Why Is the Shivling Worshipped?

After the pillar of light, Brahma and Vishnu asked Shiv: Lord, in what form should you be worshipped? Shiv explained that he has two forms. One is nishkal, formless and endless. The other is sakal, with form, like the Shiv we picture with matted hair, trident and damru.

Shiv said: the form you saw, with no beginning and no end, is my formless self. Its symbol is the linga. Linga means a mark or sign. Just as a sign reminds us of something greater, the Shivling reminds us of the endless Shiv who is present everywhere.

That is why most Shiv temples worship a Shivling rather than a statue. The Shiv Puran says that by worshipping the linga, a devotee honours both the formless and the formed Shiv at the same time.

The Shiv Puran says this light appeared in the month of Margashirsha on the day of the Ardra nakshatra. Tradition holds that the place where the fiery pillar rose is Arunachala hill in present-day Tamil Nadu, where a great lamp is still lit on the hilltop in the month of Kartik.

How should one worship? The Shiv Puran gives a very simple way: abhishek with water or milk, bel leaves, sandalwood, incense, a lamp and chanting Om Namah Shivaya. What matters is not the items but the feeling. Devotees believe Shiv first accepts a heart that is clean and sincere.