Lingashtakam

The Sivalingam is a sacred symbol of the Hindus whom they revere as the manifestation of the Universal Self in His awakened aspect in union with His dynamic energy Shakti. This prayer is a declaration of faith, obedience, love and devotion to Lord Siva in His aspect as Sivalingam.

History

In popular Hinduism, Shiva is often represented as a destructive aspect of Brahman and entitled 'The Destroyer.' This is merely one attribute, as there are many different groups and sects who hold Shiva, or any of his different forms and associated Deities, as the Supreme Being and attribute different titles onto him. Popular Puja may take an eclectic or North Indian style, whereas more specific sects or castes may have their own specific forms. General worship of Shiva is quite diverse and can range from worshipping an anthropomorphic murti (Such as the famous Tamil Nataraja statues from the ancient Chola Kingdom), a Lingam (one of Shiva's main symbols), a deified landmark (such as theGanges or Mount Kailash) or not worshipping a symbol at all (as in the case of the Lingayats).

The Puranas are a collection of texts describing the feats of various Gods and Figures from Hindu Cosmology. The texts are organized by their focus on one of the major Devas, and explore the feats and legends of those Gods. Among the most important attributed to Shiva is the Shiva Purana, which describes in various stories the mythological origins of puja implements and taboos. An example might be the taboo of offering Magnolia champaca and Ketaki flowers to Shiva, each given a justification grounded in an episode from mythology.

Shiva Abhishekam is usually performed to a Lingam representing his manifestation as a creator of good (by destroying evil).

In many temples, one finds a vessel hung over the Lingam called thaara paathra, that continuously drips water or other offerings onto the Lingam in deference to Shiva's desire for Abhisheka.

Some of the common items used for Shiva Abhisheka are

1. Curd

2. Milk/water

3. Honey

4. Tender Coconut water

5. Vibhuti (holy ash)

6. Panchamruta (Curd based delicacy consisting of Panch(5) items: Milk, Sugar, Ghee (clarified butter), Honey, curd)

7. Bananas

8. Sandalwood Paste

9. Ghee (Clarified butter)

10. Haldi

11. Fragrant oils

12. Bael leaves

• BAEL leaves(vital importance): While selecting BAEL leaves make sure the Chakra and the Bajra should not be there. The Chakra is a white mark made by the insects on the BAEL leaves, while the Bajra is the thick portion towards the stalk.The BAEL leaves used in pooja should be of 3 leaflets even if one of the leaves gets detached of three leaves then it is of no use.

12. Flowers

• AAKAMDA Flowers,DHATURA Flowers,BLUE LOTUS(or Pink Lotus/White Lotus)Flowers are auspicious.

8 Flowers That Please Lord Shiva :-

1. Ahimsa prathamam pushpam Non-violence is the First Flower

2. Pushpam Indriya Nigraham Control of the senses is the Second Flower

3. Sarva Bhootha Daya Pushpam Being Kind towards all the living beings is the Third Flower

4. Kshama Pushpam Visheshataha Forgiving is the real special Flower – the Fourth Offering

5. Shanthi Pushpam Peace is the Fifth Flower

6. Tapah Pushpam Penance is the Sixth Flower

7. Dhyanah Pushpam Meditation is the Seventh Flower

8. Sathyam Ashta Vidha Pushpam Truth is the Eighth Flower

• Milk, curd or Panchamrit should never be poured in utensil made of Bronze, as this is equal to wine

• Fingers should not be put in water, milk and ghee etc., because the touching of nails makes these things inauspicious.

Since Shiva is said to wear Nageshwara (Snake God) as an ornament around his neck, it is said that the fragrance of Aloe (which attracts snakes) is also a very holy item to be used for the worship of Shiva.

The Prayer