Lord Shiva represents the aspect of the Supreme Being that continuously dissolves to recreate the cyclic

process of creation, preservation, dissolution and recreation of the universe. Lord Shiva is the foremost of the
Hindu Trinity, the other two being Lord Brahma and Lord Vishnu.
Owing to His cosmic activity of dissolution and recreation, the world's destruction has been erroneously
associated with Lord Shiva. This difficulty arises when people fail to grasp the true significance of His cosmic
role. The creation sustains itself by a delicate balance between the opposing forces of good and evil. When this
balance is disturbed and sustenance of life becomes impossible, Lord Shiva dissolves the universe for creation
of the next cycle so that the unliberated souls will have another opportunity to liberate themselves from bondage
with the physical world. Thus, Lord Shiva protects the souls from pain and suffering that would be caused by a
dysfunctional universe. In analogous cyclic processes, winter is essential for spring to appear and the night is
necessary for the morning to follow. To further illustrate, a goldsmith does not destroy gold when he melts old
irreparable golden jewellery to create beautiful new ornaments.
Lord Shiva is the Lord of mercy and compassion. He protects devotees from evil forces such as lust, greed, and
anger. He grants boons, bestows grace and awakens wisdom in His devotees. The symbolism discussed below
includes major symbols that are common to all pictures and images of Shiva venerated by Hindus. Since the
tasks of Lord Shiva are numerous, He cannot be symbolized in one form. For this reason the images of Shiva
vary significantly in their symbolism.
The unclad body covered with ashes: The unclad body symbolizes the transcendental aspect of the Lord.
Since most things reduce to ashes when burned, ashes symbolize the physical universe. The ashes on the
unclad body of the Lord signify that Shiva is the source of the entire universe which emanates from Him, but He
transcends the physical phenomena and is not affected by it.
Matted locks: Lord Shiva is the Master of yoga. The three matted locks on the head of the Lord convey the
idea that integration of the physical, mental and spiritual energies is the ideal of yoga.
Ganga: Ganga (river Ganges) is associated with Hindu mythology and is the most sacred river of Hindus.
According to tradition, one who bathes in Ganga (revered as Mother Ganga) in accordance with traditional rites
and ceremonies on religious occasions in combination with certain astrological events, is freed from sin and
attains knowledge, purity and peace. Ganga, symbolically represented on the head of the Lord by a female
(Mother Ganga) with a jet of water emanating from her mouth and falling on the ground, signifies that the Lord
destroys sin, removes ignorance, and bestows knowledge, purity and peace on the devotees.
The crescent moon: Is shown on the side of the Lord's head as an ornament, and not as an integral part of His
countenance. The waxing and waning phenomenon of the moon symbolizes the time cycle through which
creation evolves from the beginning to the end. Since the Lord is the Eternal Reality, He is beyond time. Thus,
the crescent moon is only one of His ornaments, and not an integral part of Him.
Three eyes: Lord Shiva, also called Tryambaka Deva (literally, "three-eyed Lord") or Trolochana, is depicted as
having three eyes: the sun is His right eye, the moon the left eye and fire the third eye. The two eyes on the
right and left indicate His activity in the physical world. The third eye in the center of the forehead symbolizes
spiritual knowledge and power, and is thus called the eye of wisdom or knowledge. Like fire, the powerful gaze
of Shiva's third eye annihilates evil, and thus the evil-doers fear His third eye.
Half-open eyes: When the Lord opens His eyes, a new cycle of creation emerges and when He closes them,
the universe dissolves for creation of the next cycle. The half-open eyes convey the idea that creation is going
through cyclic process, with no beginning and no end. Lord Shiva is the Master of Yoga, as He uses His yogic
power to project the universe from Himself. The half-open eyes also symbolize His yogic posture.
Kundalas (two ear rings): Two Kundalas, Alakshya (meaning "which cannot be shown by any sign") and
Niranjan (meaning "which cannot be seen by mortal eyes") in the ears of the Lord signify that He is beyond
ordinary perception. Since the kundala in the left ear of the Lord is of the type used by women and the one in

