Reason for Siva being worshipped in both forms --idol and linga

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Hi all,

Shivaya namaha

 

This is the explanation from Siva Mahapuranam.

 

The rishis asked: It is customary that all deities

are worshipped in the form of idols. Kindly enlighten us

as to why Siva alone is worshipped in both forms i.e. the

idol as well as the linga.

 

To this Suta replied: O Sages! None but Siva can

answer your question, for its significance is deep. However

I shall tell you what Siva imparted through the line of

Sadgurus. Siva alone exists as form and formless. He is the

creator of the universe. In His transcendental form He

assumed the form of linga and in His all pervading nature

He assumed the form of an idol. Thus He is worshipped

both as a linga and idol. He is the Supreme Being, the

Absolute Brahman. The other deities do not possess

Brahmanhood nor are they transcendental. They are thus

worshipped only as idols with form and name. Sankara

alone is Brahman. The others are only jivas. He is verily

the pranava, the quintessence of all the Vedas.