Linga pitha is a seat for establishing the Shivling. The Sanskrit word linga literally means a sign or symbol. In Hinduism, Linga symbolizes Shiva and is the most sacred and highly venerated object.
The Shivling consists of a piece of short cylindrical rod called bana with a rounded top, inserted in the middle of a wider circular piece called the avudaiyar, having a pedestal or base called the pitha. It is also known as Gauri Patta or Yonipatta.
Shivling represents Shiva and the pitha represents his consort Parvati.
The pitha symbolizes the creative force and forms the lower part of the Shivling. It is also referred to as yoni or vulva by secular scholars.
The main parts of the Pitha are
- Nala (a strip for the water to flow)
- Jaladhara (a place for water and liquid to get collected)
- Ghrtavari (water pot)
- Nimna (drip)
- Pattika (plate)
Different Types of Linga Pitha
- Nagara pitha (square) also known as Brahma Bhaga
- Dravida pitha (octagonal) also known as Vishnu Bhaga
- Vesara pitha (circular or round) also known as Shiva Bhaga
The Shiv Linga Pitha can be established anywhere and a devotee worships it by offering a drop of water.
There are numerous Shivling Pitha that has appeared on its own.
The linga pitha is the cause of both creation and dissolution, shines by its own light, and is pure, eternal and completely immeasurable.
Worshipping the linga pithat one may obtain bliss through liberation.
Whosoever mediates on the linga pitha achieves the highest self knowledge, success and sidhi.
Bibliography
- Hindu Architecture in India and Abroad (1995) by Prasanna Kumar Acharya Published by Low Price Publications
- India: Early History (1999) Edited by P N Chopra by Publications Division New Delhi
- History of Architecture in India (1985) by Christopher Tadgell by Phaldon Series London
- Encyclopedia of Hinduism Volume VI page 286 - 87