His right ear is of the type used by men, these Kundalas also symbolize the Shiva and Shakti (male and female)
principle of creation.
Snake around the neck: Sages have used snakes to symbolize the yogic power of Lord Shiva with which He
dissolves and recreates the universe. Like a yogi, a snake hoards nothing, carries nothing, builds nothing, lives
on air alone for a long time, and lives in mountains and forests. The venom of a snake, therefore, symbolizes
the yogic power.
A snake (Vasuki): Is shown curled three times around the neck of the Lord and is looking towards His right
side. The three coils of the snake symbolize the past, present and future - time in cycles. The Lord wearing the
curled snake like an ornament signifies that creation proceeds in cycles and is time dependent, but the Lord
Himself transcends time. The right side of the body symbolizes the human activities based upon knowledge,
reason and logic. The snake looking towards the right side of the Lord signifies that the Lord's eternal laws of
reason and justice preserve natural order in the universe.
Rudraksha necklace: Rudra is another name of Shiva. Rudra also means "strict or uncompromising" and
aksha means "eye." Rudraksha necklace worn by the Lord illustrates that He uses His cosmic laws firmly without compromise - to maintain law and order in the universe. The necklace has 108 beads which symbolize
the elements used in the creation of the world.
Varda Mudra: The Lord's right hand is shown in a boon - bestowing and blessing pose. As stated earlier, Lord
Shiva annihilates evil, grants boons, bestows grace, destroys ignorance, and awakens wisdom in His devotees.
Trident (Trisulam): A three-pronged trident shown adjacent to the Lord symbolizes His three fundamental
powers (shakti) of will (iccha), action (kriya) and knowledge (jnana). The trident also symbolizes the Lord's
power to destroy evil and ignorance.
Drum: A small drum with two sides separated from each other by a thin neck-like structure symbolizes the two
utterly dissimilar states of existence, unmanifest and manifest. When a damaru is vibrated, it produces
dissimilar sounds which are fused together by resonance to create a sound. The sound thus produced
symbolizes Nada, the cosmic sound of AUM, which can be heard during deep meditation. According to Hindu
scriptures, Nada is the source of creation.
Kamandalam: A water pot (Kamandalam) made from a dry pumpkin contains nectar and is shown on the
ground next to Shiva. The process of making Kamandalu has deep spiritual significance. A ripe pumpkin is
plucked from a plant, its fruit is removed and the shell is cleaned for containing the nectar. In the same way, an
individual must break away from attachment to the physical world and clean his inner self of egoistic desires in
order to experience the bliss of the Self, symbolized by the nectar in the Kamandalu.
Nandi: The bull is associated with Shiva and is said to be His vehicle. The bull symbolizes both power and
ignorance. Lord Shiva's use of the bull as a vehicle conveys the idea that He removes ignorance and bestows
power of wisdom on His devotees. The bull is called Vrisha in Sanskrit. Vrisha also means dharma
(righteousness). Thus a bull shown next to Shiva also indicates that He is the etemal companion of
righteousness.
Tiger skin: A tiger skin symbolizes potential energy. Lord Shiva, sitting on or wearing a tiger skin, illustrates the
idea that He is the source of the creative energy that remains in potential form during the dissolution state of the
universe. Of His own Divine Will, the Lord activates the potential form of the creative energy to project the
universe in endless cycles.
Cremation ground: Shiva sitting in the cremation ground signifies that He is the controller of death in the
physical world. Since birth and death are cyclic, controlling one implies controlling the other. Thus, Lord Shiva is
revered as the ultimate controller of birth and death in the phenomenal world.

