Shiva Purana – Chapter 6: Significance of Lingam and Shiva Worship

The Significance of Lingam and Shiva Puja

All the sages were delighted hearing the stories of Shiva's wonderful Ganas from Nandi's mouth. The glory of Kailash mountain and the devotion of Lord Shiva were echoing in all four directions. Now the sages were eager to know about the best method of Shiva Puja and the importance of Lingam, as this is the path to attain salvation.

Origin and Meaning of Lingam

The sages gathered in a peaceful atmosphere on the banks of the Ganges. There was immense devotion in their hearts towards Lord Shiva. The atmosphere was calm and sacred, with only the sweet sound of chanting audible. Sage Agastya humbly asked Nandi, "O Nandi, please tell us about the origin of the Lingam and its true meaning. We wish to know why Lord Shiva is worshipped in the form of Lingam?"

Nandi smiled and said, "O great sages, the Lingam is a symbol of Lord Shiva's formless power. It represents both the creation and destruction of the universe. It is the axis on which the entire cosmos revolves. The Lingam is not just a stone, but Shiva Himself. Merely by beholding it, one is freed from the cycle of birth and death." Then he narrated the story of the Lingam's origin, in which Lord Brahma and Vishnu had a dispute over superiority, and then Lord Shiva appeared as a colossal pillar of fire, without beginning or end. The Lingam originated from that pillar of fire.

A devotee thought to himself, "This is wonderful! How immense is the power of Lord Shiva! His divine play is boundless. I must understand the depth of this Lingam form further."

Various Methods of Shiva Puja and the Significance of Shivaratri

Nandi further said, "Lord Shiva is extremely benevolent. He is pleased by devotion. He is pleased even by offering water with a true heart. Offering water, Bilva leaves, Akshat, Bhasma, and flowers on the Shivalingam is an integral part of Shiva Puja. Rudrabhishekam is considered extremely fruitful, which removes all kinds of suffering." Nandi described in detail the methods of Shiva Puja by chanting various mantras and stotras. He said, "Shivaratri is the day of the union of Lord Shiva and Mother Parvati. By observing a fast, staying awake at night, and chanting Shiva mantras on this day, one attains salvation. This night destroys sins and increases merit. On this day, all the desires of any devotee who worships Lord Shiva with a true heart are fulfilled."

Hearing this, the sages were overjoyed. They thanked Nandi and, understanding the importance of Shivaratri, they were filled with devotion. By Shiva's grace, they experienced peace and contentment in their hearts. They realized that Shiva is truth, Shiva is beauty, and Shiva is infinite.

The Path to Attaining Salvation from Shiva

Nandi finally said, "O great sages, Shiva Puja is not just a ritual, but it is the path to self-realization. It helps us recognize the divinity hidden within us. As we become immersed in Shiva's devotion, our ego diminishes, and we move towards salvation. The path to attaining salvation from Shiva is simple – worship Him with selfless devotion, follow truth, and maintain love and compassion towards all beings." Saying this, Nandi became silent. The sages were now eager to know the path to salvation. They knew that the next chapter would reveal this secret to them.