Shouldn't Geelani, Arundhati face sedition case?

By Ch. Sandeep Datta

It looks Hurriyat conference chief Syed Ali Shah Geelani and writer Arundhati Roy are not just running after international limelight with their anti-India rehetoric but, of late, have directly attempted to add fuel to the fire by provoking annoyed or dejected people in other parts of the country to develop disaffection for the Indian Government in the disguise of 'call for justice'.

Both of the individuals may have their 'compulsions' or ambitious reasons to provoke public sentiments against the Government establishment and India, such efforts need to be viewed as intentional attempt to break the country.

As such persons are well aware of the group of 'intelligentsia' who will always stand up for such 'voices', even if they lead to lead to violence or spread hatred among different sections of the society in the country.

In the last few months, by advocating Jammu and Kashmir's separation from India through inflammatory speeches in the Valley and hogging limelight internationally as 'the actual voice' of Kashmir, and for being the main mind behind the recent three-month long stone-pelting protests in Kashmir Valey, the separatist leader Geelani has certainly dared the Indian establishment.

Geelani, who is viewed as Pakistani agent, is a well-known separatist leader who seeks Kashmir be separated from India's reach of constitutional powers.

But Arundhati is comparitively a newcomer as 'Kashmiri activist'. Having gained attention of literratti since winning the Booker Prize for fiction, Roy associted herself to Narmada Bachao Andolan-led by noted social activist Medha Patkar and then temporarily shifting to Naxals' cause, has suddenly developed love for Kashmir's separatists.

It may be foolhardy to believe that Syed Ali Shah Geelani and writer Arundhati Roy, who gave some speeches recently in the capital seeking freedom of Kashmir and boycott of the Central Government appointed three-member team of interlocuters on Jammu and Kashmir, were not aware that they were inviting a serious trouble for themselves. And, they did what they did in full awareness of the law of the land and the 'Freedom of Speech' limitation.

Arundhati Roy’s questioning of the union of Kashmir with India is highly objectinable. It would be soft-mindedness of the Government agencies if they think a writer of her acclaim is not aware of Indian law.

As per Indian Penal Code (IPC), Section 124A which deals with Sedition cases, "Whoever, by words, either spoken or written, or by signs, or by visible representation, or otherwise, brings or attempts to bring into hatred or contempt, or excites or attempts to excite disaffection towards. the Government established by law in [India], shall be punished with imprisonment for life, to which fine may be added, or with imprisonment which may extend to three years, to which fine may be added, or with fine.

It explains -The expression "disaffection" includes disloyalty and all feelings of enmity,

"Comments" expressing disapprobation of the measures of the attempting to excite hatred, contempt or disaffection, do not constitute an offence under this section.

Comments expressing disapprobation of the administrative or other action of the Government without exciting or attempting to excite hatred, contempt or disaffection, do not constitute an offence under this section.

Roy, a Booker Prize-winning author, said at a seminar in New Delhi on Sunday that "Kashmir has never been an integral part of India -- it is a historical fact. Even the Indian government has accepted this."

The government is expected to seek the law ministry’s view on registering a case of sedition against Roy and hardline Kashmiri separatist leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani for their speeches. The Home Ministry had earlier referred their speeches made at the seminar to the police for appropriate legal action last week. The ministry move was made public after the BJP leader Arun Jaitley accused the government of “looking the other way”.

Agreed, everyone has been given freedom of speech and expression as a fundamental right in the Indian Constitution. And, Ms. Arundhati spoke in the national capital under that 'right.' But should others be also allowed to have their say in the best possible way or limit they find their freedom of speech stretches to.

Should any other public call given to declare her 'persona non grata' by throwing her out of India or ending her citizenzip or public condemnation of her by all colleges, institutes and burning of her books, or unofficially declaring her as 'enemy of the country for making attempts to disintegrate the unity of the country by supporting Naxals and the latest stone pelting Kashmiris will also not fall into that category.

Wouldn't anybody's public all to blacken such a person' face and burning her effigies outside every educational institute and seminar in which she dares to participate henceforth may also be 'justified' by the same definition of Freedom of Speech.

