Home » All Chapters » Chapter 26 - Invoking Shiva Through Simple Devotion
The sages, eager to connect with the divine, asked Sutji, “O wise one, what is the significance of the Parthiva Lingam and its worship?”
Sutji replied, “O sages, the Parthiva Lingam, crafted from sacred clay, is the most revered among all Lingas. In Satyug, gems were used; in Tretayug, gold; in Dwaparyug, silver; and in Kaliyug, clay holds the highest sanctity. This simple Lingam, born of the earth, unites the material with the divine, becoming a sacred bridge to Shiva’s infinite light. Its worship removes all obstacles, granting wealth, longevity, health, and the ultimate liberation of residing in Shiva’s abode.
” With a pure heart, devotees shape the Lingam, chanting “Om Namah Shivaya,” and offer heartfelt gifts like Panchamrit, flowers, and a lit ghee lamp, symbolizing the surrender of their senses and the light of divine knowledge. Through this act of complete surrender, they align with the cosmic order, invoking Shiva’s presence to fulfill their desires and guide them to freedom from the cycle of birth and death. For all who hear this wisdom, a seed of merit is sown, blossoming into eternal peace.
This chapter reveals a humbling truth: in Kaliyug, where ego and illusion run deep, the simplest form of worship holds the highest power. The Parthiva Lingam-crafted from sacred clay-shows us that Shivji doesn’t ask for gold or elaborate rituals. He asks for sincerity.
As the Bhagavad Gita proclaims: “Patram pushpam phalam toyam. yo me bhaktya prayacchati.” (Even a leaf, a lower, or a drop of water-when offered with love-is accepted by the Divine.)
This is the essence of the Parthiva Lingam: what matters is not what we offer, but how we offer it. This is the essence of the Parthiva Lingam: what matters is not what we offer, but how we offer it.
In this simplicity lies great power. Lighting a small diya with devotion, chanting Om Namah Shivaya with feeling, or placing our hands on sacred clay becomes a bridge between the earthly and the eternal. Shivji doesn’t measure offerings. He reads the heart.
Experience the power of simple devotion??
🎧 Listen to the podcast – Har Din Mahashivpuran
📖 Read the book – A Modern Seeker’s Mahāshivpurāṇ.