A page from a Linga Purana manuscript (Sanskrit, Devanagari)
The author(s) and date of the Linga Purana are unknown, and estimates place the original text to have been composed between the 5th-10th century CE. The text exists in many versions and was likely revised over time and expanded.[2][4] The extant text is structured into two parts, with a cumulative total of 163 chapters.[5]
The text presents cosmology, mythology, seasons, festivals, geography, a tour guide for pilgrimage (Tirtha), a manual for the design and consecration of the Linga and Nandi, stotras, the importance of these icons, a description of Yoga with claims of its various benefits.[1][2][6]
The estimated composition dates for the oldest core of Linga Purana vary among scholars, ranging from the 5th-century CE to the 10th-century.[2][7]
Like all the Puranas, the Linga Purana has a complicated chronology. Cornelia Dimmitt and J. A. B. van Buitenen state that each of the Puranas is encyclopedic in style, and it is difficult to ascertain when, where, why, and by whom these were written:[4]
"As they exist today, the Puranas are a stratified literature. Each titled work consists of material that has grown by numerous accretions in successive historical eras. Thus no Purana has a single date of composition. (...) It is as if they were libraries to which new volumes have been continuously added, not necessarily at the end of the shelf, but randomly.
— Cornelia Dimmitt and J. A. B. van Buitenen, Classical Hindu Mythology: A Reader in the Sanskrit Puranas[4]
The Linga Purana survives in many versions, consisting of two parts – the Purva-bhaga (older part, sometimes called Purvardha) with 108 chapters and Uttara-bhaga (later part, sometimes called Uttarardha) with 55 chapters.[1][5] However, the manuscripts of the text assert in verse 2.55.37 that the Uttara-bhaga only has 46 chapters, suggesting that the text was expanded over time.[5] Some scholars suggest that the entire Uttara-bhaga may be a later insertion or attachment to the older part.[5]
The text is titled after its theme, which is the worship of Linga, and the text is primarily focused on Shiva as Supreme.[1][8] However, along with Shiva-related themes, the Linga Purana includes chapters dedicated to Vedic themes, as well as includes reverence for Vishnu and Brahma.[5][9]
Contents
The Linga Purana discusses the idea of Ardhanarishvara (above), asserting that the goddess is the mother of the universe and she is the avatar of the god. God and goddess, linga and yoni, are co-creators of the universe, both centers of power and divine splendor, states the text.[10]
Linga, states Alain Daniélou, means sign.[11] It is an important concept in Hindu texts, wherein Linga is a manifested sign and nature of someone or something. It accompanies the concept of Brahman, which as invisible signless and existent Principle, is formless or linga-less.[11] The Linga Purana states, "Shiva is signless, without color, taste, smell, that is beyond word or touch, without quality, motionless and changeless".[11] The source of the universe is signless, and all of the universe is the manifested Linga, a union of unchanging Principles and the ever-changing nature.[11] The Linga Purana text builds on this foundation.[12]
The Linga Purana consists of two parts – the longer Purva-bhaga and the shorter Uttara-bhaga.[1][5] They discuss diverse range of topics, and illustrative sections include:
Cosmology: the text presents cosmology in several places. For example, in early chapters it refers to the Shvetashvatara Upanishad, and in chapter 1.70 it presents a Samkhya-type cosmology.[13]
Astronomy: the Purana presents its theory of sun, moon, planets and stars in the night sky in chapters 1.55 to 1.61, with the mythology associated with each.[14]
Geography: the earth has seven continents asserts the text, and it then names and describes the mountains and rivers, what grows in various regions, the text is woven in with mythology.[15]
Yoga and ethics: the Linga Purana discusses Pashupata Yoga and ethics in many sections, such as chapters 1.8, 1.88-1.89, 2.13, 2.55 and others.[17][18]
Ethics in Linga Purana
Giving help to everyone, showing kindness to all, is called the highest worship of the Lord of eight forms.
