Shiva, Parameswara is represented by the Wonderful LINGAM, which is the
most divine act of creation. It represents life for everyone and everything.
The Linga has three parts. The Bottom is Brahma, meaning Creation of everything
in the Universe, whatever was, is and will be created is represented by the
Brahma part of the Shivalingam .The middle or the second part is on the
pedestal and is shaped like a Womb Vishnu, Which means the Supreme Being in the
Universe, Lord Vishnu symbolises sustaining the Universe and protecting it, The
third part is that rises above the pedestal and which Represent Lord Shiva,
This means that Shiva is the culmination of Both Brahma and Vishnu, meaning he
is the Creator, Sustainer and the Destroyer of the Universe and everything.
This is what the Shiva Linga, It means that it has got the Three features of
the World - Creation, Sustainance and Destruction. Understand this and you will
understand what
Shivarathri Signifies.
Shiva is called NILAKANTA, or the one with the Plain Blue Throat, this
happened because He Drank the Poison that came from the ocean which would have
destroyed everything in the Universe. The Poison is in the Middle part of the
Shivalinga meaning the part where Vishnu Resides meaning Sustainance, He drank
the Poison to sustain the Universe, The most holy river Gangadevi flows from
his matted hair which means that It is the Purest Form of Eeverything in the
World. The Sun, Moon and stars form his crown symbolising the World is with
Him. As NATARAJA HIS TANDAVA is the cosmic dance which controls everything in
the World. The World dances to His Rhythm.
Shiva as Shankara is the one who gives Joy to everyone, As Shambunatha he
is the One in whom Joy resides. As Maheswara he is the one from whom all
Knowledge emenates. His Great Vahana Nandeswara represents the Lord of all
Animals and also Represent Dharma. This is what Shivalinga Means, It is the
Purest Form in the Universe which sustains everything.
- Taken from various Divine Discourses of Swami.
Om Sai Ram
