The Shiva Linga Symbolizes The Powerful Source Of Creation
The Shiva Linga, or Lingam as it is referred to in South India, and the Yoni, are powerful symbols representing the fundamental aspects of life and the universe. These symbols stem from the yogic tradition and are deeply intertwined with the philosophical and spiritual understanding of existence.
Traditionally associated with Lord Shiva, the Linga symbolizes the cosmic formless (or ‘that which is not’). In Sadhguru’s interpretation, it represents the “masculine” dimension, the constant, unchanging, and eternal aspect of existence. The Linga embodies the principle of cosmic consciousness, wisdom, and the unmanifest aspect of the divine.
On the other hand, the Yoni symbolizes the feminine dimension or the aspect of existence that is dynamic, creative, and fertile. It is associated with Shakti, the divine feminine energy that is the source of all creation, representing the manifest, material reality of the universe.
In the context of the Shiva Lingam (where the Linga is often depicted within the Yoni), the union of the Linga and Yoni represents the harmonious interplay between these two fundamental aspects of existence – the static and the dynamic, the eternal and the ever-changing, consciousness and creation.
The Linga Form of Shiva
The Shiva Linga, or simply Lingam, is one of the most important symbols of Shiva and is widely worshipped throughout India and beyond. The Lingam has been interpreted and understood in many ways throughout history and across different philosophical and cultural contexts.
At a basic level, the Lingam is a representation of Shiva, and it serves as a symbol of divine generative energy, especially a union of opposites, a combination of the male and female energies. The word ‘Lingam’ comes from the Sanskrit root’ ling,’ meaning ‘to symbolize.’ So, the Lingam symbolizes the divine mystery, the formless taking form.
In Shaivism, one of the major branches of Hinduism, the Shiva Linga is often represented alongside the Yoni, a symbol of the goddess or Shakti, female creative energy. The combination of Lingam and Yoni represents the eternal process of creation and regeneration, the indivisible two-in-oneness of male and female, and the passive space and active time from which all life originates.
In a broader cultural context, the Lingam symbolizes fertility and life force. On a metaphysical level, the Lingam represents the infinite nature of the cosmos and the pervasive presence of the divine.
The interpretation and worship of the Lingam can vary greatly among devotees, temples, and philosophical traditions. Its significance is often multifaceted and layered, encompassing everything from physical and tangible to metaphysical and symbolic meanings.
According to Sadhguru, “Shiva” literally means “that which is not,” indicating the divine’s formless, timeless, and spaceless aspect. The Lingam, on the other hand, represents this formless being manifesting in the physical world.
Regarding Lingam’s phallic interpretation, Sadhguru explains that this is a misunderstanding. He asserts that in the Sanskrit language, a limb is called “anga,” while a part of the body that is not a limb is known as a “linga.” So, according to him, Lingam refers to a form without any particular physical reference.
He also emphasizes that the Lingam symbolizes the ultimate union of the static and the dynamic, the masculine and the feminine – creating the necessary “zing” or life energy, of which the whole cosmos is made. So, for him, a Lingam is not a symbol of fertility, as it is often misunderstood, but a symbol of boundless divine energy.
The True Shape of The Shiva Linga
According to Sadhguru, the form of Linga has a more profound and cosmic significance. He states that the term “Linga” comes from the Sanskrit root “Ling,” which means “to fuse” or “to merge.” In this context, the Linga is not just a symbol but a form that can merge or fuse with the “infinite formless existence,” representing Shiva.
Sadhguru also emphasizes that the elliptical shape of the Linga is essentially a representation of the cosmos or the divine in its formless dimension. He says that, in Yogic culture, the ellipsoid is seen as the most naturally occurring form in the universe. So, while the traditional visual representation of the Linga is as a cylindrical and rounded entity, its conceptual “shape” is more abstract and symbolic, encompassing the formless and infinite aspects of the divine.
Lingam As The Tower of Light
The story of the tower of light, known as the “Lingodbhava,” is a significant tale that is related to Shiva Linga in Hindu mythology. It describes the origins of the Shiva Lingam and is often recounted on the festival of Shivaratri. Here’s a condensed version of the story:
Once, there was a heated argument between Lord Vishnu, the preserver, and Lord Brahma, the creator, about who was the most powerful. Their quarrel was intense and disrupted the balance of the universe. Witnessing this, the other gods asked Lord Shiva, the destroyer, to intervene and restore harmony.
To settle the dispute, Shiva manifested as an infinite pillar of light, challenging both Brahma and Vishnu to find the beginning and the end of this light. Lord Vishnu took the form of a boar and began digging downwards into the earth, while Brahma turned into a swan and flew upwards. However, despite their efforts, neither could find an end to the pillar.
Eventually, Vishnu conceded defeat and returned. On the other hand, Brahma came across a falling Ketaki flower on his journey upwards. Eager to win, he asked the Ketaki flower to lie and say that it had been placed at the top of the pillar of light by Brahma himself. The flower agreed, and Brahma claimed that he had found the top.
Shiva, however, knew of their deceit. He appeared from the pillar of light and cursed Brahma that he would have no temple on earth where he would be worshipped, and the Ketaki flower would not be used in worship.
This story is often cited to illustrate the limitless nature of Shiva, who surpasses all earthly comprehension. The pillar of light is seen as the Lingam, symbolizing the infinite divine energy or the eternal Shiva.
The concept of Shiva and the Lingam is deeply rooted in Indian philosophy and spirituality, and its understanding can vary depending on one’s personal beliefs, religious practices, and cultural context.