The Linga Purana is notable for its aggressiveness in retaliating against those who censure Shiva, suggesting in chapter 1.107 that Shiva devotee should be willing to give his life to end the censorship of Shiva, if necessary with violence against those who censure Shiva.[5] In Chapter 1.78, the text also emphasizes the virtues of non-violence, stating, "violence should be avoided always, and at all places."[21]
The Linga Purana's ideas incorporate, states Stella Kramrisch, those of the Samkhya school of Hindu philosophy.[12] The chapter 1.17 of the Linga Purana introduces Linga as Pradhana or Prakriti (cosmic substance), while Shiva is described as Lingin, or one with this "subtle body".[12] Lingam is presented by the text as an abstract concept, the formless reality, contrasted with Alinga (Vyakta), along with its phallic significance with the sexual truth in nature's process of life creation in the universe. The verses of the text, states Kramrisch, present Linga as an aniconic symbol of both the matter and the spirit, the Prakriti and the Purusha, whereby the "powers of creation, liberation, and annihilation" are symbolized by the icon.[12]
^Linga Purana, Chapters: The greatness of Narayana, The glory of Vishnu, etc JL Shastri (Translator, 1951), Part 2 of 2, Motilal Banarsidass, pages 589-628
^ abcdAlain Daniélou (1991). The Myths and Gods of India. Princeton Bollingen Series. Inner Traditions / Bear & Co. pp. 222–224. ISBN978-0-89281-354-4.
^Tracy Pintchman (2015). The Rise of the Goddess in the Hindu Tradition. State University of New York Press. p. 242 with footnote 150. ISBN978-1-4384-1618-2.
^Linga Purana, Chapter 1.55-1.61 JL Shastri (Translator, 1951), Part 1 of 2, Motilal Banarsidass, pages 215-238
^Linga Purana, Chapter 1.46 JL Shastri (Translator, 1951), Part 1 of 2, Motilal Banarsidass, pages 181-209
^Linga Purana, Chapter 1.92 JL Shastri (Translator, 1951), Part 1 of 2, Motilal Banarsidass, pages 486-501, 378-382
^Linga Purana, Chapter 1.88-1.89 JL Shastri (Translator, 1951), Part 1 of 2, Motilal Banarsidass, pages 27-37, 458-477
^Linga Purana, Chapter 13: The eight bodies of Shiva JL Shastri (Translator, 1951), Part 2 of 2, Motilal Banarsidass, pages 650, 789-791
^Linga Purana, Chapter 13: The eight bodies of Shiva JL Shastri (Translator, 1951), Part 2 of 2, Motilal Banarsidass, page 650
^Linga Purana, Chapter 1.78 JL Shastri (Translator, 1951), Part 2 of 2, Motilal Banarsidass, page 387
Bibliography
Dimmitt, Cornelia; van Buitenen, J. A. B. (2012). Classical Hindu Mythology: A Reader in the Sanskrit Puranas. Temple University Press (1st Edition: 1977). ISBN978-1-4399-0464-0.
Kramrisch, Stella (1994). The Presence of Śiva. Princeton, New Jersey: Princeton University Press. ISBN978-0691019307.
Dalal, Rosen (2014). Hinduism: An Alphabetical Guide. Penguin. ISBN978-8184752779.
K P Gietz; et al. (1992). Epic and Puranic Bibliography (Up to 1985) Annotated and with Indexes: Part I: A - R, Part II: S - Z, Indexes. Otto Harrassowitz Verlag. ISBN978-3-447-03028-1.
