In tradition, gender is considered an indicator of energy, divine potential. Previously, they used to worship Lord Shiva in the form of an idol. Pashupathi statue found in Harappa ruins can be examined.
In the story related to the incarnation of Venkateswara Swamy in Varahapuranam, in the Bhrugu Maharshi curse Siva, "From today onwards, there will be no poojas to your Linga only, not to your idol". It means before that, the idol will have poojas.
The custom of worshipping Shiva Linga by considering it as the image of Shiva is ancient.
No one has been sure until now when this started.The meaning of the word Shiva is auspicious.Gender means a sign. Means Shiva Linga represents the most auspicious God.
Shiva Lingam (human lingam) has three parts.
Brahma's part is in the earth, Vishnu part is in the peetam, Shiva part is visible to us as the pooja part.
Shiva Lingas - Types
• Self-earth genitals: They are self-evident.
• divine genes: divine creations.
• Russian genders : sage creations.
• Human genitals: These are man-made genitals.
• Arrow lingas: These are pebbles found on the banks of Narmada river (passed the Libra test)
Five ghost lingas
Five ghosts means earth, water, fire, air, sky. Lord Shiva
He is the founder of five temples with lingar forms of these five ghosts.
• 1. Tejo Lingam: Annamalaiswara - Annamalai
• 2. Water Lingam: Jambukeshwara - Thiruvanaykaval or Jambukeshwaram
• 3. Sky Lingam: Chidambareswara (Nataraja) - Chidambaram
• 4. Prithvi Lingam: Ekambareshwara - Kanchi
• 5. Vayu Lingam: Srikalahasteeswara - Srikalahaasthi
Pancharamas
• 1. Immortal Rama:
Amaravathi (Guntur district) Sri Amareswara Swamy, Balachamundika Devi
• 2. Grapefruit:
Draksha Rama (East Godavari District) Sri Bheemeshwara Swamy, Manikyamba
• 3. Kumararama:
Samarlakota (East Godavari District) Sri Kumara Bhimeshwara Swamy, Balathripura Sundari
• 4 insurance:
Bhimavaram (West Godavari District) Sri Someswara Swamy, Annapurna
• 5. Ksheera Rama:
Palakollu (West Godavari District) Sri Kshira Ramalingeswara Swamy.
Some of the specifics:
• No one touches the linga while abhishekam of Srikalahasthi.
Only the bottom part of the penis touches.
• Shiva Lingam in Kanchi is made of clay (Prithvi Lingam)
So linga doesn't get anointed. But the oil will be poured.