Sri Lingashtakam
Brahma Muraari Suraarchita Lingam
Nirmala Bhashita Shobhita Lingam
Janmaja Dukha Vinaashaka Lingam
Tat Pranamaami Sadaa Shiva Lingam
Meaning: I bow before that Sada Shiva Linga, which is adored by Brahma, Vishnu and other Gods, which is
praised by pure and holy speeches and which destroys the cycle of births and deaths.
Devamuni Pravaraarchita Lingam
Kaamadaham Karunaakara Lingam
Raavana Darpa Vinaashaka Lingam
Tat Pranamaami Sada Shiva Lingam
Meaning: I bow before that Sada Shiva Linga, which is the destroyer of desires, which the Devas and the sages
worship, which is infinitely compassionate and which subdued the pride of Raavana.
Sarva Sugandha Sulepitha Lingam
Buddhi Vivardhana Kaarana Lingam
Siddha Suraasura Vanditha Lingam
Tat Pranamaami Sadaa Shiva Lingam
Meaning: I bow before that Sada Shiva Linga, which is lavishly smeared with variegated perfumes and scents,
which elevates the power of thought and enkindles the light of discrimination, and before which the Siddhas and
Suras and Asuras prostrate.
Kanaka Mahaamani Bhushitha Lingam
Phanipathi Veshtitha Shobhitha Lingam
Daksha Suyajna Vinaashaka Lingam
Tat Pranamaami Sadaa Shiva Lingam
Meaning: I bow before that Sada Shiva Linga, the destroyer of Dakshas sacrifice, which is decorated with
various ornaments, studded with different gems and rubies and which glows with the garland of the serpent
Lord coiled around it.
Kumkuma Chandana Lepitha Lingam
Pankaja Haara Sushobhitha Lingam
Sanchitha Paapa Vinaashaka Lingam
Tat Pranamaami Sadaa Shiva Lingam
Meaning: I bow before that Sada Shiva Linga, which is smeared with saffron and sandal paste, which is
decorated with lotus garlands and which wipes out all accumulated sins.
Devaganaarchitha Sevitha Lingam
Bhaavair Bhakti Bhirevacha Lingam
Dinakara Koti Prabhakara Lingam
Tat Pranamaami Sadaa Shiva Lingam
Meaning: I bow before that Sada Shiva Linga which is worshipped by the multitude of Gods with genuine
thoughts full of faith and devotion and whose splendor is like that of a million suns.

Ashta Dalopari Veshtitha Lingam

Sarva Samudbhava Kaarana Lingam
Ashta Daridra Vinaashaka Lingam
Tat Pranamaami Sadaa Shiva Lingam
Meaning: I bow before that Sada Shiva Linga, destroyer of all poverty and misery in its eight aspects, which is
the cause of all creation and which stands on the eight petalled Lotus.
Suraguru Suravara Pujitha Lingam
Suravana Pushpa Sadaarchitha Lingam
Paraatparam Paramatmaka Lingam
Tat Pranamaami Sadaa Shiva Lingam
Meaning: I bow before that Sada Shiva Linga which is the Transcendent Being and the Supreme Self,
worshipped by all Suras and their preceptor (Brhaspathi), with innumerable flowers from the celestial gardens.
1) Brahma Murari Surarchita Lingam - The Lingam (Siva), who is
> worshipped > by Brahma, the creator, Vishnu (Murari means enemy of Mura, a
> rakshasa, and > refers to Vishnu) and other Gods
>
> Nirmala bhasitha sobhita Lingam - The Lingam, which is spotlessly > pure, > resplendent and beautiful
(Vishnu is considered dark colored, while > Siva is > considered to be white colored, like camphor and
obviously They all > are > pure and spotless in their brightness) >
> Janmaja Dukha Vinasaka Lingam - The Lingam, which destroys our sorrow > born > of being born (i.e. getting
trapped in the birth and death cycle). > That is > He, gives us Moksha, liberation from the birth - and - death
cycle. > > Tat pranamami Sadasiva Lingam - I bow (pranam is bowing and pranamami > means
> I bow) to That Linga(m) (as described above) who is none other than
> Sada
> Siva, the Eternal Siva. Siva means One who does good and makes us
> happy.
> Sada is eternal. Siva is supposed to be Layakaraka, destroyer, so the
> question comes how can He, who destroys do good? The answer lies in
> understanding what is that which is being destroyed. It is our
> ignorance,
> and arising from that ignorance - all the Materialistic desires,
> Vasanas
> (deep rooted desires which come with us from birth to birth), and the
> sorrow of being trapped in the birth-death-birth cycle, the cycle of
> Karma,
> that is being destroyed by Him. So destruction is good. And our true
> Self,
> which is not different from Siva (Chidananda Roopa Sivoham Sivoham,
> says
> Sri Sankara in Nirvana Shatkam), comes forth once the dirt (mala) of
> ignorance (Avidya) is removed by Him. He can do it because He is
> Nirmala
> (without dirt and dirt cannot stick to Him). Since He can burn off
> all the
> dross in us, He makes us pure like Him. Om Namah Sivaya.
>
> 2) Deva Muni Pravara Archita Lingam - I bow to that Linga(m) (Siva),
> who is
> worshipped by the best (pravara) of gods and Munis (saints who
> observe
> silence). Mauna is silence, a sadhu who observes silence is a Muni.

