Shiva Lingams
Namaste,
Yesterday I was gifted with a Shivalingam by my family. While they themselves are not Hindu and probably have only heard me allude to lingams, they are aware of my religious beliefs and I assume they must have thought it would be a nice gesture to give this to me. I was quite touched at this, but I'm not sure where this has come from? It's very beautiful, naturally formed out of three different bands of coloured stone (grey, sienna and then a saffron colour?), very solid and smoothe. They assured me from the shop they purchased this that it originates from a river in India (unfortunately they could not name the river or if it was naturally formed, etc.).
This might sound like a silly question, but what is done with Shivalingams? Are they worshipped as a general rule? I am aware that Shiva is worshipped in lingam form by many Saivites, but does it differ from the smoothe egg-like lingams found in rivers as opposed to the ones carved out for the purpose of being installed as murtis? The one my family has given me is quite large. Nearly the size of an ostrich egg and probably just as heavy, so it came with a kind of stand but I'm not sure I feel comfortable with it existing in my home as a decorative display. I already have a lingam in my personal shrine when I want to perform worship for Lord Shiva. Could I include this in with worship when I am doing abhishekam and offering flowers and other devotional gifts?
Any suggestions or comments that might help would be welcome.
Om namah Shivaya
"Watch your thoughts, they become words.
Watch your words, they become actions.
Watch your actions, they become habits.
Watch your habits, they become your character.
Watch your character, it becomes your destiny."
ॐ गं गणपतये नमः
Om Gam Ganapataye namah
लोकाः समस्ताः सुखिनो भवन्तु ।
Lokaah SamastaaH Sukhino Bhavantu
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