Gemstone Shivlings

Unique Pyrite Shivlingam carved from quality natural Pyrite gemstone is an ideal tool to attract wealth, prosperity and growth. Pyrite is commonly nicknamed as ‘Fool’s Gold’ as during the Gold Rush period people searching for gold often mistook Pyrite as gold. It was due to the brilliant, brassy-yellow metallic lustre of Pyrite which closely resembled that of gold. Pyrite has a long history, the name Pyrite is derived from the Greek word ‘pyr’, meaning fire, because Pyrite produces sparks when struck against metal or stone. Thus in ancient civilizations it was used to start fire and considered an important survival tool. Today Pyrite is highly valued as the ‘Stone of Wealth and Protection’. It is believed to attract wealth, abundance, prosperity and success.

What is a Shivlingam?

Shivling or Shiva Lingam is the formless and infinite manifestation or representation of Lord Shiva. In Sanskrit Lingam means a ‘sign or mark’ and Shiva means ‘auspicious’, thus Shiva Lingam means ‘Sign of Shiva or Sign of the Auspicious One’. The magnificence of the Shivlingam is explained in many ancient Vedic scriptures including the Vedas. Many Puranas such as the Shiv Purana, Linga Purana, Skanda Purana, Kurma Purana, Vayu Purana among others describe the significance and symbolism of the Shivlingam. It is stated that the Shivling symbolizes both the Nirgun/Nirakar and Sagun/Sakaar form of the Supreme Consciousness; it is formless and infinite with no beginning and no ending. Shivling is generally depicted with Yoni which represents Goddess Shakti, the consort of Lord Shiva. The union of Shiva and Shakti represents the union of Universal Masculine and Feminine energies which is source of all creation. It also symbolizes the union of the ‘Soul’ (Consciousness) with ‘Mind’ (Citta) which leads to attainment of the ultimate truth or self-realization of Shivoham (Oneness of Duality).

The Lingam also represents the ‘Cosmic Egg’ the source from which all creation emerges and finally dissolves into. As per Vedic scriptures the Shiv Lingam encompasses in itself all three primary energies of creation, preservation and destruction and thus it also represents Lord Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh. It is stated that amongst all sacred energy articles the Shivlings vibrate at the highest frequency making them a powerful and beneficial tool for worship and meditation. The Shiva Lingam has been worshipped by Lord Shiva devotees since time immemorial. Lord Rama Himself worshipped the Shivling in Ramayana and in Mahabharata also there are instances where the Shiv Lingam was worshipped. In Shaivism the 12 Swayambhu or self-manifested Jyotirling are twelve Shivlings which are considered as most sacred by Shiva devotees. Other than the 12 Jyotirlingas ice lingam of Amarnath, Pashupatinath of Kathmandu and Kailash Parvat (representation of Shivling) are also considered most sacred. Shivlings are primary classified on the basis of material of which they are made. The most popular Shivlings are made from varied materials such as Gold, Silver, Gemstones, Sphatik, Parad, Stone, Mud, Narmada and more. In the Linga Purana benefits of these different types of Shivlings are given. In the Skanda Purana, there is mention of 100 types of Shivling which are worshiped by various sages and Deities for various benefits.

Story of Origin of Shivling

The legend of origin on Shivling is given in the Shiv Mahapurana. Once Lord Vishnu and Lord Brahma had an argument on who of the two is superior of all Gods. The argument soon turned into a fight, concerned Gods asked Lord Shiva for help. Just as the two used their powerful weapons on each other a fiery column of light (Shivling) emerged in between in which the weapons dissolved. Astonished Lord Vishnu and Brahma decided to explore and find the ends of the Shivling to determine who the Supreme God is. Lord Brahma took the form of a swan and went upwards and Lord Vishnu too the form of a boar and went downwards. Both of them failed, but when They returned back Lord Vishnu admitted that He couldn’t find the base whereas Lord Brahma lied and said that He has found the top and used Ketki flower to concur. Just then Lord Shiva emerged from the Shivling. Both the Gods understood the futility of their fight. Lord Shiva blessed Lord Vishnu and cursed Lord Brahma and Ketki flower. Lord Shiva then explained that He is Linga, ‘Ling’ means to dissolve and ‘Ga’ means to emerge. Thus He is from which and in which everything emerges and dissolves into. The said day is celebrated as Maha Shivratri every year.

Benefits of Shivling

Blessings of good health, wealth, prosperity, protection and success
Bestows peace of mind, contentment and bliss
Harmony, happiness and cordial relationship at home
Rudra Abhishekam of the lingam using specific sacred article is done to attain specific benefits
Attracts auspiciousness and positivity and repels negativities
Removes all Planetary Doshas, misfortunes and miseries
Negates all negative karma and sins of this and past life
Divine blessings of Lord Shiva for spiritual augmentation and growth