Read Linga Purana in English
Table of Contents
Introduction:
The Linga Purana is one of the eighteen Mahapuranas in Hinduism, with its position as the eleventh among them.
It primarily focuses on narrating the tales related to the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva.
Meaning of "Linga":
The term "Linga" signifies a symbol or representation, as found in the Vaisheshika scriptures authored by Maharishi Kanada.
According to the Linga Purana, the Shivlinga represents the luminous energy of Lord Shiva.
Content Overview:
Begins with the depiction of Yoga and then delves into the topic of Kalpa (cycle of creation and destruction).
Emphasizes the significance of Shivlinga worship and narrates various rituals like Vrata, Yoga, Archana, and Yajna.
Considered as a supplementary text to the Shiva Purana.
Synopsis:
Authored by Vedavyasa, the Linga Purana comprises 163 chapters and around 11,000 verses.
Highlights the glory of Lord Shiva and narrates the stories of the twelve Jyotirlingas and the Ishana Kalpa.
Emphasizes the importance of Linga worship and provides insights into various aspects of devotion.
Key Teachings:
Expounds on the concept of Linga Pratishtha (installation of the Shiva Linga) and describes sacred places like Kashi and Shri Shail.
Features narratives such as the slaying of demons like Andhaka, Jalandhara, and Kamadeva.
Includes the Shiv Tandava, the burning of Kamadeva, and a list of thousand names of Lord Shiva.
Significance:
The Linga Purana holds that merely listening to it can absolve one of all sins and purify the soul.
Considered instrumental in achieving salvation and attaining the divine abode of Lord Shiva.
The text asserts the omnipresence of Lord Shiva, permeating the entire universe through his various forms.
Quotations:
By one form alone, the universe is pervaded, that is by Shiva. He is both with form and without form.
The Linga Purana illustrates the three forms of Shiva: the formless, the formed (Linga), and the form-and-formless (Linga-alingana).