1. A pillar of fire representing the origin of existence, measured by Vishnu and Brahma. 2. The cosmic principle of individual soul or intellect leading to liberation. 3. A sacred symbol of Shiva made of gems, crystal, stone, earth, or wood, whose worship at Benares relieves one of rebirth.
लिंगम् (liṃgam) [Printed book page 3-121]
Liṃgam — Origin of; came out of a ball of ever-burning fire and grew and grew; Viṣṇu and Brahmā undertook to find out its beginning and the end. It was all effulgence. They found it impossible and prayed to Śiva who initiated them into māheśvaram Balam.1 Establishment of the cult in the presence of Śiva and the sages; is Jīva, mahat; leads to kaivalya;2 found in Godāvarī;3 worship of at Benares relieves one of rebirth;4 its size for installation in the palace depends on the measurement of the palace; nine varieties are distinguished. The technique of the making of a
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Linga is furnished in detail. It may be of gems, spaṭika, of stone, earth, or wood.5
[Footnote: 1) Br. II. 26. 21 to the end; 27. 30-101; Vā. 55. 21-61.]
[Footnote: 2) Br. IV. 3. 22, 56-9, 79.]
[Footnote: 3) M. 22. 57.]
[Footnote: 4) Ib. 154. 350; 185. 57.]
[Footnote: 5) Ib. 263. 1, 11, 25.]
[ID=11964]
Liṃgam — Origin of; came out of a ball of ever-burning fire and grew and grew; Viṣṇu and Brahmā undertook to find out its beginning and the end. It was all effulgence. They found it impossible and prayed to Śiva who initiated them into māheśvaram Balam.1 Establishment of the cult in the presence of Śiva and the sages; is Jīva, mahat; leads to kaivalya;2 found in Godāvarī;3 worship of at Benares relieves one of rebirth;4 its size for installation in the palace depends on the measurement of the palace; nine varieties are distinguished. The technique of the making of a
Page3-122+ 23
Linga is furnished in detail. It may be of gems, spaṭika, of stone, earth, or wood.5
[Footnote: 1) Br. II. 26. 21 to the end; 27. 30-101; Vā. 55. 21-61.]
[Footnote: 2) Br. IV. 3. 22, 56-9, 79.]
[Footnote: 3) M. 22. 57.]
[Footnote: 4) Ib. 154. 350; 185. 57.]
[Footnote: 5) Ib. 263. 1, 11, 25.]
[ID=11964]
— The Purana Index
