The propriety of worship of Shivalinga at home

[Guest guest]

Hari Om!

 

I have no family tradition of sadhaks. I have a spiritual yearning.

The devotional(BHakti) literature of Tamil have introduced me to Lord

Siva. And I am immensely attracted to him. I worship Him as a father-

figure. I am in Governemnt service. On one occasion, on the eve of my

transfer to some other city, my collegues wanted me what I would like

to have as a gift. I said I would like to have a complete set

of 'Devaram' a collection of hymns sung by the trinity of saiva-

saints, Thirunavukkarasar,Thirugnanasambandar and Sambandar which was

almost lost to the world, but was brought to light through the great

efforts of Rajaraja Chola I.I had the great fortune to go through the

entire Devaram during my sojourn in that city of my posting. Soon, I

got the transfer back to my home-town. This time, again they wanted

to know from me which god, I worship. I said I do not know a proper

method of worship except that I recite some hymns from Thiruvasagam

and Devaram. Although I like Lord Siva, I never had an image of Him.

This prompted them to present me with a Siva Linga. Ever since then,

I have been worshipping the Siva Linga.

 

Many have cautioned me against worshipping the Siva Linga idol, at

home, unless I am in a position to do puja with due abhisheka and

offering, in the manner required in the agamas. I have not been

listening to them. I light the lamp and camphor before Siva Linga,

after giving Him a wash. With some offering of jaggery etc and water,

I sing and pray. There was a time, I used to shed tears while

praying. My regret now is that I lost the capacity to cry and pray.

 

Kindly advise me, my friends, whether there is anything sacreligious

in my way of prayer and if so, how i should correct myself.

 

Hari Om tat sat

 

ulaganathan p

[Guest guest]

Dear Sri Ulaganathan,

 

I feel that as long as there is intense yearning for the Lord it does

not matter what method you follow. Inner peace and gaining in inner

strength is the best bet, if you are deriving that by your ' method '

please keep it up, you are on the right track!.

 

M.S.Thimmappa.

 

 

 

, " Ulaganathan P " <apunathan

wrote:

>

> Hari Om!

[Guest guest]

, " M.S.Thimmappa. " <thimmappams

> I feel that as long as there is intense yearning for the Lord it does

 

I agree with Thimmappaji. I would just like to add that a Shivling in

house will not allow you to engage in married life, & will also cause

trouble if you smoke/drink, or anyone else in the house does. You will

have to lead a very Sattvic life.

 

Be aware of these things.

 

with love

Shantnu