Linga Purana – Part 1 at the Internet Archive, English translation by J. L. Shastri (1951)
Linga Purana – Part 2 at the Internet Archive, English translation by J. L. Shastri (1951)
May 20, 2023
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The Linga Purana ल ङ गप र ण IAST Liṅga puraṇa is one of the eighteen Mahapuranas and a Shaivism text of Hinduism 1 2 The text s title Linga refers to the iconographical symbol for Shiva 1 3 A page from a Linga Purana manuscript Sanskrit Devanagari The author s and date of the Linga Purana are unknown and estimates place the original text to have been composed between the 5th 10th century CE The text exists in many versions and was likely revised over time and expanded 2 4 The extant text is structured into two parts with a cumulative total of 163 chapters 5 The text presents cosmology mythology seasons festivals geography a tour guide for pilgrimage Tirtha a manual for the design and consecration of the Linga and Nandi stotras the importance of these icons a description of Yoga with claims of its various benefits 1 2 6 Contents 1 Date and structure 2 Contents 3 References 3 1 Bibliography 4 External linksDate and structure EditThe estimated composition dates for the oldest core of Linga Purana vary among scholars ranging from the 5th century CE to the 10th century 2 7 Like all the Puranas the Linga Purana has a complicated chronology Cornelia Dimmitt and J A B van Buitenen state that each of the Puranas is encyclopedic in style and it is difficult to ascertain when where why and by whom these were written 4 As they exist today the Puranas are a stratified literature Each titled work consists of material that has grown by numerous accretions in successive historical eras Thus no Purana has a single date of composition It is as if they were libraries to which new volumes have been continuously added not necessarily at the end of the shelf but randomly Cornelia Dimmitt and J A B van Buitenen Classical Hindu Mythology A Reader in the Sanskrit Puranas 4 The Linga Purana survives in many versions consisting of two parts the Purva bhaga older part sometimes called Purvardha with 108 chapters and Uttara bhaga later part sometimes called Uttarardha with 55 chapters 1 5 However the manuscripts of the text assert in verse 2 55 37 that the Uttara bhaga only has 46 chapters suggesting that the text was expanded over time 5 Some scholars suggest that the entire Uttara bhaga may be a later insertion or attachment to the older part 5 The text is titled after its theme which is the worship of Linga and the text is primarily focused on Shiva as Supreme 1 8 However along with Shiva related themes the Linga Purana includes chapters dedicated to Vedic themes as well as includes reverence for Vishnu and Brahma 5 9 Contents Edit The Linga Purana discusses the idea of Ardhanarishvara above asserting that the goddess is the mother of the universe and she is the avatar of the god God and goddess linga and yoni are co creators of the universe both centers of power and divine splendor states the text 10 Linga states Alain Danielou means sign 11 It is an important concept in Hindu texts wherein Linga is a manifested sign and nature of someone or something It accompanies the concept of Brahman which as invisible signless and existent Principle is formless or linga less 11 The Linga Purana states Shiva is signless without color taste smell that is beyond word or touch without quality motionless and changeless 11 The source of the universe is signless and all of the universe is the manifested Linga a union of unchanging Principles and the ever changing nature 11 The Linga Purana text builds on this foundation 12 The Linga Purana consists of two parts the longer Purva bhaga and the shorter Uttara bhaga 1 5 They discuss diverse range of topics and illustrative sections include Cosmology the text presents cosmology in several places For example in early chapters it refers to the Shvetashvatara Upanishad and in chapter 1 70 it presents a Samkhya type cosmology 13 Astronomy the Purana presents its theory of sun moon planets and stars in the night sky in chapters 1 55 to 1 61 with the mythology associated with each 14 Geography the earth has seven continents asserts the text and it then names