Transcript Discussion PPT - Tufts University

Monday
What is it? When is it? Feb 20th

Shiva + ratri = “night of Shiva”

Annual festival for praying to Lord Shiva

All-night vigil, strict fasting

Shivalinga worship all night
○ Offer bilva leaves & betel leaves
○ Abhishekam - honey, ghee, yogurt, milk, water, etc.
Panchakshari Mantra: “Om Namah Shivaya”
Story of King Chitrabhanu
Why bilva leaves?

Most sacred & loved by Shiva

Lakshmi resides in them

Ayurvedic/medicinal properties

Symbolic of 3 gunas
Meaning of Shivalingam

Brahmanda – “cosmic egg”
Linga = microcosm of universe / the
creation of the universe

Pillar of light

 Beginningless & endless Stambha
 Represents infinite + attribute-less
nature of Shiva (Brahman)
 Arunachala: fight between Brahma
and Vishnu settled by Shiva
manifesting as column of fire/light
Bana Linga / Narmada Linga
Linga-Yoni

“Yoni” and “Linga-Yoni” have two
different meanings

Linga-Yoni: Representation of
emergence of cosmic egg (universe)
from Shakti (creative power)

In Advaita (nonduality) theory,
Linga-Yoni is a union of Shiva-Shakti
to show they are one and the same
 Creation & Creator are ONE
 Not a sexual union
Other Symbolism

Trishula (trident)
 Controls 3 gunas, 3 worlds

Crescent moon
 Time cycle – Shiva transcends time

Snakes
 Shiva is Pasupathinath – lord of all creatures
 Snakes represent evil/demonic nature in world
 Kundalini
More Symbolism!

Vibhuti (sacred ashes)
– impermanence
 Tripundra (3 lines)
– represents 3 gunas

Matted locks
– yogi ; renunciation

Cremation grounds
– conquers death