The Linga Purana (, IAST: Liga Pura) is a Hindu Shaivism scripture that is one of the eighteen Mahapuranas. The title of the book, Linga, relates to Shiva's iconographical emblem.
The title of the book, Linga, relates to Shiva's iconographical emblem. The author(s) and date of the Linga Purana are uncertain, however it is thought to have been written between the 5th and 10th centuries CE. The text survives in a number of different forms, and it was most likely altered and enlarged throughout time.
The estimated composition dates for the
earliest core of the Linga Purana range from the 5th to the 10th centuries CE,
depending on the researcher.
The Linga Purana, like all the Puranas,
has a convoluted chronology. According to Cornelia Dimmitt and J. A. B. van
Buitenen, each Purana is written in an encyclopaedic manner, making it
impossible to determine when, when, why, and by whom they were written:
The Puranas are a layered literature in
their current form. Each named piece is made up of material that has
accumulated through time as a result of various accretions. As a result, there
is no fixed date for the writing of any Purana. It's like if they're libraries,
with new volumes being added on a regular basis.
— Cornelia Dimmitt and J. A. B. van
Buitenen, Classical Hindu Mythology: A Reader in the Sanskrit Puranas
The Linga Purana is divided into two parts: the Purva-bhaga
(earlier portion, also known as Purvardha) has 108 chapters and the
Uttara-bhaga (latter part, also known as Uttarardha) has 55 chapters. However,
copies of the text claim that the Uttara-bhaga only includes 46 chapters in
verse 2.55.37, implying that the book was enlarged throughout time. According
to some academics, the entire Uttara-bhaga might be a later addition or
connection to the earlier section.
The book is named after its topic, which is Linga worship, and it focuses largely on Shiva as Supreme. The Linga Purana, however, has chapters dedicated to Vedic topics in addition to Shiva-related themes.
The Linga Purana is known for its zealous retaliation against anyone who criticise Shiva, saying in chapter 1.107 that a Shiva devotee should be prepared to lose his life to stop Shiva's censorship, even if it means using violence against those who do so.
The Linga Purana is divided into two parts: the Purva-bhaga (earlier portion, also known as Purvardha) has 108 chapters and the Uttara-bhaga (latter part, also known as Uttarardha) has 55 chapters. However, the text's copies declare in verse 2.55.
The Purva-bhaga (older portion, also known as Purvardha) has 108 chapters, whereas the Uttara-bhaga (latter part, also known as Uttarardha) has 55 chapters. In verse 2.55, however, the text's copies claim.
According to Alain Daniélou, linga
signifies sign. Linga is a manifestation of someone or something's manifested
sign and nature, according to Hindu scriptures. It is associated with the
notion of Brahman, which is formless or linga-less as an unseen signless and
existing Principle. "Shiva is signless, without colour, taste, or
fragrance, that is beyond speech or touch, without quality, immobile, and
changeless," according to the Linga Purana. The signless is the universe's
wellspring, and the manifested Linga is the universe's entirety, a combination
of unchanging Principles and ever-changing nature. On this basis, the Linga
Purana text is built.
The Linga Purana is divided into two
sections: the Purva-bhaga and the Uttara-bhaga. They cover a wide range of
issues, with the following sections serving as examples:
• Cosmology: cosmology is mentioned
numerous times throughout the narrative. It mentions the Shvetashvatara
Upanishad in the early chapters, and it provides a Samkhya-style cosmology in
chapter 1.70.
• Astronomy: In chapters 1.55 to 1.61, the
Purana gives its theory of the sun, moon, planets, and stars in the night sky,
along with the mythology connected with each.
• Geography: the book states that the planet contains seven
continents, then names and describes the mountains and rivers, as well as what
grows in various areas, weaving mythology into the narrative.
• Tirtha (pilgrimage): for example, in chapters 1.77 and 1.92, the
holy towns of Varanasi, Kedarnath, Prayag, and Kurukshetra are praised.
• Pashupata Yoga and ethics are discussed in numerous portions of
the Linga Purana, including chapters 1.8, 1.88-1.89, 2.13, 2.55, and others.
The Linga Purana is known for its zealous retaliation against anyone who criticise Shiva, saying in chapter 1.107 that a Shiva devotee should be prepared to lose his life to stop Shiva's censorship, even if it means using violence against those who do so. The book also highlights the benefits of nonviolence in Chapter 1.78, noting that "violence should be avoided at all times and in all locations."
According to Stella Kramrisch, the Linga Purana's principles combine those of the Samkhya school of Hindu philosophy. Linga is introduced as Pradhana or Prakriti (cosmic essence) in Chapter 1.17 of the Linga Purana, whereas Shiva is characterised as Lingin, or one having this "subtle body."The book presents Linga as an abstract notion, in contrast to Alinga (Vyakta), with its phallic meaning and sexual reality in nature's life-creation process. According to Kramrisch, the lines of the poem depict Linga as an aniconic symbol of both matter and spirit, the Prakriti and the Purusha, whereby the emblem symbolises the "powers of creation, emancipation, and destruction."
Diamond Pocket Books (1 January 2017)
212 pages
Diamond Pocket Books (1 June 2004)
104 pages
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.
12.7 x 0.53 x 20.32 cm
Sanskrit, Hindi< English
The author(s) and date of the Linga Purana is unknown, and the estimates place the original text to have been composed between the 5th- to 10th-century CE. The text exists in many inconsistent versions, and was likely revised over time and expanded.
Diamond Books
Linga Purana Paperback – 1 June 2004.