Of course, people need to also take care of not taking law into their hands. But launching of a national 'Thu-Thu' or spit campaign may also help her for the same cause and also satisfy the patriotic mind or the families of every such jawan who is either fighting at the border or has achieved martyrdom due to such sympathisers' 'call for justice' to break India.

The so called intellectuals coming in her support, including a prominent newspaper considered as the Bible of Journalism by this writer too, may also like to see such writers through the prism of a person's greed to seek popularity for personal gains or probability to receive something in lieu of such an act. The need of the hour for the country is to evaluate the effect of such acts to peace or situation in other disturbed or sensitive areas of the country and revisit the interpretation of such a freedom's cost to all.

It may be noted the Fundamental Rights are defined as basic human freedoms which every Indian citizen has the right to enjoy for a proper and harmonious development of personality.

The Fundamental Rights are defined as basic human freedoms which every Indian citizen has the right to enjoy for a proper and harmonious development of personality.

Nine truths of my life, which I should remember always

Life teaches every person many lessons in life. They have their own significance, as they come along with the passage of time and learnt after major happenings in one’s life.

Many people say it is the bitter experiences, which teach us the best lessons about how to carry on in life. I think this holds true.

These lessons are capable of enabling us to rise or improve in the days to come or at the least prevent us from committing the blunders the next time.

Provided, we think over WHERE we went wrong and WHY, as a habit. If we could find out these things in others’ mistakes or wrongful acts too, there is nothing better than this to multiply our chances of improvement and progress in personal or professional life.

My life has so far taught me nine major lessons. First, I shouldn't laugh at others' failures or at weak points.....as it reverts to me very bitterly in a few days.

Second, I shouldn't say NO to anything, as I have to ulitmately do it. The
recent example was the sports stories. The more I shirked from them,
the more I was pushed by circumstances and dirty politics to do it on
my own.

Third, I have learnt not to depend on any ONE person for too long. It turns
my crutches and I am made helpless by that person very soon.
Ultimately , I suffer a lot and add to my set of wounds which take
years to get fulfilled. Self reliance suits me the best.

Fourth, I must follow my intuition, as it has always given me success. Whenever I have revealed my plans or approach to anyone abot any goal, they have met with failure. So it's of no use telling to anyone how I
believe or plan to do something in the days to come. The more I keep
things to myself, the better chances I have in delivering surprising
results.

Fifth, there are some things which are beyond sincerity or work. It just happens due to well wishers’ prayers. Though things have never taken place for me on their own or by sheer luck, but the magic of prayers by our loved ones have remarkable impact. I learnt it during my marriage, the biggest challenging assignment for me. It couldn’t have been possible without my most loved persons—Rajesh, Anjali, Lakshmi, and sister Latta and Dinesh jijaji and of course my mother and sister Chanchal.

Sixth, secretly carried out hard work pays me well. I have always made extra endeavour, in complete secrecy, to make things happen in life. If this has been a reality, I should do work instead of talking about it before others.

Seventh, I shouldn't show off or boast about my abilities......it makes me look quite stupid who believes in going ga-ga about himself in full public
view. It only causes others to think so low of me, contrary to my
general image that prevails.

I shouldn't go public in announcing my success or victory in anything
before it actually happens for others to see.

Eighth, remaining futuristic or planning much ahead of the doom's day helps me tremendously.

Ninth, I must return others' obligations or helpful acts and favours properly with deep sense of actual gratitude. Seeking anyone's favour without returning it at the earliest or in the due course of time, makes us weak and risk our pride in life.

Jinhe Naaz Nahin Hind par…..wo Akhir Kyon Yahan Hain


It was Oct.14, the final day of competitions in New Delhi during India's biggest sporting extravaganza since Asiad in 1982. Indian ace shuttler Saina Nehwal was contesting in the final match of Women's singles against her Chinese counterpart.

It was a nerve-wracking match in which she managed to pull victory from the jaws of failure after a three set hard-fought match.

It earned her the Gold medal and also saved India from getting pushed to third position in the overall medal tally at the Commonwealth Games.

Soon, there was medal distribution ceremony and as per the norm, the national anthem of the Gold Medallist was played as mark of respect to the ultimate winner of the event.

