Why Shiva is worshipped as Linga

The word lingam has many meanings. In the word Shivalingam, “linga” actually means sign, mark or symbol. The Shiva Purana, source book of Shiva’s divinity, tells us that “Linga is the distinctive sign through which the nature of an object is recognized”

Lord Shiva is universally worshipped as a lingam. One should not look upon it is the male reproductive organ, and emotions should always be pure while worshiping the Shiva Lingam. The Padma Purana tells us that once Rishi Bhrigu visited Shiva’s abode at Mt. Kailash. As he was about to enter, he was stopped by the ganas who informed him that at that moment Shiva was with Parvati, united in divine sexual union,and was not be disturbed. Bhrigu waited but after some time his patience ended.Furious, he shouted aloud to Shiva, cursing him that since he had kept him, a rishi, waiting at his door for so long unattended, people would henceforth worship him in the form of a lingam. Since then, people worship the Shivalingam.

Although Shiva has thousands of names, a few of his names are very popular. 

• Neelkanth – The Blue-throated 

• Mrityunjaya – The One who take Control over Death

• Gangadhara – He who has Ganga in his Hair

• Mahakala – The Great Time

• Trymbaka – The Three-eyed

Shiva Ratri: Shiva Ratri is celebrated to mark Shiva’s marriage to Parvati. It is celebrated on the fourteenth night of the dark half-moon in the month of Magha (mid-January to mid-February). 

There is a legend behind the celebration of Shiva Ratri. Once, a hunter lost his way in the forest and decided to spend the night on a bael (bilva) tree. Upset and worried that he wouldn’t be able to reach home that night and provide food (whatever he had hunted) to his family, he was unable to sleep and was in tears,plucking the leaves and dropping them on the ground below. A Shivalingam stood at the foot of the tree, upon which fell the leaves of the tree, as well as his tears. This unintended and unknown offering pleased Shiva, who blessed the hunter. Since then, Shiva Ratri festival has been celebrated in the honour of Lord Shiva.

Offerings to Lord Shiva

In worshipping Hindu gods, devotees offer a variety of flowers, and worshipping Shiva is no different. Flowers are offered to Shiva too, to propitiate him and seek his blessings. But different flowers produce different results and these have to be kept in mind. 

• Those seeking Goddess Lakshmi, should worship Lord Shiva with the lotus, Baelpatra, Shutpatra,flowers. 

• Those who want name and fame should worship Shiva with Dhatura.

• People seeking luxuries and moksha should worship Shiva with the Tulsi flower, and   red and White Aaks.

• Those seeking a good vehicle (what is meant by “good vehicle”?) should worship Shiva  with Chameli.

• Those seeking a good wife should offer bael flowers to Shiva.

• Worshipping Shiva with juhi flowers gives abundant granary to the devotee.

• Those who worship Shiva with harshingar are blessed with sheer joy and happiness and full prosperity.

• Rice, shrifal (coconut), til, jou, wheat, moong, aromas and fruits please Shiva               tremendously.

• If you are suffering from depression, sadness, problems in all spheres of your life and   bitter and strained relationships, offer pure milk to Lord Shiva .

• If one offers Gangajal to Shiva and read the Rudrasuktha, you’ll be blessed with all       comforts of life. 

• Do not offer Champa and Kewra flowers to Lord Shiva.

Shiva should be offered a deepak with five lights. At the time of aarti, remember to offer aarti to his feet four times; twice to the navel area; once to the face; and seven times to the whole body.

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