> Mere
> closing of the mouth (not speaking physically is not silence, silence
> of
> the mind, i.e. freedom from thoughts is real silence. Only in such a
> still
> mind does the light of the Absolute, Siva glow brightly).
>
> Kama dahana karunakara Lingam - I bow to that Lingam (Siva), who has
> burnt
> off the God of desire, Manmadha, Kama, by the fire from His Third
> Eye. And
> I bow to that Siva Linga, Who took pity on Rati, Kama Deva's wife and
> restored him to life.
>
> It may appear a little ironic that Siva, whose Linga, which resembles
> an
> erect phallus (as per some anthropologists and sociologists) and is
>a
> symbol of male sex, should burn off desire, deified as Kama Deva. But
> He is
> also described as Urdhvareta (one who is a perfect celibate and who
> has
> lifted up, sublimed His sexual desire and the semen into great
> spiritual
> energy through yoga and through stilling His mind (that is why He is
> worshipped by the best of Munis, since He is the best among them).
> So, when
> desire tries to disturb His equanimity, His still mind, He burns off
> the
> desire by Jnana, which is represented by the fire from His Third Eye.
> Desire arises from Avidya, and is destroyed by true Vidya.
>
> Having burnt off the desire, He listens to the pleas of Rati Devi,
> the
> consort of Manmatha (literally meaning churner of the mind!), also
> called
> Kama Deva (God of desire) and takes pity on her. Thus He is
> karunakara, the
> one who shows kindness. He restores Kama to life, so that physical
> procreation can continue for the welfare of the world.
>
> Kumara Sambhavam (The birth of Kumara, Shanmukha) is the result of
> Siva
> marrying Parvati (Daakshayani, the daughter of Daksha, who was the
> consort
> of Siva, immolates Herself and later takes birth as Parvati, the
> daughter
> of Himavantha, the Snow Mountain. She does great penance and wins
> Siva's
> hand in marriage. Kumara is born, who becomes the commander-in-chief
> of the
> Deva's army and kills Tarakasura, the Demon of the Stars). The story
> of
> Kama being burnt down and being reborn is a part of that story.
>
> Ravana Darpa Vinasana Lingam - I bow to that Siva, Who has destroyed

> the
> pride and arrogance of Ravana, one of His greatest devotees. Ravana
> was no
> doubt a great devotee of Sri Siva, but He was also a great egoist and
> his
> devotion was not the Satvik type. Once he tried to uproot Kailasa
> Mountain
> along with Siva and Parvati etc. Parvati gets frightened and asks
> Siva to
> do something. He smiles and just presses down with His great toe of
> His
> foot and the mighty Ravana is trapped and pinned down under the
> mountain.
> He then realises his mistake and prays to his deity Sri Siva, who
> releases
> him and blesses him.
>
> Tatpranamami Sada Siva Lingam - I bow (in true humility) to that
> Eternal
> Blissful Symbol of Sada Siva.
>
> 3) Sarva Sugandha Sulepitha Lingam - I bow to that Linga, Which is
> well
> anointed by all pleasantly smelling perfumes. Again one may wonder,
> why
> should a stone, which cannot feel anything, be worshipped and
> decorated
> with flowers, anointed by Sandal and other pleasant and expensive
> perfumes.
> The answer is in perception. The Lingam is a symbol of Sri Siva, so
> we
> worship Him through our worship to His Lingam.
>
> Another perception. It is well known that pleasant perfumes, flowers
> etc.
> are linked to the bed room and sexual pleasures. A normal man gets
> excited
> by such perfumes and takes up satisfaction of his sexual excitement
> with a
> woman. Whereas in the midst of all such temptations too, one should
> remain
> steadfast like a stone. Sri Siva in His Linga form is teaching us
> this
> valuable lesson.
>
> Buddhi vivardhana karana lingam - I bow to that Lingam, Which is
> responsible for the unfoldment (expansion / growth) of my intellect.
> So
> what appears to be a sex symbol in a primitive culture is actually a
> thought-provoking and intellect expanding Grace of Siva! (If desire
> gets
> upper hand, intellect takes a back seat. Desire if fulfilled leads to
> temporary torpor and languor, but later leads to more desire,
> unsatiable.
> And desire unfulfilled leads to anger, krodha, which in turn leads to
> Sammoha, which leads to loss of Smriti, what is remembered, loss of

