The worship of Shiva in the form of a Shivling holds deep
symbolic significance in Hindu mythology and philosophy. The Shivling, a
cylindrical icon with a spherical top, represents the abstract and formless
aspect of God, as Shiva is considered beyond name and form. It serves as a
tangible representation through which devotees can connect with the divine.
The term "Daru" translates to wood, and Shivlings
carved out of wood are known as "darujalingas." These darujalingas
fall under the category of sthavara or stationary Shivlings. They have
prescribed minimum and maximum heights, ranging from 16 to 144 angulas. An
angula is approximately 1.9 centimeters or 0.75 inches.
Darujalingas are further classified into different varieties
based on their height, with some texts mentioning 9 varieties and others even
suggesting 33. For instance, the makara-linga, which is the smallest, is 16
angulas in height, while the dandalinga measures 80 angulas, and the phalodi bhava linga, the tallest permissible, stands at 144 angulas.
Various types of wood are recommended for carving
darujalingas, totaling around 20 varieties. Some of these include Shami
(Prosopis spicier), devadaru (Cedrus deodara), chandana (sandalwood), bilva
(Aegle marmelos), ashvattha (peepul tree), and ashoka (Saraca asoca). Each type
of wood carries its own symbolism and significance in the worship of Shiva,
adding layers of meaning to the religious practice.