Is Lingam A Tesla Coil: Theory of Arunachaleswarar Temple

 

Below is a fascinating video made by Praveen Mohan explaining his theory that the Siva Lingam at Arunachaleswarar Temple is an ancient energy device similar to the more contemporary Tesla Coil.

After the video, I have included a transcription (available at his Blog). I have added a third paragraph in red with information about a thara parthiram (special kind of vessel) being placed over the Lingam during a specific season.

"Hey guys, today I am going to show you a mysterious phenomenon that is happening in the Arunachalesvara temple in the town of Tiruvannamalai. This temple is very old, at least 1300 years old, The unusual thing about this temple is that there is a lingam in the main chamber, and it emits an enormous amount of heat. Nobody has been able to explain this until now. Like all Hindu temples, the main idol is situated in the central chamber inside this temple, but this lingam somehow radiates a lot of heat. As we approach the main chamber where the lingam is contained, you can feel the temperature rising. Notice how the entire stone walls have turned completely black because of constant radiation. You can see multiple fans placed all around, trying to cool the place down, but the place remains much hotter than the outside, all the time. It is extremely hot even during winter time inside the main chamber.

 

When I visited this temple, Initially, I thought no one felt the rise in temperature except me, but when I researched this, it has already been published in multiple newspapers and several websites. Many have wondered why this is happening. The priests in the temple also confirm this, and told me that the lingam itself is very hot, it feels like touching a warm cup of coffee. So they actually use a simple cooling device from time to time, this cooling system is a vessel is placed on top of the lingam, which slowly drips cold water to cool the lingam down."

 

Note:  For information go to my post at:

https://arunachalamystic.blogspot.com/2018/05/2018-kathiri-veyil-at-siva-temples.html

The posting explains the reason why a water vessel (i.e. thara parthiram) is placed over the Lingam at Shiva Temples during Kathiri Veyil, which is the period when the Sun (i.e. Surya) passes through the star Krittika. 

 

"But why is this happening? A stone is capable of giving out heat energy for many centuries without any power source? This is impossible, there should be some explanation for this phenomenon. I mean how is this possible? Locals and priests explain that this radiation is happening because it is a special type of lingam called the Agni Lingam. Now, what is an Agni Lingam? Agni Lingam is a stack of energy, a column of fire emitting heat and light. This unique type of energy is said to be created in the underground portion of the lingam. What we see here, is just the top of the structure, there is a large cylindrical column which proceeds underground, which is what creates the enormous amount of heat. Since the heat produced by the lingam is very real, is it possible that such a lingam, a cylindrical power source actually exists underground? If this is true, is it possible that the ancient builders also carved the entire Agni Lingam in this temple?

 

Here, we can see a man praying to this large cylindrical structure. But it does not look like a traditional lingam, it has many turns, many coils on the cylinder, as though it is wound with wires, and look at the top, there are thunderbolts coming out in all directions. This is incredible, because this matches 100% with a modern day Tesla coil. Now, what is a Tesla Coil? It is a Wireless Power Transfer device, it does not need wires, but can radiate enormous amount of energy, simply through the air. Nikola Tesla, an extraordinary inventor created this in 1891 in an attempt to deliver free energy to the world.

 

I mean look at the tesla coil. I mean look at the Tesla coil I am holding. It is a cylinder wound with wires connected to a battery and we see can see electric arcs which look like thunderbolts coming out from the top. This is exactly what we see in the carving. Is the Agni Lingam, an ancient Tesla Coil? How else can you explain this 1300 year old carving, with coils wound around the cylinder, and thunderbolts coming out from the top? Tesla coils also create a lot of heat, you can feel the heat rising as you move your hand closer to it. In fact, it will burn your skin if you touch it. This is the exact same feeling you get, as we walk closer to the lingam. As we move towards the lingam, we can literally feel the heat rising. Today, we have created large Tesla coils for experimental purposes. But did ancient builders also set up a similar device underground? If so, for what purpose? I mean ,what could have been the reason to put a large Agni Lingam inside a temple?

 

The answer lies in how we use Tesla coils. Today, Doctors are using Tesla Coils primarily for enhancing the overall well-being of patients. This procedure, known as electrotherapy not only completely relaxes the body, but also calms the mind into a deep, meditative state. Was the ancient Tesla Coil, the Agni Lingam installed here to heal the body and mind of the visitors? People from around the world come here to practice deep meditation in this temple. You will experience an unusual calmness in your mind and your body, when you are in this temple, this is why this area is called the spiritual capital of the world. Some of the world’s greatest saints attained enlightenment in this temple. Are all these things mere coincidences, or is it all because of the therapeutic effect, the effect of radiation coming out of the lingam?