> Smriti
> leads to destruction of intellect - Bhagavad Gita). By telling the
> Sadhaka
> that in the midst of all temptations too one should remain rock
> steady, the
> Linga is leading the Sadhaka in the right direction and is expanding
> his
> intellect, and thus helping in destruction of the desires, which are
> the
> roots of the punarapi jananam - punarapi maranam (born again - death
> again)
> cycle.
>
> Siddha Sura Asura vandita Lingam - The Lingam which is worshipped by
> (bowed
> to by) Siddhas, gods and demons. Siddhas are a special group of gods
> with
> special powers, Suras are gods and Asuras are Rakshasas or demons.
> Sri Siva
> is worshipped by all, whether they are Satvik or Tamasik. Normally
> Asuras
> don't worship Vishnu. But Siva is supposed to be easily pleased by
> devotion
> and sanctions the devotee's desires. Of course, being a Sarvajna (All
>> knowing) He knows what is in store for them after they get the
> powers,
> which they can't handle and destroy themselves! I feel He is a great
> teacher teaching them valuable lessons in their spiritual
> development!
>
> Tat pranamami Sada Siva Lingam - same as above
>
> 4) Kanaka mahamani bhushita Lingam - I bow to the Linga, Who is
> decorated
> with gold and great jewels. Normally gold and jewels are signs of
> prosperity. So a devotee of Siva also will get a lot of prosperity if
> He
> decides. But He reminds them to remain unaffected by all the show and
> pomp.
> Whether we pour water over Him, or milk, whether we worship him with
> simple
> Bilva leaves or very pleasantly perfumed flowers, He is easily
> pleased. He
> is Bhaktha Sulabha (easily obtained by devotion).
>
> Phani pathi veshtitha sobhitha lingam - I bow to that Linga, Who is
> surrounded by the king of snakes (Phani means One who has phana,
> snake,
> pati is king). He looks all the more beautiful because of this. Snake
> is
> supposed to represent wisdom and intelligence. Snake also represents
> sexual
> desire. So He is surrounded by the King of Snakes. He, of course
> remains
> unaffected by any thing and everything.

>
> Daksha Suyagna Vinasaka Lingam - I bow to that Linga, Who destroyed
> the
> good yagna of Daksha. Daksha was a great Prajapati (Lord of men). He
> once
> decided to conduct a great yagna (ritualistic sacrifice). He invited
> everyone including Brahma and Vishnu, but not Sri Siva, who also
> happened
> to be his own son-in-law. Sati, Dakshayani , the daughter of Daksha
> was
> given in marriage to Siva. What made Daksha act like this, is
> difficult to
> understand. "Vinasa kale vipareeta buddhi" goes the saying. When
> destruction is looming ahead, the intellect goes astray. Something
> similar
> happened and Daksha invited his own ruin by insulting Sri Siva. Sati
> felt
> offended and immolated Herself in yoga agni. Siva got angry and
> created
> Veera Bhadra and ordered him to destroy the yagna. So an action which
> was
> started with good intentions ended up in flames and utter chaos.
> Daksha
> lost his head and later on being requested, Siva cooled down and
> allowed
> Daksha to be brought back to life by fixing a goat's head to Daksha's
> torso.
>
> Tat pranamami Sada Siva Lingam - as above
>
> 5) Kumkuma chandana (lepita) sobhita Lingam - I bow to that Linga,
> Who is
> shining (anointed by) with the lustre of Kumkum and Chandan. Kumkum
> is
> bright red in color and sandal is white or light brown in color. Siva
> in
> the form of Linga is shining because of the sandal paste and the
> kumkum
> that is applied by His devotees. Chandan is cooling and kumkum
> represents
> warmth of courage. So He represents both. To those who need courage,
> He
> gives courage and to those who need peace of mind, He gives that.
>
> Pankajahara susobhita Lingam - I bow to that Linga, Who is shining
> very
> well because of the garland of lotus flowers. Panka is mud, pankaja
> is
> lotus which is born from the bed of a lake. The specialty of lotus is
> that
> though it is born from mud or dirty water, it remains free from all
> impurities. That is why lotus has become a symbol of purity. He has a
> garland of lotus flowers. Thus, He again signifies that it is
> possible for
> us, His devotees to remain pure and unaffected in the midst of all
> materialistic temptations and distractions. The use of the word

