Question on Meaning of Shiv Lingam?

[Guest guest]

Namaste Lalit, warm welcome to you. Very nice to see you introduce yourself. Glad you like this Group and find it useful.

Regarding the offering of milk to the Shiv Lingam, there are several explanations. Milk is considered a sanctified liquid which is cooling to the hot lingam which is of male or Yang energy. Milk is Yin energy. Milk is for bathing the Shivalingam too, as is Gangajal (Ganges water). Sometimes the devotee uses milk combined with water and honey to wash the Shivalingam.

Another explanation is:

Worship pf Shivalingam must incorporate six items :

The ceremony of people offer the cooling wood-apple 'bel' leaves to the hot-blooded deity - representing purification of the soul; the vermilion paste applied on the linga after bathing it - representing virtue; food offering which is conducive to longevity and gratification of desires; incense, yielding wealth; the lighting of the lamp symbolising the attainment of knowledge; and betel leaves marking satisfaction with worldly pleasures. These six items, till today, form an indispensable part of Shiva puja, be it a simple ceremony at home or a grand temple worship. By offering water, hugging the linga, lighting the diya and incense, and ringing a bell, the devotee calls into focus all their senses, making them acutely aware of themselves and the universe to which they belong.

Hope the above answers all your questions about worship of Shivalingam.

Aum Namah Shivaya

, LOOSEME11 wrote:>> > Dear Narahimsaye, Dharma Deva and Everyone,> > Warm and loving greetings. I am new to the group. Thank you very much for > the wonderful and exceptional quality of sharing! I am very grateful for your > kindness and generosity! It is so very helpful and insightful!> > I recently purchase a Narmada Shiv Lingam, from Rudra Centre. I wish to know > and understand the inner meaning of the ritual items that are being offered > to Lord Shiva, especially the offering of milk over the Shiv Lingam? How does > each item relate to our inner and outer existence, as we are actually making > the offerings? What do they (the ritual items/offerings) and the action we > make represent inside of us? When we make these offerings, how does it go > about transforming us. What is actually occurring? I take worship very seriously. > It would be extremely helpful to know and deeply understand what is > occurring both inner and outer as I'm making these precious offerings with sincere > love and devotion?> > Would you kindly explain?> > With deep gratitude,> > lalit> > > > > > > > > > > ************************************** Get a sneak peek of the all-new AOL at > http://discover.aol.com/memed/aolcom30tour>