We were in office and doing our work. But Saina's match had drawn everyone's attention. So everyone was just taking his or her time out to take not of the latest score to know in advance whether India's biggest badmintor star Saina Nehwal will be able to do India proud or just let everyone face embarrassment like they did in hockey in which India lost 0-8 to World Champion Australia.

As soon as the match finished and Saina was declared winner, all of us waited with great enthusiasm to watch her being presented the Gold Medal and after that see our national flag--the Tricolour--going high with the patriotic tune of national anthem being played alongside. It gives a high feeling in every Indian's mind, as the words or even tune of the national anthem evoked very deep respect and feeling of pride on our motherland and the country.


The moment the national anthem's tune was played me and all others stood of with great joy and deep respect for our national anthem being the proud citizens of this country. The moment it was over, we sat down in our seats. However, one of my women colleagues pointed out to a person sitting in her corresponding chair and below the TV set to stand up for the national anthem. We all that she was reminding her as he may have skipped to take note of the anthem going on due to office work or something. She repeated herself in asking Waseem, a Kashmiri guy, to stand up.

But she was replied by ...with ..."kyon..(why)"?. But as she persisted he stood up in a disrespectful way as if he was alien to the way one has to stand up in attention with palms placed firmly on the sides of the thighs. And, we all were surprised after all what was wrong with him? Why he didn't stand up immediately and he did he was pretending as if he was standing to look at some dance show in a very relaxing way? We all noticed it in disgust and many questions in our minds.

Suddenly, another voice from a distance was heard telling another questioner having same grudge after watching not stand up during national anthem. That person, aged in mid forties, said: Why should I stand after all? After all I am Kashmiri!!

All of us were shocked. We soon understood that two bastards were sitting among us under a roof that swears by the spirit of nationalism and patriotism every minute of the day.

I noticed a Meghalaya girl siting next to me, called Diane, was already sitting in her chair during the playing of the national anthem and was smiling at me. But after noticing those two Kashmiris, I had also understood her reason of smiling at me, as I was standing during the national anthem just like rest of the office colleagues, except these three strangers. Meghalaya is in northeast of India and Kashmir is in the north part of India.

Both the places are supplied millions of rupees every month for the welfare of their natives and all being protected for their lives by the Indian Army under the constitutionof India as they are citizens of India.

We all realised that we had three highly deplorable and anti-India persons sitting with us in hiding. They had disrespect for our national anthem and the tricolour, a fact highly objectionable and provocative to any proud citizen of India.

Many thoughts came across in my mind in their condemnation and for once I felt like going to them and thrashing and do not shy even from throwing any one of them from the third storey of our building, if required by circumstances during the argument or quarrel.

I thought what should Indians do with such individuals who are eating from our share of platter, enjoying every facility of this country as refugees or so called citizen of the country and still nurture such hatred for our nationalism.

As a proud citizen of this country who hold highest respect for this motherland and the tricolour, I felt such people should be taken in the middle of the crossroad, stripped down with their face blackened and head half-shaved and genitals slashed, and electricity current being passed through their body to allow it to shake till it turns motionless.

Indians are stupid, if they are allowing such persons' stay in this country and letting them go on show disrespect to our national symbols despite earning their bread and butter and running to our motherland for safety of themselves and their women and children in distressful times. The Indian Constitution should be amended to allow public punishment of such disgusting, son of swine and motherfucker persons.

A short story of

Anything, Something and Nothing …..

By Ch. Sandeep Datta

Most of the times we fail to rember that we can do “Everything”. But we don't do many a things, thinking we may not get “Anything”. Hardly ever, do we realise that whenver we do “Anything”, we never fail actually but learn various new things. It is possible that we may remain a little less successful than we should have in attempting to achieve “Something”. We need to remember that we always gain or learn about “Something” no matter what is that thing. So, the moral of the story is: “We always improve in doing just “Anything”.”

The Communists


Indian Communists support country's enemies like former terrorist and PDP's chief Abdul Nasser Madani and Naxals, create failed states like Kerala and West Bengal, embarass Prime Minister like Manmohan Singh, bow before separatists (Geelanis, who want Kashmir with Pakistan), support enemy nations like China and still want others to support them in India.

Your 'Hi!' can make or mar your relation at workplace

By Sandeep Datta

A professional life is always too demanding to think of anything beyond priorities at workplace. Most of the professionals may agree that even when they return from home, they find it very difficult to come out of the workplace's developments.