 

Did ancient people worship this lingam to gain physical and mental strength? But if this is the case, then what is the need to construct such a large temple complex around this lingam? This temple is one of the largest temples of Lord Shiva, covering about 25 acres. The entire design and layout of this temple is mindboggling, the most important feature is the towers. Near the outer walls, Four large temple towers are set up precisely facing the 4 cardinal direction points.

 

If the Agni Lingam is a Tesla Coil transmitting energy, then is what is the need to construct all these gigantic towers? Perhaps the answer lies in the carving itself. If we count the number of turns on the Agni Lingam, it has 13 turns. Initially, I thought this was a mere coincidence but let us count the number of the metal domes, these are called Kalashas, placed on top of the main tower. There are exactly 13 domes placed on the top of the tower. This is not a coincidence. Not only that, the tower also has 13 levels, these rectangular holes are actually doorways to the levels, there are stairs inside the tower to access every level. If you we count the doorways, including the one hidden by this signboard, there are 13 doorways and 13 levels. So, this is definitely not a coincidence. If you look at the tower from the top angle, it looks like a next generation machine. What is the actual purpose of this gigantic tower? Even after 1300 years, it is still one of the tallest towers of India. Did you know Nikola Tesla built a gigantic tower, called the Wardenclyffe tower, in order to give free energy to the world? Tesla planned on wireless transmission of energy to the whole world, but this entire facility was destroyed by greedy businessmen. Was this temple also built as a centre for wireless transmission of energy?

 

See, if you go to a very high altitude, the entire temple complex looks similar to a modern day power company, I mean look at the lay out. There are 4 large towers perfectly aligned to the 4 direction points. There are smaller towers inside as well. There are water sources which act as a cooling system, you can see two large tanks always full of water. There are many separate buildings inside the complex, there are even emergency exits, just like modern facilities. But perhaps the real secret, the actual power source itself can be found if we can access the underground, but locked chambers."

 

[By Praveen Mohan]

Goddess Kamakshi at Arunachala

Tiruvannamalai has many beautiful Temples dedicated to the Divine Mother, notwithstanding the glorious Unnamulai Shrine at the Arunachaleswarar Temple, there are also the renowned and powerful; Durga Amman Temple, two Kamakshi Temples, Pachaiamman Temple, Pavala Kundru Temple, Karumariamman Temple and the unique and precious Rajarajeshwari Temple. Previously I viewed photographs taken at the Kamakshi Temple near North Street, but always assumed that the Temple was a recent minor Temple at Tiruvannamalai. I have visited the beautiful Kamakshi Temple on Thirumanjana Gopura Street (near Thiruvoodal Street), and supposed that that was the more ancient of the two. So I was surprised when I visited the Thavasu Adi Kamakshi Temple near North Street for the first time a few days ago, and learnt that it is in fact one of the most ancient Temples in the District. History dates its age to be around 1,500 years old, and the statue of the Goddess in the sanctum sanctorum is also extremely ancient. The Temple is very powerful and the Goddess Kamakshi is renowned as a boon giver as she is an aspect of the shakti of Lord Shiva, and grants all the wishes of those who invoke her.

The goddess Kamakshi is a form of Tripura Sundari or Raja Rajarajeshwari, an embodiment of Universal power, an incarnation of Parashakti. She is also known as Lalitambika or Tripurasundari. As the Goddess that sits on the Sri Chakra, she is defined as the supreme Goddess of beauty.

Ancient Goddess Kamakshi Temple

Legend states that the Goddess Kamakshi appeared when Kamadeva (god of love) was burnt to ashes by Lord Shiva’s third eye. Lord Chitra Karma (god of art) collected the ashes and drew a picture of a man. When Lord Shiva glanced at the ash figure, it breathed into life. Chitra Karma advised the man that as he was born due to the glance of Lord Shiva’ s merciful eyes hence he should do penance to Lord Shiva and recite Shiva mantras. The man born from the ashes of Kamadev was able to please Shiva by his penance and the Lord blessed the man with lordship of the world for sixty thousands years. Hearing this Lord Brahma feared that there would be chaos in the world and cried out in despair ‘Bhand! hey Bhand!’ Therefore the man was known as Bhanda.