> pankaja is
> thus very significant.
>
> Sanchitapapa vinasaka Lingam - I bow to that Linga, Who destroys all
> accumulated sins. Siva is destroyer. So, He destroys the accumulated
> sins
> of His devotees, who pray and surrender their egos to Him.
>
> Tatpranamami Sada Siva Lingam - Same as above.
>
> 6) Deva gana archita sevita Lingam - I bow to that Linga, Who is
> worshipped
> and served by all the different Devas. There are different deva
> ganas,
> including Suras, Siddhas, Sadhyas, Yakshas etc. But all of them
> worship Him
> and serve Him since in that only, their salvation lies.
>
> Bhavair bhaktibhi revacha Lingam - I bow to that Lingam, Who is Bhava
> and
> Bhakti. Since Siva is in all of us, when we bow to Him in the Linga,
> He is
> worshipping Himself! In Sri Vishnu Sahasranama Stotram also, a
> similar
> thread occurs. Yagno, Yagnapatir, Yajwa, Yagnango, YagnavahanahHe is
> Yagna, Yagnapati (i.e. the God for whom the Yagna is conducted, He is
> the
> Yajamani, He is the offering, He is the carrier of the offering).
> Chidanandra roopa sivoham says Sri Adi Shankara in Nirvana Shatkam.
> True
> Advaita!!! So, when I bow to Sri Siva in Linga form, I am worshipping
> myself, since my true nature is Sat, Chit and Ananda.
>
> Dinakara koti Prabhakara Lingam - I bow to that Linga, Who is as
> bright as
> a Billion Suns. Dinakara is Sun. He is also called Prabhakara, since
> He
> lights us everything with His rays. Koti is one hundred lakhs, ten
> million.
> But koti also means a big group. Sri Siva destroys the darkness of
> Ajnana,
> Ignorance and all the associated problems, which tie the Jeeva to the
> birth-death cycle. It is a like a long, dark night. When His grace
> falls on
> us, it is day. In daylight, we see the real nature of things. Like in
> the
> darkness a rope is mistook for a serpent and causes fear. In daylight
> (or
> for that matter any light strong enough, i.e. God's and Guru's
> grace), the
> illusion is dispelled and the true nature of the object, that it is a
> harmless rope is realised. Similarly due to Siva's grace, the
> Jeevatma
> realises that it is not body, not mind, nor intellect etc., and
> realises
> that it is Siva himself!!!

>
> Tatpranamami Sada Siva Lingam - as above.
>
> 7) Ashtadalopariveshtita Lingam - I bow to that Linga, Who is well
> surrounded by eight petals. Sri Siva is also called as Ashtamoorthy.
> The
> Siva Yantra has eight petals!
>
> Sarva Samudbhava karana Lingam - I bow to that Linga, Who is the
> cause of
> all creation. Here Sri Siva is being described as Creator. That is He
> is
> the Creator of the Creator Brahma! So He is Narayana, Vishnu also! He
> is
> Para Brahma, Parameshwara!!!
>
> Ashta daridra vinasaka Lingam - I bow to that Linga, Who is the
> destroyer
> of Eight types of Poverty. Sri Hanuman, Who is considered to be the
> Amsa or
> Avatar of Sri Siva is described as "Ashta Siddhi Nava Nidhi ke data!"
> by
> Sri Tulasidas in His celebrated Hanuman Chalisa. When God is pleased
> with
> our devotion, He or She can give us all Siddhis, Nidhis etc. Sri
> Krishna
> gave His childhood friend Sudama (also called Kuchela) a big city of
> golden
> buildings and palaces because He was pleased with the handful of
> pounded
> rice brought by His friend and devotee! Patram, Pushpam, Phalam,
> Toyam (a
> leaf, a flower, a fruit, water), whatever is offered with devotion I
> accept
> from my devotee with pleasure, tells Sri Krishna in Gita.
>
> Tat pranamami Sada Siva Lingam - as above
>
> 8) Sura guru sura vara poojita Lingam - I bow to that Linga, Who is
> worshipped by the Preceptor (Guru) of Suras, devatas. Sri Brihaspati
> is the
> guru of devas. It is interesting to note that Sri Sukracharya, the
> Guru of
> Asuras, Daityas, Rakshasas also is a great devotee of Sri Siva. Pl.
> see
> Hymn No.3 above, where He is described as being worshipped by
> Siddhas,
> Suras and Asuras. Brihaspati represents Knowledge (intellect,
> Buddhi). And
> Buddhi has to worship the Soul within. By that Buddhi expands (please
> see
> Buddhi vivardhana karana Lingam). Suravara means the best of Suras,
> Devas.
> Indra is the chief of Devas. And He too worships Sri Siva. Indra is
> the
> chief of Indriyas, the sense organs. There are 5 karmendriyas (organs