Most of the professional fail to notice that often they spend more time in office with colleagues than their spouses or family back at home. For this very reason, it becomes necessary for all individuals that they realise the significance of their colleagues in their daily lives and their potential influence.

The interesting game of being 'better connected' in the professional world and 'how to escape becoming victim of dirty politics' demands that invidiuals maintain at least a nice and safe relation with all. And, particularly avoid being known as related to just any one or two individuals every time.

There are many individuals who may not find it 'comfortable' to talk to so many people everyday but they may also find it not too much to just say 'Hi' or 'bye' to anyone working with them.

Some people may disagree but wishing 'Hi' or 'Hello' with a smile on one's face can build a good relation or help it sustain it for a very long time. After all if chat rooms or short message service (SMS) have been meant for busy people, why not use it to our best advantage?

Any good joke or interesting anecdote or important information shared with anyone at times can also help in mending or putting aside even a strained relation at times for lighter vein.

It is generally noticed how many people in offices have a very myopic view of life. They will invariably hesitate coming forward in others' difficult phase for even being a patient and compassionate listener leave aside for little 'help'. Strangely, it is done even if such a gesture can have a long lasting impact on one's mind. There are others who find it uncomfortable even to share their lunch box's any delicious item at office canteen.But such people often find them as losers in long term, as they fail win or be confidantes or make actual friends at their workplace.

Not many realise that at times sharing even a "Toffee" worth 50 paisa or a rupee with colleagues or even boss can create a sea change in one's personal image. Little does these people know that in many offices such tried and tested friendly gestures have worked wonders.

Lastly, they say the English have created a very irritating word "Sorry". The reason for this being that it allows oneself to escape many hurtful acts which are hardly expected by others being committed at the first place. But I say, we must thank them, at least they created something than one can be expected from as a gesture of 'decency'.

Failure to get over 'I Know Everythng' syndrome


”As for me, all I know is that I know nothing,” said Socrates

Many a times we tend to feel as if we know a lot more than we need to know. The thought turns a bit more than strange when we not just claim but also allow this thought to settle in our mind that we know ‘everything’.

This looks a naïve claim when we are reminded by someone or by incidental reading of a thought how even the highly learned, not educated, individuals never claimed being a learned person during their lifetime. It is others who come to know about them or take a note of their works or contribution in others’ lives or small works that earn them recognition of being a learned person or intellectual.

Interestingly, most of the people today consider themselves as ‘learned’ even when they are not beyond an old student, who is eager to get rid of his or her personal level of ignorance about life or any particular issue. Some people in their pursuit of gaining some in depth knowledge get lost in the ‘tags’ others stick on them like ‘intelligent’, ‘intellectual’, ‘studious’ or anything similar.

Away from all these things there are many individuals who develop a sense of learning unmindful of their age. These people develop a deep interest over a period of time followed by initial curiosity about any issue usually.

Noted Bengali director Tapan Sinha, in his film Ek Doctor Ki Maut (Death of a doctor), a 1990 award winning film, depicted the ostracism, bureaucratic negligence, reprimand and insult of a doctor and his research, instead of recognition. However, it also showed the kind of resilience a knowledge- seeker has to develop for the big goal, is an inspiration and education for many such knowledge enthusiasts as shown in this Pankaj Kapoor-starrer film.

MOTHER
(This is a truly BEAUTIFUL piece.
Please read this at a slow pace,
digesting every word and in leisure....
Do not hurry.....this is a treasure...

For those lucky to still be blessed with your Mom,
this is beautiful.
For those of us who aren't,
this is even more beautiful.
For those who are moms,
you'll love this.)

Here it goes......


The young mother set her foot
on the path of life.
'Is this the long way?' she asked.
And the guide said: 'Yes,
and the way is hard
And you will be old before
you reach the end of it..
But the end will be better
than the beginning.'

But the young mother was happy,
and she would not believe
that anything could be better
than these years.
So she played with her children,
and gathered flowers for them along the way,
and bathed them in the clear streams;
and the sun shone on them,
and the young Mother cried,
'Nothing will ever be lovelier than this.'