Left is doorway to Sanctum Sanctorum

Beautiful Nandi with back to Shrine facing Arunachala

Armed with boon of near invincibility, Bhanda defeated Lord Indra and caused great chaos on earth. In response Indra performed a yajna dedicated to the Shakti Goddess. From the sacrificial fire arose the Sri Chakra and on it appeared the beautiful Goddess Kamakshi.

Goddess Kamakshi

Promising to restore Dharma on earth, the Goddess engaged Bhanda in battle and defeated him on the fourth day. As she appeared to annihilate the demon that arose from the ashes of Hindu God Kama, her name is Kamakshi.

With Lingam pressed against Heart

One of the most unique features of the Goddess at the Kamakshi Temple, North Street, Tiruvannamalai, is that she is holding a Shiva Lingam in her hand which is pressed against her heart, whilst standing in a sea of flames to represent the austerity (thavasu) she had to perform in reparation for her sin in killing Mahisha, a Shiva devotee.

Standing in sea of flames of tapas

The story of the slaying is as follows: 

The Goddess and the Lingam 

“The Goddess pierced Mahisha with Her trident. His body was as big as a mountain range but he could not withstand the valour of the Goddess. He fell and rolled on the ground but could not extricate himself from the trident. He looked like a red sea with blood flowing from his face and limbs. The Goddess cut off his head with a sharp sword and stood dancing upon him. Seeing this the siddhas, gandharvas and Maharshis hailed Her as Goddess Durga. Indra, the king of the devas, bowed down before Her and with folded hands he praised the Goddess. He prayed that Her form as Mahishasura Mardhani (the destroyer of Mahisha) should be a source of prosperity and happiness for all creation. 

When the Goddess was praised in this manner and worshipped by Indra and adored by the rishis, She complied with their request and said, “Let it be so”. She created an image bearing all kinds of weapons and installed it in the world of the devas. Then She took Her place here again assuming Her tranquil form surrounded by Her companions. She looked at the severed head and neck of Mahisha. Seeing a lingam there She quietly took it with the object of worshipping it. She looked at the blood smeared lingam carefully for a long time. When She did so the lingam stuck to Her hand. She could not remove it! She exclaimed: 

“Why has this happened?” In distress She went to Maharshi Gautama and said: “This devotee of Siva was killed by me. I am therefore overcome by sorrow.” Pained at what She had done She continued: “O Sage! You know all the dharmas! I wanted to protect the devas. So I assured them of my protection. While fulfilling my promise, though meant for protecting dharma, I have committed an act of adharma. This lingam which was around his neck clings to my hand. How shall I expiate the sin of killing a devotee of Siva? Until I obtain the Grace of Siva I shall go on a pilgrimage with this lingam and do penance. Afterwards I shall bathe in the holy waters flowing at places sacred to Siva and expiate my sin.” 

Gautama who was well-versed in the dharma of Siva said: “Gowri! Do not fear that you killed a devotee of Siva by mistake. Mahisha could not be conquered by the devas not because he had the good fortune to possess the lingam, but because he had to be killed only by you, the beloved of Siva. He roused the anger of Maharshis who were the devotees of Siva, hated them and scorned them. Consequently he was cursed by them thus: 'As you behave like a buffalo you shall become a wild bison.' And he immediately became Mahisha (bison). But when he bowed to them, praised them and begged for release from his curse, they were pleased to give him the following advice: 'Although you have become a bison, by Siva's command, you will be slain by the Goddess herself. You need not be depressed at your plight. Who is not punished for scorning the siddhas who are actually Siva? Although you have, on account of your sin become a bison, you will be released from the curse through the grace of the siddhas.' 

“O Gowri, Mahisha has been killed by you because of your penance. If necessary you may for the sake of pleasing Siva, have darshan of Arunachala, the Effulgent Lingam. Mahisha was a devotee of the Lord of Arunadri in his previous birth. Afterwards he became a wild buffalo but somehow he acquired a lingam. Who is there in the three worlds who can kill the wearer of a lingam? “It is said that a lingam which is worn without proper initiation will bring ruin upon the wearer. Or perhaps, he swerved away from the virtuous path by evil counsels. There is no doubt that he has been liberated by coming into contact with your lotus feet, as a result of the austerities performed by him in his former lives, by the remembrance of his real nature and the wearing of the lingam. In any case, the sight of this noble Hill is the sure means of expiating all sins. 

“Goddess! This sin can be expiated in the following manner: You must bring some followers of Saiva Siddhanta and settle them here. You must then make all the holy waters meet here and form a single holy pond, in which you must bathe wearing the lingam and uttering the aghamarshana mantra (mantra which expiates sins). You must bathe thrice daily and, at the end of one month, perform Deva Yaga (sacrifice for the gods) and worship the Lord of Arunadri.” 

