Lord Shiva - A basic introduction (Part 8)

 What are different kinds of Shiva-Lingams and who have worshiped them ?

There are different types of Shivalingas which are worshiped by different gods and goddesses and it comes from Linga Purana chapter 74 which is “Description of the Shivalingas”

All the different types of Shivalingas are actually representative or symbol of Lord Shiva only and hence being formless it also describes Lord Shiva’s supremacy. It’s also said as Lord Shiva’s Nirguna Nirakaar Vishwaroopam. Lord Shiva being the alone god who have 2 Vishwaroopams. One is Sakaar and another is Nirakaar. Shivalinga worship is 100% Vedic and are highly encouraged in Vedas.

Hence now let’s see what description we have about Shiva Lingas provided by our holy and divine Shaastras.

Then Maharishi Suta said :-

The Linga made by Sapphire was worshiped by Lord Shri Hari Vishnu, the most auspicious and holiest one.

The Ling made of ruby was worshiped by Indra. Vishravas worshiped the Linga made of gold. Vishwa-Devas worshiped the Linga of Silver. Vasus worshiped auspicious magnetic Shiva Linga for their powers.

Vaayu highly worshiped the Brass Shivalinga for his powers and Ashvini Kumars worshiped the Shivalinga of earthen materials for their purity. Varuna Deva worshiped crystal Shivalinga for his (water’s) ever existence.

Adityas worshiped Copper Shivalinga for their powers as copper is the identical metal for Adityas and Soma Deva worshiped the excellent Shivalinga of Pearls.

Anantha Shesha (Lord Sheshnaag) with other great and divine Naags (Vaasuki, Takshak, etc.) worshiped the Linga of corals (this defines the presence of Naag-Loka beneath the Ocean). Guhayakas worshiped the Linga of 3 Metals.

Maa Chamunda along with all our divine powerful mothers worshiped the Shivalinga of Sand (Hence Shivalinga made up of Sand have a very very great importance).

Nairriti worshiped the Linga of wood. Yama did of emerald. Neela-Rudra and other Rudras worshiped the Linga of Bhasma because they are the purest one of all.

Maa Lakshmi worshiped the Linga made up of Lakshmi-Vriksha’s leaves (Bilva-Vriksha’s leaves that are Bilva-patra) and hence the Vriksha and its leaves became Lord Shiva’s most favorite.

Guha (Kartikeya) worshiped the Linga of Cowdung (hence Shivalinga made up of Cowdung are known for their power against evil spirits), all the great sages worshiped Shivalinga of Kusha grass.

Lord Shiva as Vamadeva taught to worship the Shivalinga made of Pushpa (Flowers) and Manonamani (Shivalinga of very excellent scents). Maa Saraswati worshiped Shivalinga of Jewels. Maa Durga worshiped the Shivalinga made of Gold.

Daityas and Rakshasas worshiped the Linga of Ferrous (Iron) and hence Iron Shivalingas should be very less used or should be never used.

Hence these were the Shivalingas of Shiva which different gods, goddesses, sages, asuras, daityas, etc. etc. have worshiped him.

Hope it helps !!!!!!

Dhanyawaadam !!!!!!!

Jay Uma Maheshwara !!!!!!