Chapter 12 of 43 · Koti Rudra Samhita · Overall chapter 283 of 464
The Nature of the Lingam
Asked why Shiva is worshipped in the form of a lingam at all, Suta tells the Daruvana story: Shiva, testing ascetics in the pine forest by appearing naked and provocative, is rashly cursed by the deluded rishis to lose the very organ they objected to - and the resulting cosmic catastrophe is resolved only when Brahma instructs them to pair it in worship with Parvati's own complementary form.
The rishis said
Suta, by Vyasa's favour you know everything; nothing is unknown to you, so we ask you. In the world the lingam is worshipped, you have said. Is there a reason behind this? Parvati, Shiva's beloved, is famous in the world in the form of the pedestal. What is the reason? Suta, tell us what you have heard.
Suta replied
Brahmanas, from Vyasa I heard an account belonging to another kalpa. Supreme among rishis, I will tell it now; listen. Brahmanas, in ancient times this happened in Daruvana. I will tell it properly, as I heard it. Daruvana is an excellent forest where excellent rishis, Shiva's devotees, are always sunk in meditation on Shiva. They worship Shiva three times a day and praise him with many divine hymns. Once, the bulls among brahmanas, sunk in meditation on Shiva and devoted to him, went into the forest to gather kindling. At that time Shankara Nilalohita himself came in a disfigured form to test them. He was very energetic and naked, smeared with ash. He held his organ in his hand and acted wildly. In his mind he wished to do what would please the dwellers of the forest. Affectionate to his devotees, Hara himself went gladly to that forest for that reason. Seeing him, the rishis' wives were filled with great fear. Some were agitated, but others were surprised and went up to him. Some embraced him and others held his hands. The women fought among themselves. Then the noble rishis returned. Seeing these perverse goings-on, they grieved and lost their senses in rage. Full of grief they cried, "Who is this? Who is this?" All the rishis were deluded by Shiva's maya. The naked wanderer said nothing. The supreme rishis then spoke to that terrible being: "You are acting perversely and violating the path of the Vedas. So let your organ fall to the ground." When they said this, it fell at once. The wanderer was actually Shiva in an extraordinary form. Blazing, the organ burned everything in front of it. Wherever it went, it burned everything there. It went to Patala. It also went to heaven. It moved everywhere on earth and did not stay still in any one place. The worlds were shaken and the rishis were deeply miserable. The gods and rishis could find no peace. None of them realized that this was Shiva. Grieving, they gathered and quickly took refuge with Brahma. Brahmanas, having gone there, they all bowed and praised Vidhatri and told Brahma, the creator, all that had happened. Hearing them, Brahma realized they had been deluded by Shiva's maya. Bowing to Shankara, he spoke to the excellent rishis.
Brahma said
Brahmanas, though you know, you have done a shameful thing. When the ignorant do something, why do you speak against them? After acting against the god Shiva, who can hope for welfare? If a guest who arrives at midday is not welcomed, he takes away the person's good deeds and leaves his own bad ones. Even a guest is honoured and given a place; what need to speak of Shiva? Until the organ becomes still, nothing in the three worlds will be auspicious. I have told you the truth. Rishis, think this over. You must act so that Shiva's organ becomes still. That is the way to welfare.
Suta continued
Thus addressed, the rishis bowed to Brahma and said, "Vidhatri, what must we do? Please instruct us." So the sages spoke to the grandfather of all the worlds. Brahma answered and instructed them.
Brahma said
Gods, if you crave your welfare, worship Devi Girija. If she takes the form of the pedestal, the organ will become still. Excellent ones, all listen; I will tell you the procedure. If you follow it lovingly, she will be pleased. Draw an excellent eight-petalled lotus and place a pot on it. Fill it with water from holy places, durva grass and barley sprouts. With Vedic mantras energize the pot. By the norms of the shrutis, remember Shiva and worship it. Supreme rishis, then sprinkle the organ with that water. If the sprinkling is done with the Shatarudriya mantra, you will find peace. Place an auspicious pedestal standing for Girija. Set the organ on it, pronouncing mantras again. With fragrances, sandalwood, flowers, incense, food offerings and other things, worship and satisfy Parameshvara. Bow. Use hymns, sacred instruments and songs. Pronounce blessings and say "Victory." Say: "Lord of the gods, bringer of pleasure to the universe, be pleased. You are the creator and preserver, and also the destroyer. You are undecaying, the beginning of the universe and its origin, and you are within the universe. Mahesha, be calmed and protect all the worlds." If you do this, doubtless all will be well. There will be no disturbances in the three worlds and there will be constant joy.
Suta continued
Hearing this, the gods and brahmanas bowed to the grandfather. Wishing the happiness of all the worlds, they took refuge with Shiva, worshipped him with great devotion and prayed to Shankara. Maheshvara was very pleased and spoke to them.
Maheshvara said
Gods, rishis, all listen attentively. If she holds my organ in the form of the pedestal, there will be happiness. Apart from Parvati, no one is able to hold my organ. If she holds it, peace will be quickly restored.
Suta continued
Lords among sages, hearing this the rishis and gods were pleased. Taking Brahma with them, they prayed to Parvati and pleased Girija and Vrishadhvaja. Having done this, they followed the procedure given earlier and set up the lingam. The gods and rishis used those procedures and mantras. For the sake of dharma they pleased Girija and Shiva. All the gods and rishis in particular, Brahma, Vishnu and the others and all moving and unmoving beings in the three worlds, worshipped Shiva. Shiva was pleased and so was Shivaa, mother of the universe. In that form she held the organ. The lingam was established for the welfare of the worlds. Brahmanas, that lingam became famous in the three worlds. It is known as Hatakesha and as Shiva-Shivaa. When people worship it they always gain happiness. There is every kind of prosperity in this world. It grants supreme happiness, and hereafter gives liberation. No need to reflect on this.
Retold in our own words from Bibek Debroy's English translation of the Shiva Purana (Penguin Classics). Names, numbers and the order of events follow the source.