When Bhagavati learnt from the muni this secret about Siva, She took the necessary steps for bathing in such a holy pond and expiating Her sins.” 

Annabhishekam at Arunachaleswarar Temple

Annabhishekam is held only once a year on the Full Moon day in the seventh month of the Tamil year i.e. Aippasi (October/November). This year Annabhishekam was performed during the full moon which fell on October 29th, 2012. 

Annabhishekam which is performed at Shiva Temples, is connected to the rice harvesting time. It is performed at the time of the Full Moon as it is considered to have the enegies of bounty, abundance and expansion. This festival gives an opportunity to people, who believe that God is the creator of food and life, to show gratitude for the bounty they have received. 

The following photographs of the recently performed annabhishekam at Arunachaleswarar Temple were taken of the annabhishekam performed upon the Shiva Lingam at the Kalyana Sundareswarar Sannathi. This Sannathi is located opposite the Periyar Nandi Statue and stands at the southern side of the broad flight of stone stairs leading up to the Vallala Maharaja Gopuram. 

Lingashtakam

I bow before that Lingam, which is the eternal Shiva,
Which is worshipped by Brahma, Vishnu and other Devas,
Which is pure and resplendent,
And which destroys sorrows of birth.

I bow before that Lingam, which is the eternal Shiva,
Which is worshipped by great sages and devas,
Which destroyed the god of love,
Which showers mercy,
And which destroyed the pride of Ravana.

I bow before that Lingam, which is the eternal Shiva,
Which is anointed by perfumes,
Which leads to growth of wisdom,
And which is worshipped by sages, devas and asuras.

I bow before that Lingam, which is the eternal Shiva,
Which is ornamented by gold and great jewels,
Which shines with the snake being with it,
And which destroyed the Yagna of Daksha.

I bow before that Lingam, which is the eternal Shiva,
Which is adorned by sandal paste and saffron,
Which wears the garland of lotus flowers,
And which can destroy accumulated sins.

I bow before that Lingam, which is the eternal Shiva,
Which is served by gods and other beings,
Which is the doorway for devotion and good thought,
And which shines like billions of Suns.

I bow before that Lingam, which is the eternal Shiva,
Which is surrounded by eight petals,
Which is the prime reason of all riches,
And which destroys eight types of poverty.

I bow before that Lingam, which is the eternal Shiva,
Which is worshipped by the teacher of gods,
Which is worshipped by the best of gods,
Which is always worshipped by the flowers,
From the garden of Gods,
Which is the eternal abode,
And which is the ultimate truth.

Any one who chants the holy octet of the Lingam,
In the holy presence of Lord Shiva,
Would in the end reach the world of Shiva,
And keep him company.

Lingashtakam

Brahma Murari Sura architha Lingam,
Nirmala bashitha Shobitha Lingam,
Janmaja dukha vinasaka lingam.
That pranamami sada shiva lingam.

Deva Murari pravarchitha Lingam,
Kama dahana Karunakara lingam,
Ravana darpa vinashana lingam,
That pranamami sad shiva lingam.

Sarva sukandhi sulepitha lingam,
Budhi vivarthana karana lingam,
Siddha surasura vandhitha lingam,
That pranamami sada shiva lingam.

Kanaka mahamani bhooshitha lingam,.
Panipathi veshtitha shobitha lingam,
Daksha suyagna vinasana lingam,
That pranamami sada shiva lingam.

Kunkuma chandana lepitha lingam,
Pankaja hara sushobitha lingam,
Sanchitha papa vinasana lingam,
That pranamami sada shiva lingam.

Deva Ganarchitha sevitha lingam,
Bhavair bakthi pravesa lingam,
Dinakara koti prabhakara lingam,
That pranamami sada shiva lingam.

Ashta dalopari veshtitha lingam,
Sarva samudbhava karana lingam,
Ashta daridra vinasana lingam,
That pranamami sada shiva lingam.

Suraguru sura vara poojitha Lingam,
Sura vana pushpa sadarchitha lingam,
Parathparam paramathmaka lingam,
That pranamai sada shiva lingam.

Lingashtakam, Idam Punyam padeth Shiva Sannidhow,
Shivalokam avapnothi shive na sahamodathe.

[Translated by P. R. Ramachander]

Arunachala’s True Shape

“From every angle Arunachala presents a different aspect. But the Sivalinga, representing the Hill, symbolises its true shape, that of the formless including all forms.

