Iconography of 'Linga'
The magnitude of misconception and misinterpretation of Hindu religion is simply unbelievable. Hinduism is all about denouncement of excessive worldly pleasures and finding solace in the Supreme Lord, at a higher conscious level where Prakriti and Purusha are in consonance and the Prakriti is under the constant control of Purusha, the Creator. At the Abode of Lord Shiva, the Supreme Lord exists in his eternal form devoid of Triguna which is the manifestation of Prakriti. Prakriti, in her manifest form, which we refer to as Nature, is subject to changes or modifications as per the rules set by the Creator, Brahman. These changes bringabout Trigunas called Satva, Raja and Tama representing Eternal Bliss, Birth Cycle and Destruction. It also represents Prosperity, Sustenance and Evil.
In this backdrop, it is very natural that the Iconography of Lingam is representation of Supreme Being in the form of Eternal Bliss. More emphasis should be given to the absence of worldly desires.
But what are we showing to the world? How foolish it is to not identify the basic differences in how the manifestation works in different worlds? The physical form existing on earth is not at all same as it exists in Deva Loka. Similarly, the bliss experienced there is incomparable to the pleasure derived here. The Ananda, eternal bliss is derived from the withdrawal of sensory organs and gaining mastery over divine consciousness. So the interpretation of iconography as appearing in the below extract of Wikipedia is grossly incorrect.
Lord Shiva is an 'Akhanda Brahmachari', a celibate whose semen never slips. The iconography of Linga is characterized by the uncut structure, having no openings. The 'Linga' is also'Avichchinna', unbroken, has no cut or opening. It also refers to 'Atma Linga' the life from of Shiva. The powerful Linga, millions of which Hanumantha wore as body hair. That which Ravana failed to acquire. One with which Markandeya transcended the death. Shiva is 'Adiyogi', 'Mahabala' and 'Mahayogi' greatest and primordial achiever of Yoga. He is also called as Rudra, annihilator of enemies or obstacles. He is also referred to as 'Urdhva Linga' the upward flow of vital energy.
The divine procreations are beyond human comprehension. It doesn't involve intercourse, even if a female consort is present. They independently procreate, as in case of Ganapati or Subrahmanya. Then, how much is it correct to refer the 'Peetha' the base structure on which the Linga stands to Yoni, the vagina? It is a total absurdity and devoid of any vedic validity. The grand structure is meant only for collecting the Abhisheka, for, Rudra is 'Abhisheka Priya' greatly fond of anointments, especially Panchamrita. Only the Linga is divine and Peetha is an accessory for the worship. Misinterpretation of sacred texts without having total knowledge of Hindu scriptures is certainly very dangerous. I urge all the practitioners to not recognise as true, the stupid description largely available on the internet.
