Guest guest Posted August 26, 2007 Report Share Posted August 26, 2007 Excellent! Thank you so very much! In a message dated 8/25/2007 9:13:34 P.M. Hawaiian Standard Time, no_reply writes: 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 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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