> with
> which we work) and 5 Jnanendriyas (sensory organs). All must be
> devoted to
> Siva to get full benefit.
>
> Sura vana pushpa sadarchita Lingam - I bow to that Linga, Who is
> worshipped
> by the flowers of the Garden of Devas. Parijata is the Tree whose
> flower
> bestows on the wisher all the desires. But Parijata feels blessed and
> fulfilled when offered to Sri Siva. The flower, which can fulfill our
> desires, has only one desire and that is to be at the feet of Sri
> Siva!
> Sadarchita, means truly worshipped. True worship is offering oneself
> in toto!
>
> Paramapadam paramatmaka Lingam - I bow to that Linga, Who is the
> Eternal
> Abode, End of the Journey (padam is foot, parama padam is the
> ultimate
> foot, and that is the end of the journey by us!), paramatmaka is
> belonging
> to Paramatma, the Supeme Soul, of which We, the Jeevatmas are also
> frgments. So when the fraction merges into the whole, true Yoga,
> union
> takes place. Linga as the Symbol of Sexual union represents man's
> urge for
> that ultimate union with Himself!
>
> Tat pranamami Sada Siva Lingam - as above
>
> Phala Shruti: Listen to the reward (of reciting)!
>
> Lingashtakamidam punyam yah patheth Siva sannidhau - This
> Lingashtakam
> (collection of eight hymns about Linga) is very holy and reciting it
> in the
> Sannidhi (in the front of, in the vicinity of) Sri Siva gives punyam,
> a lot
> of merit. Even mentally imagining oneself to be near Siva while
> chanting
> the Ashtakam gives a lot of benefit.
>
> Sivaloka mavapnoti sivena saha modate - He (who recites the above)
> attains
> Siva Loka (Kailasa) and enjoys the company of Sri Siva!
>
> Om Nama Sivaya.
>
>
> Gopi Krishna's comment on the meaning of Lingashtakam:
>
> As I'm reading the interpretation, HE gives a sudden thought that
> linga is
> NOT the mere symbol of manliness because HE is the Adi purusha,
> though a

> few commentators interpreted it so earlier also. The real

> explanation,
> which totally different from the above, as given in the Guru-gita, is
> the
> sivalinga indicates "brahmand or cosmos" The Linga is in the centre,
> because it (HE) is the primemover of the cosmos. The Brahmand is all
> around
> HIM . That means HE is the prime mover as well as the brahmand, the
> creation, HE is both within & without. HE is Purusha as well as
> Prakriti.
> So this gross explanation of reducing the prime principle, the cosmic
> consciousnmess, into male & female may not sound proper, I feel. That
> is
> why siva is ardha naareeshwara..HE/SHE /IT is everything.
>
> Though in some texts, it has been interpreted that HE is the only
> Purusha,
> being the Creator or Author of the shristi, and the shristi is
> Prakriti or
> HE is Aadipurusha and the prakriti is Adi-Shakti. Being the part of
> the
> shristi, all of us are considered as females as well. But, I do not
> know
> how far it is right to look at Siva-linga that way.
>
> My feeling is that by categorising the Creator as a male or a female,
> we
> are only re-inforcing the body-consciousness which we are trying to
> overcome through various means of saadhana. We must move out of this
> shackle of body consciousness. So to think of God as male or female
> is
> imposing severe limitations on our own growth. Isnt it? Are we not
> victims
> of such limitations?
>
> As Om has no gender, the Creator is also neither male nor female. God
> is
> infinite and any interpretation, which may lead to create
> body-consciousness, may better be avoided.
>
> You do not believe it, in one of the quiz programmes, it was asked
> that who
> is that deity, who looks like the male organ? I was really shocked.
>
> Please correct me if I'm wrong.
>
> Love and respects.
>
> Gopi Krishna.
>
>
> Swamy's Response:
>
> Hari Om. Om Nama Sivaya. Om Sri Guru Para Brahmanenamah.
>
> If you think of Sri Siva as the Para Brahma Swarupa, you are of

