Page 1 - February-2025

Significance of Siva

Linga

SWAMI ABHEDANANDA

et us first understand the principle behind the Siva Linga.
LLiìga literally means a symbol. There is Éçvara (the Divine)
and Prakåti (Nature). However, they are not two separate entities
but manifestations of the same Brahman. When the cosmic Prakåti,
called Mäyä (the infinite creative power), unites with Éçvara (the
infinite possessor of this power), creation takes place. The Siva
Linga symbolizes this principle. The Linga represents both the
endless power of creativity and its infinite possessor.
The Cause and Essence
To signify Infinitude, the Siva Linga is round or oval in shape.
As the cause and essence of the universe, Lord Siva pervades and
exists in everything. Therefore, everything in the world reflects
the principle of the Siva Linga. A flower blossoms through the
power of creativity, just as a tree bears fruit by embodying the
same divine principle.
Now, let us delve into the worship of the Siva Linga. Each of
us enjoys some creative power and serves as its possessor in a
limited capacity. The essence of Siva Linga worship is to surrender
our individual creative power and its ownership to the cosmic
power – Lord Siva. Only when we separate our limited
abilities from the Infinite cosmic source do we suffer distress
and unhappiness.
Offering various dravyas (oblations) to the Siva Linga
symbolizes saying, “Whatever I possess, I offer to the Cosmic
Power.” Life’s struggles arise when we claim ownership – this is ‘my’
child, ‘my’ house, ‘my’ job – without offering them to the Lord.
This sense of possession brings insecurity and helplessness.

Tapovan Prasad 34 February 2025