Parthiva Linga is the most supreme among all the Shiva-Lingas. All the aspirtions of he deities as well as men are fulfilled by the worship of Parthiv linga. During the era of Satya, jewel was considered to be of prime importance, where as during Tretayuga and Dwaparyuga, gold and mercury had the prime importance respectively. In the present era of Kali, a Parthiva Linga hold this place of honour. The worship of Parthiva Linga begets more virtues than even penance. Just as Ganga among the rivers, Kashi among the sacred places of pilgrimages, Omkar among all the mantras are considered to be superior, In the same way Parthivalinga is considered to the supreme among all the Linga. Worshipping, a Parthiva linga with a ‘Nishkam bhava’ helps a man to attain liberation.” ~ Shiva Purana.

Parthiva Shivlinga is a Shivlinga made from mud/sand. Parthiv means Earth and worshipping a Parthiv Shivling liberates devotees of all sins committed in birth. Lord Rama worshipped a Parthiva Shivling to seek liberation from Brahmahatyamahapatakam, the sin of killing Ravana who was a Brahman. Parthiva Shivlinga is also known as Saikata Lingam. Parthiva Shivlingas are considered as one of the most auspicious, sacred and divine amongst all Shivlingas. Worshipping of Parthiva Shivlingas leads to liberation from karma and achievement of Moksha. Worshipping a Parthiva Shivlinga also provides relief from malefic Navgraha Dosha and provides peace to soul of ancestors. After bath in the morning, a man should wear a rudraksha garland in his neck and apply bhasma on his forehead. He should then worship the Parthiva Linga. He should chant the various names of Shiva, while worshipping the Parthiva Linga, like Har, Maheshwar, Shambhu, Shoolpani, Mahadev. After worshipping the Parthiva Linga, it should be immersed in the river, Then the mantra – OM NAMAH SHIVAY should be chanted with complete devotion. This is the method which has been described in the Vedas.

Forms of Shiva

“In Me the universe had its origin In Me alone the whole subsists In Me it is lost” — Shiva

The Timeless, it is I Myself Shiva in his ParamShiva state is Swayambhu, which literally means self-manifested, without birth or without origin. Shiva is not born, he manifests on his own. Hence Shiva is not result of Shaktis manifestation. Shiva is birth less, attribute less, formless and he is so because of his own nature, so he is Swayambhu , ????? ??. There is a verse in Vedas singing 3 well known names of God as SHIV, SHANKER, SHAMBHU. One of the verses in Yajurveda invokes God through 6 names including 3 highly popular names,’ Shiv Shanker & Shambhu. Millions of devotees daily chant these names while worshipping God. God has been described in 6 forms.

1- SHAMBHAV (well being)
2 –MAYOBHAV(manifested as the forms of delight)
3 – SHANKER ( creator of well being)
4 – MAYASKER (creator of delight)
5 – SHIV (peaceful & unmanifested form of God)
6 – SHIVTARA ( the form further beyond the Shiva form ).

Three names of Lord Shiva are always fascinating Svayambhu, Tejaswi and Akshar.

If you talk of Shiva as one of the Trinity, then these names may not attract you much. When we talk of Lord Shiva, as Param Siva (which is called Mahavishnu by vaishnavas), then the names have great meanings. Shiva is the origin of the universe. It is He who manifests as Ardhanariswara and then Shakti separates from him and the universe starts unfolding. It is then that the trinity is born and then other devas and asuras and all living being takes birth.!

Achaleshwar Mahadev where Toe mark of Shiva is Worshipped

Achleshwar Mahadev Temple, Mount Abu Sirohi , Rajasthan where the toe of Lord Shiva is worshipped and a brass Nandi is located there. The temple more than 2500 years old is the only place on earth where the great toe of Lord Shiva is worshiped, that is estimated to be going to the centre of the earth. Near the temple there are three stone buffaloes standing around a pond. It is believed that the Achleshwar temple was built in the 9th century and legend has it that it was built around a toe print of Lord Shiva. Achleshwar contains a natural Shivalinga. It is the proud possessor of the glory of rich mythology, theology, folklore and even history. Miracles happened in its hallowed precincts. Its Nandi, made of an alloy of five different metals, is credited with the marvel of repulsing the Muslim invaders by releasing millions of bumble bees to attack the Muslim marauders!

The most remarkable fact is that the Shivling placed here changes its color thrice a day. In the morning, it is red; then it changes its color to saffron in the afternoon. And in the evening, the color changes to wheatish. It is said that no one knows how deep the roots of this Shivling are. To find out the same, devotees once dug down the surrounding area deep but even after that they could not reach the other end. And finally the devotees had to call off the excavation process. People believe that the Lord Achaleshwar Maharaj fulfils the wish of every devotee, especially when unmarried boys and girl pray for their successful marriage.

Lingaraj Temple

The Lingaraj Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and is said to be known as one of the oldest pilgrimage centers in the city. Located in the midsts of several ancient monuments in Bhubaneswar, the temple sees a large number of religious tourists throughout the year. The shrine’s main deity is known as Lingaraj, which literally translates to the ‘King of Lingas’ in Sanskrit. Apart from the spiritual and devotional significance that this place holds, the architecture displays a work of a genius. The tall rising ‘gopuram’ that overlooks its surrounding scenery, accompanied with intricate craftsmanship, is said to be a common feature of the Kalinga architecture. Around the vicinity of the shrine, there are different gods and goddess of Hinduism. It is supposed to reflect on the importance of each and sends out a universal message of ‘one God in different forms’. Read the article below to know more about the Lingaraj Temple.