> course
> right. Same thing holds for each of the Trinity.
>
> Actually our consciousness keeps shifting over several planes. In the
> meaning which I drew I was seeing Him in the Purusha form. Siva and
> Parvati
> are the Adi Dampatulu. And the role of Dampatulu is to procreate! He
> is
> Pasupati, we are all Pasus (animals!). Pasu is one which is bound by
> Pasa
> of desire.
>
> As Saguna Para Brahma Sri Siva (as Vishnu) is the supporter of this
> Universe. Brahmand literally means Great Egg. Why Brahmand, The whole
> Viswam (universe) is supported by Him. Linga is the Central Pillar
> supporting the Universe. And since all of us are Pasus, bound to him
> by our
> Karma, Kama and Bhakti, He is the Central Pillar, around which we
> keep
> orbiting.
>
> Bilva Mangala saw Sri Siva in the breast of his amour! And someone
> sees an
> erect male organ in Linga! It is a question of perception! Ekam Sat
> Vipram
> Bahudha Vadanti! The truth is One, but perceived differently by
> Learned
> people. And the absolute Truth is unknowable by any or all of our
> sense
> organs including intellect!
>
> Why should one feel bad or embarrassed to link God and Kama! Kama,
> Desire
> is also His creation! Tantra is one path for liberation! He gives us
>a
> chance, through our intellect, to discriminate what is right and what
> is
> wrong and channelise the desires not for selfish pleasure but for
> universal
> welfare.
>
> That in essence is what Lingashtakam means to me. Sorry if I have
> offended
> your sensitivity in any way. By the way, your name Gopi Krishna also
> signifies different things to different people. It signifies a
> cowherd who
> violated all social norms and entered into immoral relationships and
> committed adultery! It also signifies the Purushottama to whom
> everyone
> belongs and the Gopis realised the ultimate truth. Their relation was
> that
> of Jeevatma to Paramatma.
>
> Swamy
brahmamuraarisuraarchitaliN^gam.h nirmalabhaasitashobhitaliN^gam.h |
janmajaduHkhavinaashakaliN^gam.h tat.h praNamaami sadaashivaliN^gam.h || 1||

devamunipravaraarchitaliN^gam.h kaamadaham.h karuNaakara liN^gam.h |

raavaNadarpavinaashanaliN^gam.h tat.h praNamaami sadaashiva liN^gam.h || 2||
sarvasugandhisulepitaliN^gam.h buddhivivardhanakaaraNaliN^gam.h |
siddhasuraasuravanditaliN^gam.h tat.h praNamaami sadaashiva liN^gam.h || 3||
kanakamahaamaNibhUshhitaliN^gam.h phanipativeshhTita shobhita liN^gam.h |
dakshasuyaGYa vinaashana liN^gam.h tat.h praNamaami sadaashiva liN^gam.h || 4||
kuN^kumachandanalepitaliN^gam.h paN^kajahaarasushobhitaliN^gam.h |
saJNchitapaapavinaashanaliN^gam.h tat.h praNamaami sadaashiva liN^gam.h || 5||
devagaNaarchita sevitaliN^gam.h bhaavairbhaktibhireva cha liN^gam.h |
dinakarakoTiprabhaakaraliN^gam.h tat.h praNamaami sadaashiva liN^gam.h || 6||
ashhTadalopariveshhTitaliN^gam.h sarvasamudbhavakaaraNaliN^gam.h |
ashhTadaridravinaashitaliN^gam.h tat.h praNamaami sadaashiva liN^gam.h || 7||
suragurusuravarapUjita liN^gam.h suravanapushhpa sadaarchita liN^gam.h |
paraatparaM paramaatmaka liN^gam.h tat.h praNamaami sadaashiva liN^gam.h || 8||
liN^gaashhTakamidaM puNyaM yaH paThet shivasannidhau |
shivalokamavaapnoti shivena saha modate ||