I approach Arunachala generally by bus from the east as I come to Tiruvannamalai from Madras. Arunachala becomes visible from about ten miles away. At first it is only a vague cloudlike shape but as I come nearer it becomes clearer. It assumes the form of an irregular cone somewhat longish at the base with a curved spur on its northern side. This shape lasts only until I come to the temple of Arunachaleswara. It changes gradually when I proceed to the Ashram and finally when I reach the Ashram it assumes a familiar beautiful shape. It reminds me of Mount Kailas as it looks in the familiar photographs of that sacred mountain. Others have also noticed this resemblance.

I have seen Arunachala not only from these two angles but also from numerous other angles too. While going round the Hill on the holy circuit it looks different from each spot. Names like the ‘five-faced Arunachala’ and the ‘four-faced Arunachala’ have been given to those aspects in which it appears to possess five peaks or four peaks. When one comes to the northern side the appearance changes completely. It becomes more rugged and massive. Arunachala has many faces and many shapes. From every angle it presents a different aspect, reminding us of the ever changing flux of creation, the motionless dance of Arunachala-Siva whose unity penetrates all diversity!

Photograph from around 1950

Some devotees of Siva believe that Arunachala, the Hill, is Siva himself or a huge Siva linga in the form of the Hill. The puranas elaborate this. That is why one walks round it barefoot reverently all the eight miles of the way. Siva linga is simply an emblem of Siva, in its manifest form as the Hill and the linga of fire without beginning or end, as mentioned in the well known story of its first appearance, symbolises its unmanifest transcendence. Thus Siva is rupa (with form) and arupa (without form). He has many forms and at the same time can reveal himself as formless:

“When I approach regarding Thee as having form, Thou standest as a Hill on earth. If (with the mind) the seeker looks for Thy (essential) form as formless, he is like one who travels the earth to see the (ever-present) ether. To dwell without thought upon Thy (boundless) nature is to lose one’s (separate) identity like a doll of sugar when it comes in contact with the ocean (of nectar) and when I come to realize who I am, what else is this identity of mine (but Thee), O Thou Who standest as the towering Aruna Hill?”

[By Aquarius]

Lingashtakam

Below are posted the Sanskrit lyrics with English translation for the Lingashtakam. The video is posted at the VodPod which is located at the bottom left column of Arunachala Grace. The video has two versions of the Ashtakam, the first being in Tamil and the second is in Sanksrit:-


Brahma Murari Sura architha Lingam,
Nirmala bashitha Shobitha Lingam,
Janmaja dukha vinasaka lingam.
That pranamami sada shiva lingam.

I bow before that Lingam, which is the eternal Shiva,
Which is worshipped by Brahma, Vishnu and other Devas,
Which is pure and resplendent,
And which destroys sorrows of birth.

Deva Murari pravarchitha Lingam,
Kama dahana Karunakara lingam,
Ravana darpa vinashana lingam,
That pranamami sad shiva lingam.

I bow before that Lingam, which is the eternal Shiva,
Which is worshipped by great sages and devas,
Which destroyed the god of love,
Which showers mercy,
And which destroyed the pride of Ravana.

Sarva sukandhi sulepitha lingam,
Budhi vivarthana karana lingam,
Siddha surasura vandhitha lingam,
That pranamami sada shiva lingam.

I bow before that Lingam, which is the eternal Shiva,
Which is anointed by perfumes,
Which leads to growth of wisdom,
And which is worshipped by sages, devas and asuras.

Kanaka mahamani bhooshitha lingam,.
Panipathi veshtitha shobitha lingam,
Daksha suyagna vinasana lingam,
That pranamami sada shiva lingam.

I bow before that Lingam, which is the eternal Shiva,
Which is ornamented by gold and great jewels,
Which shines with the snake being with it,
And which destroyed the Yagna of Daksha.

Kunkuma chandana lepitha lingam,
Pankaja hara sushobitha lingam,
Sanchitha papa vinasana lingam,
That pranamami sada shiva lingam.

I bow before that Lingam, which is the eternal Shiva,
Which is adorned by sandal paste and saffron,
Which wears the garland of lotus flowers,
And which can destroy accumulated sins.

Deva Ganarchitha sevitha lingam,
Bhavair bakthi pravesa lingam,
Dinakara koti prabhakara lingam,
That pranamami sada shiva lingam.

I bow before that Lingam, which is the eternal Shiva,
Which is served by gods and other beings,
Which is the doorway for devotion and good thought,
And which shines like billions of Suns.

