Virtual Shrine of Lord Shiva
SIVA is not only an
aspect of the Triune Godhead the destruction- regeneration aspect-he is the highest Cosmic
logos. The Siva LINGAM is a 'natural' Hindu symbol, which is the mathematical form of an
ellipsoid. It is natural because it not only represents a reality but is the actual
vehicle of Power within that reality. It symbolizes SivaSakti, that is, the primary
polarity principle of positive and negative forces. On this principle of opposites the
whole universe is founded.
The ultimate reality, the Absolute, or Brahman, or God has no polarity, no
pairs of opposites : all principles are balanced and harrt'onittd within it. Therefore the
ultimate reality is represented by the most perfect mathematical figure, the sphere. If
the center or focal point of the sphere divides itself into two, we get the ellipsoid. So
this form gives a symbolic representation of the primary pair of opposites out of the
original harmonious one. And from this duality comes all manifestation, all creation, all
the multiplicity of things in the universe. The LINGAM is therefore the basic form lying
at the root of all creation, as 'OM' is the basic sound.
From one Brahman emerges SIVA-SAKTI, the father and mother of all that is.
The male or positive aspect represents Consciousness, the female or negative aspect
symbolizes power. Both are necessary for creation or manifestation in the planes of
matter.
DATA SHEET:
IMPORTANT FESTIVALS |
Shivaratri: It is celebrated
throughout India and the world by devotees of Lord Shiva. Shivaratri means
"night of Shiva". It is celebrated on the 14th night of the new moon, in
the dark fortnight during the month of Phalgun. There are a number of legends connected
with the origin of Shivaratri. One is that Goddess Parvati and Lord Shiva were
married on this day. This is also the day that Lord Shiva appeared as a Jyotirlinga
before Brahma and Vishnu. |
AUSPICIOUS DAY |
Monday's & Saturdays |
SLOKAS |
Naagendrahaaraaya trilochanaaya,
Bhasmaangaraagaaya mahesvaraaaya
Nityaaya sudhaaya digambaraaya, Tasmai 'na' kaaraaya namah Shivaaya.
Salutations to Lord Siva who exists in the sound 'Na'. He wears snakes as
garland, is three-eyed, his body is smeared with ash, he is pure, wears the sky as his
attire' |
OTHER RECITALS |
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FAVORITES |
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TEMPLES IN INDIA |
Meenakshi
Somadundareswarar Temple at Madurai | Varanasi | Arunachaleswar Temple | Chidambaram | Kedarnath |
TEMPLES IN US/ABROAD |
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INTERESTING LINKS |
80 feet Lord Shiva's Statue in Jaipur |