and describes the mountains and rivers what grows in various regions the text is woven in with mythology 15 Tirtha pilgrimage the holy cities of Varanasi Kedarnath Prayag and Kurukshetra are extolled in chapters 1 77 and 1 92 for example 16 Yoga and ethics the Linga Purana discusses Pashupata Yoga and ethics in many sections such as chapters 1 8 1 88 1 89 2 13 2 55 and others 17 18 Ethics in Linga Purana Giving help to everyone showing kindness to all is called the highest worship of the Lord of eight forms Linga Purana 2 13 35 36Transl Stella Kramrisch 19 20 The Linga Purana is notable for its aggressiveness in retaliating against those who censure Shiva suggesting in chapter 1 107 that Shiva devotee should be willing to give his life to end the censorship of Shiva if necessary with violence against those who censure Shiva 5 In Chapter 1 78 the text also emphasizes the virtues of non violence stating violence should be avoided always and at all places 21 The Linga Purana s ideas incorporate states Stella Kramrisch those of the Samkhya school of Hindu philosophy 12 The chapter 1 17 of the Linga Purana introduces Linga as Pradhana or Prakriti cosmic substance while Shiva is described as Lingin or one with this subtle body 12 Lingam is presented by the text as an abstract concept the formless reality contrasted with Alinga Vyakta along with its phallic significance with the sexual truth in nature s process of life creation in the universe The verses of the text states Kramrisch present Linga as an aniconic symbol of both the matter and the spirit the Prakriti and the Purusha whereby the powers of creation liberation and annihilation are symbolized by the icon 12 References Edit a b c d e f Dalal 2014 p 223 a b c d Rocher 1986 pp 187 188 K P Gietz 1992 p 435 with note 2389 a b c Dimmitt amp van Buitenen 2012 p 5 a b c d e f g Rocher 1986 p 187 K P Gietz 1992 p 435 with note 2390 Fred W Clothey 1978 The Many Faces of Murukan The History and Meaning of a South Indian God Walter de Gruyter p 224 K P Gietz 1992 p 435 with note 2388 Linga Purana Chapters The greatness of Narayana The glory of Vishnu etc JL Shastri Translator 1951 Part 2 of 2 Motilal Banarsidass pages 589 628 Kramrisch 1994 pp 246 247 205 206 a b c d Alain Danielou 1991 The Myths and Gods of India Princeton Bollingen Series Inner Traditions Bear amp Co pp 222 224 ISBN 978 0 89281 354 4 a b c d Kramrisch 1994 pp 171 185 Tracy Pintchman 2015 The Rise of the Goddess in the Hindu Tradition State University of New York Press p 242 with footnote 150 ISBN 978 1 4384 1618 2 Linga Purana Chapter 1 55 1 61 JL Shastri Translator 1951 Part 1 of 2 Motilal Banarsidass pages 215 238 Linga Purana Chapter 1 46 JL Shastri Translator 1951 Part 1 of 2 Motilal Banarsidass pages 181 209 Linga Purana Chapter 1 92 JL Shastri Translator 1951 Part 1 of 2 Motilal Banarsidass pages 486 501 378 382 Linga Purana Chapter 1 88 1 89 JL Shastri Translator 1951 Part 1 of 2 Motilal Banarsidass pages 27 37 458 477 Linga Purana Chapter 13 The eight bodies of Shiva JL Shastri Translator 1951 Part 2 of 2 Motilal Banarsidass pages 650 789 791 Kramrisch 1994 p 111 Linga Purana Chapter 13 The eight bodies of Shiva JL Shastri Translator 1951 Part 2 of 2 Motilal Banarsidass page 650 Linga Purana Chapter 1 78 JL Shastri Translator 1951 Part 2 of 2 Motilal Banarsidass page 387 Bibliography Edit Dimmitt Cornelia van Buitenen J A B 2012 Classical Hindu Mythology A Reader in the Sanskrit Puranas Temple University Press 1st Edition 1977 ISBN 978 1 4399 0464 0 Kramrisch Stella 1994 The Presence of Siva Princeton New Jersey Princeton University Press ISBN 978 0691019307 Dalal Rosen 2014 Hinduism An Alphabetical Guide Penguin ISBN 978 8184752779 K P Gietz et al 1992 Epic and Puranic Bibliography Up to 1985 Annotated and with Indexes Part I A R Part II S Z Indexes Otto Harrassowitz Verlag ISBN 978 3 447 03028 1 Rocher Ludo 1986 The Puranas Otto Harrassowitz Verlag ISBN 978 3447025225 External links EditLinga Purana Part 1 at the Internet Archive English translation by J L Shastri 1951 Linga Purana Part 2 at the Internet Archive English translation by J L Shastri 1951 Retrieved from https en wikipedia org w index php title Linga Purana amp oldid 1129848616, wikipedia, wiki, book, books, library,