Ashta dalopari veshtitha lingam,
Sarva samudbhava karana lingam,
Ashta daridra vinasana lingam,
That pranamami sada shiva lingam.

I bow before that Lingam, which is the eternal Shiva,
Which is surrounded by eight petals,
Which is the prime reason of all riches,
And which destroys eight types of poverty.

Suraguru sura vara poojitha Lingam,
Sura vana pushpa sadarchitha lingam,
Parathparam paramathmaka lingam,
That pranamai sada shiva lingam.

I bow before that Lingam, which is the eternal Shiva,
Which is worshipped by the teacher of gods,
Which is worshipped by the best of gods,
Which is always worshipped by the flowers,
From the garden of Gods,
Which is the eternal abode,
And which is the ultimate truth.

Lingashtakam, Idam Punyam padeth Shiva Sannidhow,
Shivalokam avapnothi shive na sahamodathe.

Any one who chants the holy octet of the Lingam,
In the holy presence of Lord Shiva,
Would in the end reach the world of Shiva,
And keep him company.

Arunachala’s True Shape

“From every angle Arunachala presents a different aspect. But the Sivalinga, representing the Hill, symbolises its true shape, that of the formless including all forms . . .

I approach Arunachala generally by bus from the east as I come to Tiruvannamalai from Madras. Arunachala becomes visible from about ten miles away. At first it is only a vague cloudlike shape but as I come nearer it becomes clearer. It assumes the form of an irregular cone somewhat longish at the base with a curved spur on its northern side. This shape lasts only until I come to the temple of Arunachaleswara. It changes gradually when I proceed to the Ashram and finally when I reach the Ashram it assumes a familiar beautiful shape. It reminds me of Mount Kailas as it looks in the familiar photographs of that sacred mountain. Others have also noticed this resemblance.

I have seen Arunachala not only from these two angles but also from numerous other angles too. While going round the Hill on the holy circuit it looks different from each spot. Names like the ‘five-faced Arunachala’ and the ‘four-faced Arunachala’ have been given to those aspects in which it appears to possess five peaks or four peaks. When one comes to the northern side the appearance changes completely. It becomes more rugged and massive. Arunachala has many faces and many shapes. From every angle it presents a different aspect, reminding us of the ever changing flux of creation, the motionless dance of Arunachala-Siva whose unity penetrates all diversity!

Some devotees of Siva believe that Arunachala, the Hill, is Siva himself or a huge Siva linga in the form of the Hill. The puranas elaborate this. That is why one walks round it barefoot reverently all the eight miles of the way. Siva linga is simply an emblem of Siva, in its manifest form as the Hill and the linga of fire without beginning or end, as mentioned in the well known story of its first appearance, symbolises its unmanifest transcendence. Thus Siva is rupa (with form) and arupa (without form). He has many forms and at the same time can reveal himself as formless:

“When I approach regarding Thee as having form, Thou standest as a Hill on earth. If (with the mind) the seeker looks for Thy (essential) form as formless, he is like one who travels the earth to see the (ever-present) ether. To dwell without thought upon Thy (boundless) nature is to lose one’s (separate) identity like a doll of sugar when it comes in contact with the ocean (of nectar) and when I come to realize who I am, what else is this identity of mine (but Thee), O Thou Who standest as the towering Aruna Hill?”
[By Aquarius]

Worship of Shiva Lingam

“At the Paris Congress on the History of Religions, Swami Vivekananda was an invited speaker. At this congress Vivekananda said that the worship of Shiva Linga originated from the famous hymn in the Atharva Veda Samhita sung in the praise of the 'Yupa Stambha', the sacrificial post.

In that hymn a description is found of the 'beginningless and endless 'stambha' or 'skambha' and it is shown that the said skambha is put in place of the eternal Brahman. Afterwards the Yajna (the sacred fire) and its flames gave place to the conception to the brightness of Shiva's body. Yajna's smoke was symbolized as Shiva's dark matted hair, the Soma plant used in the Yajna was symbolized as Shiva's blue throat, the ashes of the Yajna became the ashes applied to Shiva's body and the ox that used to carry on its back the wood for the Yajna, was conceptualized as the carrier or Vahana of Shiva. Just so, the Yupa Skambha, in time was symbolized as the Shiva Linga and was deified to the high Devahood of Sri Shankara. In Atharva Veda Samhita, even the sacrificial cakes are also extolled along with the attributes of the Brahman.”

[By Swami Vivekananda]