World Famous Shiva Lingam

Shiva Lingam is mostly worshipped all around the globe as a symbol of worshiping Lord Shiva. The story behind worshiping the lingam as Shiva dates back to the dawn of the universe. According to the Hindu mythology, at creation, there was nothing at all except Brahma and Vishnu. When confronted with each other they started fighting for supremacy.

The Story of Shiva Lingam

Their battle continued for ages. Finally, they witnessed a beam of white light. They stopped the fight and decided to find the ends of the beam. Lord Vishnu transformed into a boar and advanced towards the bottom to find the end. Then, Lord Brahma took the avatar of a swan and flew up to find the end. After years of the voyage, they were unsuccessful in their quest and returned from where they began.

Finally, Lord Shiva emerged in place of the beam. Since then Linga was always considered to be a symbol for worshiping Mahadev. And from then onwards, Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva are considered to be the Trinity of the creator, preserver, and the destroyer. Lord Shiva is considered to be the destroyer. He is the one supposedly destined to destroy all the evil from the world.

Lord Shiva has always emerged as the most powerful deity in Hindu mythology. He is revered all across the globe by the rich and the poor alike. There are some places where people travel for miles for praying to the Shiva Lingams.

Here is a list of some of the most popular Shiva Lingams of the world.

1. Kotilingeshwara Temple

This temple in Karnataka is famous for having the largest man-made Shiva Lingam with a height of 108 ft. Here an idol of Nandi is also present, just in front of the Shiva Lingam, whose height is 35 ft. The specialty about this place is that people who come to worship here can install their own idols here. And prayers would be performed on them as well daily.

2. Bhojeshwar Temple

As the name suggests this temple was built by Bhoja, the Paramara King in the land of Bhojpur. Here a lingam is constructed which is approximately having a height of 7.5 ft, on an elevated platform comprised of three limestone blocks superimposed.

3. Amareshwar Mahadev Temple

With a magnificent and serene landscape where waterfall adds to the beauty, this place is a lovely spot for the devotees to pray to Lord Shiva. It is situated at Anuppur in Madhya Pradesh. The Shiva Lingam here is 11 ft tall. But the most spectacular aspect about this Shiva Lingam is that it is made out of a single limestone altogether. Another interesting point about this place is that it is the source of the Narmada River.

4. Sidheshvar Nath Temple

In Ziro of Arunachal Pradesh, Sidheshvar Nath temple is situated. The Shiva Lingam is as tall as 22 ft, is remarkable to the worshipers as it is seen that water constantly flows from beneath the Lingam.

5. Sri Bragadeeswarar temple

This temple located in Tamil Nadu is also carved out of single limestone and also has a statue of Nandi. Even that is made up of one limestone. The most remarkable feature of the temple is its architecture. The position of the idols is such that, when light falls on Nandi, the Shiva Lingam is lightened up by reflection. Hence the Idol glows, even when the lights are out.

6. Harihar Dham Temple

Situated in the land of Giridih this temple is one of the most popular places for people to visit during Shravan Purnima. For ages, people also got married here.

7. Amarnath Temple

Present in Jammu and Kashmir, this temple is the most famous religious destination with an amazing landscape and view. The Shiva Lingam is formed by the accumulation of water that drips from the roof, being frozen in the cold. For now, the height of the Shiva Lingams stands to be 20 ft. The cave size also changes depending on the position of the moon.

8. Bhuteshwar Temple

This Shiva Lingam increased its height by 6-8 inches every year. This is a natural Shiva Lingam and people gather here in Sawan month for a glimpse of the Lord. Situated in the forest of Maroda Village, this spectacular Shiva Lingam cannot be missed out for visit amongst the devotees. These are some of the famous Shiva Lingams of the world. Be it a natural one or a manmade Shiva Lingam, praying to it for guidance and wisdom always soothes the devotees and gives them hope.