difference between Shivling and Jyotirling
What Is The Difference Between Shivling And Jyotirling? Jyotirlinga and Shiv Linga are both the forms and symbols of Lord Shiva. They are worshipped with great reverence in all the three worlds. Most people consider Shivlinga and Jyotirlinga to be the same but there is a big difference between the two. The Shiv Purana also describes the different meanings of both. So here know what is the difference between Jyotirlinga and Shivlinga.
what is jyotirlinga
Jyotirlinga is the place where Lord Shiva himself appeared in the form of light. It is called Jyotilinga. Jyotirlinga means light i.e. ‘light’ and linga means ‘sign’ i.e. the sign of Shiva in the form of light. Jyotirlinga is considered to be the divine incarnation place of Lord Shiva. It has been described in detail in Puranas, Shiva Purana and Linga Purana. There are 12 major Jyotirlingas in the country, which are located at special pilgrimage sites. These are very ancient and extremely sacred. There is a special ritual and time for the worship of Jyotirlinga
There are a total of 12 Jyotirlingas in India, they are as follows-
• First Jyotirlinga – Somnath (Gujurat )
• Second Jyotirlinga – Mallikar juna ( andhra pradesh )
• Third Mahakaleshwar (madhyapradesh )
• Fourth Omkareshwar (madhyapradesh)
• Fifth – Kedarnath (Uttarakhand)
• Sixth – Bhimashankar ( Maharashtra )
• Seventh- Kashi Vishwanath (Uttar Pradesh )
• Eighth – Trimbakeshwar (Maharashtra )
• Ninth – Baidyanath (Jharkhand)
• Tenth- Nageshwar (Gujarat )
• Eleventh – Rameswaram (Tamil Nadu)
• Twelfth – Ghrishneshwar (Maharashtra)
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What is a Shivling
Shivlinga is a symbolic form of Lord Shiva, which represents the formless form of Shiva. Shivlingas are established by humans. Some of these are self-created and then installed in temples.
There are many types of Shivlingas-
• Oval Shivlinga – This Shivlinga is made by man.
• Parad Shivling: This is a Shivling made of mercury metal, which is made by humans.
• Swayambhu Shivalinga – Where the Shiv Linga has appeared on its own, like Jyotirlinga.
• Dev Shivling- Shivling established by the gods is called Dev Shivling.
• Asura Shivling- The Shivling established by the demons is called Asura Shivling.
• Puranic Shivalinga- The Shivalinga established by people of the mythological period is called Puranic Shivalinga.
• Man Shivlinga – Shivlinga made by man such as Shivlinga made from stone, metal, clay, cow dung or other materials.
Difference-
Shivlinga:
- It symbolizes the formless form of Shiva in a simple shape, used for worship and meditation
- It can be installed anywhere, like home, temple, etc.
- Shivling is usually worshipped with water, bilva leaves, flowers, sandalwood, and lamps.
- Through Shivling, devotees worship the formless form of Lord Shiva, which symbolizes his power and energy.
Jyotirlinga:
- It represents a special form of Shiva, where the Lord himself appeared as a flame.
- These are at special places, which are considered Siddha Sthal, and their darshan has special importance.
- The worship of Jyotirlinga involves chanting mantras, Rudrabhishek, and meditation on various forms of Mahadev.
- Through Jyotirling worship, devotees try to see the divine form of Lord Shiva and receive his blessings.
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