The sages, yearning for a deeper connection with Shiva, asked Sutji, “O wise one, how can we worship the Parthiva Lingam to find both joy in this life and liberation beyond?”

Sutji, his voice a gentle guide, replied, “O sages, the Parthiva Lingam-a Shivling crafted from sacred earth-is a Vedic ritual that opens the heart to Shiva’s grace, granting both worldly happiness and

the ultimate freedom of liberation. Begin with a quiet cleansing: bathe your body, still your mind through meditation, and offer prayers to your deity. Then, gather pure clay from a sacred place-a riverbank, a temple ground, or a forest’s edge-and purify it with Ganga water, making it a vessel for the divine.”

He continued, “With pure intent, shape the Lingam, chanting ‘Om Namah Shivaya’ to awaken Shiva’s presence within it. This act is a sacred bridge, uniting the earth’s simplicity with Shiva’s infinite light. Place the Lingam on a seat of honour, and offer it gifts from the heart: a sprinkle of Panchamrit-milk, yoghurt, ghee, honey, and sugar-to surrender your senses; sandalwood paste for purity; flowers and sacred leaves to lay down your worldly attachments. Circle the Lingam with reverence, bowing in devotion, as each step aligns you with the cosmic rhythm of creation.”

Sutji concluded, “Light a ghee lamp, its flame a symbol of divine knowledge cutting through ignorance, and offer prayers for happiness, peace, and a long life free from disease. Through this ritual, Shiva fulfils your deepest desires and guides you to inner fulfilment. For all who hear this wisdom, a seed of merit is sown, blossoming into joy in this life and freedom in the next.”