head, a long trunk, two large ears, four hands, round big belly with snake tied around and riding his mouse. Each of his physical attributes signifies something important.

There are versions of stories explaining why Lord Ganesha bears an elephant head. It is said that both Lord Shiva and Parvati would now and then observe long episodes of meditation and penance which would last months. Once Lord Shiva went away for dhyana (meditation) and Goddess Parvati was left alone in Mount Kailash. She wanted to go off for a bath but was anxious as she was alone. She scrubbed off her skin of dirt and oil and created a young human form figure. Blowing a soft breath over it, Goddess Parvati brought the young child to life. She considered him as her own son. Goddess Parvati asked him to guard the entrance door and not let anyone pass it as she went inside to bathe.

In the meanwhile Lord Shiva returned home. While entering the house he saw this young child at the door who stopped him from going in. At first Lord Shiva reasoned with the young child that he was Goddess Parvati’s husband and Mount Kailash was his home, hence he had every right to enter his own home. However, the young child, loyal to Parvati and abiding her instructions stopped Lord Shiva in his tracks again saying that he is only performing his duty to Mother Parvati. Furious with rage Lord Shiva challenged the young child to battle and beheaded him with his trident. Hearing the cry of the young kid, Goddess Parvati rushed outside and was stunned by the horrifying sight of her young son lying in pool of blood and decapitated. She lost control of her rage and vowed to destroy all of the earth and heaven. This is when Lord Brahma and Lord Shiva tried to pacify her. Goddess Parvati agreed on two conditions. One – her son should be brought back to life and another – her son should be prayed first before prayers are offered to other deities. Lord Shiva sent his clan with specific instructions to bring back the head of the first living creature found in the north direction (as it is associated with wisdom). His ganas brought back the head of a young elephant they found sleeping with his head in north direction. Lord Shiva placed the elephants head on the body and breathed life into him. He also announced him as a leader of all Ganas (tribes and classes) hence naming him ‘Ganapati’. Lord Brahma blessed him with vardaan that Lord Ganesha will always be remembered before commencing any puja or new ventures for bringing in luck and removing hurdles. 

Source: https://www.wheresmypandit.com/blog/why-lord-ganesha-has-an-elephant-head

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