Why not Shivalinga has limbs----

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MY PRANAMS TO BABA.

 

The idols that are the symbols of Gods, often appear peculiar. There

are four different kinds of symbol. These are :

1) Swambhu Vignaha - Self appearing elements created by God, that

appear all by themselves like the moon, the fire, the earth and

rivers etc.

2) Nirguna Vigraha - Things that are assumed to represent the

invisible, shapeless forms of God like Shaligrama, Shivalinga,

Narmadeshwar etc.

3) Saguna Vigraha - Forms of four-handed Vishnu, eight-handed

Jagdamba with conch and wheel and four headed Brahma, five headed

Shiva etc.

4) Avatara Vigraha - Shri Rama with bow and arrow, Shri Krishna,

Narasimha etc.

 

Among all these forms, the Swambhu Vigrahas (forms) are as original

as made by God in the beginning. Avatara Vigrahas also remain

unchanged with deformity creeping in their appearance. Nirguna

Vigrahas represent or symbolize the shapeless, invisible forms. Hence

there is no question of existence of limbs in them. And that is why

also they are not called as the idols. To distinguish their

peculiarity from the limbed idols. These forms are named as Linga.

Linga means Leena that is submerged in devotion. , Shali means group

of the gods and Grama means abode. Hence, because of being a symbol

of shapeless God, Shivalinga and Shaligrama don't have any

limbs.These also show the hidden existence of Shiva, Ganapati.

 

 

 

SHALIGRAMA SHILAYAM TUTRAILOKYAMSACHARA CHARAM |

MAYA SAHA MAHASEN, LEENAMTISHTHATI SARVADA ||

 

Meaning : O the brave warrior of the gods Kartikeya, all the moving

and fixed things of the world, all the three Lokas and I, always

remain submerged in the rock of Lord Shaligrama. In Skandapurana Lord

Shiva Says to Kartikeya!

 

SHALIGRAMAM HARESHCHINHAM PUNYAHAM PUJAYEMTARAH

 

Shaligrama is the symbol of Lord Vishnu, so the man worshps it daily.

 

Reason for the Origin of Shivalinga

 

According to a Puranic tale, once some difference of opinions arose

between Brahma the creator and Vishnu the preservor on the question

of superiority. Brahma said that being the creator he was great while

Vishnu maintained that being the preserver and fosterer he was great.

But it could not be decided for years as to who was the greater.This

indecision led to the great disturbances in creation and preservation

of the universe causing an interruption in the meditation of Lord

Shiva the destroyer. Lord Shiva saw that the difference of opinion

between Brahma and Vishnu had taken a serious magnitude. If their

dispute was not solved earlier, it could severely upset the sequence

of the creation.

 

To put their dispute at an end, Lord Shiva appeared between Brahma

and Vishnu as a shapeless, formless Linga. At the same time a

heavenly voice declared that whoever would first discover the

beginning and end of that Linga would be the greater.

 

Thus the practice of Shivalinga worship got started.

 

 

SHYAM