Then the night came,
and the storm, and the path was dark,

and the children shook with fear and cold,
and the mother drew them close
and covered them with her mantle,
and the children said,
'Mother, we are not afraid,
for you are near, and no harm can come.'

And the morning came,
and there was a hill ahead,
and the children climbed and grew weary,
and the mother was weary.
But at all times she said to the children,
'A little patience and we are there.'
So the children climbed,
and when they reached the top they said,
'Mother, we would not have done it without you.'

And the mother, when she lay down at night
looked up at the stars and said,
'This is a better day than the last,
for my children have learned fortitude
in the face of hardness.
Yesterday I gave them courage.
Today, I've given them strength.'

And the next day came strange clouds
which darkened the earth,
clouds of war and hate and evil,
and the children groped and stumbled,
and the mother said:
' Look up. Lift your eyes to the light.'
And the children looked and saw
above the clouds an everlasting glory,
and it guided them beyond the darkness.
And that night the Mother said,
'This is the best day of all,
for I have shown my children God.'

And the days went on,
and the weeks and the months and the years,
and the mother grew old
and she was little and bent.
But her children were tall and strong,
and walked with courage.
And when the way was rough,
they lifted her, for she was as light as a feather;
and at last they came to a hill,
and beyond they could see a shining road
and golden gates flung wide.
And mother said,
'I have reached the end of my journey..
And now I know the end
is better than the beginning,
for my children can walk alone,
and their children after them.'

And the children said,
'You will always walk with us, Mother,
even when you have gone through the gates.'
And they stood and watched her
as she went on alone,
and the gates closed after her.
And they said:
'We cannot see her but she is with us still.
A Mother like ours is more than a memory.
She is a living presence.......'

Your Mother is always with you....
She's the whisper of the leaves
as you walk down the street;
she's the smell of bleach
in your freshly laundered socks;
she's the cool hand on your brow
when you're not well.
Your Mother lives inside your laughter.
And she's crystallized in every tear drop.
She's the place you came from,
your first home;
and she's the map you follow
with every step you take.
She's your first love and your first heartbreak,
and nothing on earth can separate you.

Not time, not space... not even death!

(Source: http://www.vepachedu.org/lingpurana.htm)


Vamana Purana

When naked Lord Shiva was wandering in the Daruvanam forest, the wives of sages lost self control for Lord Shiva was the most beautiful and attractive man and they at once were seduced by the Lord. The sages who failed to recognize the Lord thought he was an ordinary immortal and cursed him: May the Lingam (penis) of this man fall to the ground! That instant the Lingam of Shiva fell to the ground, and the God immediately disappeared. The Lingam, as it fell, penetrated through the earth to the lower worlds and increased in height until it towered above the heavens. The earth quaked, all things movable and immovable agitated. Brahma and Vishnu then decided to find the ends of the great Lingam, while Vishnu mounted on Garuda descended down and Brahma on his lotus ascended the heavens. They returned to where they started unable to find the ends of the great Lingam, and with great reverence and praise they requested Lord Shiva to resume his Lingam. Lord Shiva thus propitiated appeared and said: If gods and men will worship, I will resume it. To this proposal Brahma and Vishnu and all other Gods agreed and since then the Lingam is worshipped by all.


Shiva Purana

On falling in consequence of the sages’ curse, the Lingam became like fire, and caused a conflagration wherever it penetrated; the three worlds were distressed, and as neither Gods nor sages could find rest, they hastened for protection to Brahma. Having heard them relate all that happened, Brahma replied, “After having committed knowingly a reprehensible act, why say that it was done unknowingly? Every one shall reap the fruit of his good or bad actions, and the Lingam therefore shall not cease to distress the worlds until the God resumes it. Propitiate by adoration the mountain-born Goddess, and she will assume the form of Yoni (vagina) and receive the Lingam, by which means only it can be rendered innocuous.

After obtaining the consent of Parvati, form a vessel of eight kinds of leaves, place in it boiled rice and sacred plants, having it filled with holy water, consecrate with proper prayers and invocations, and with water repeating at the same time suitable prayers, sprinkle the Lingam. After Parvati receives the Lingam in her Yoni, you erect and consecrate the form of Lingam in the Yoni. By worshipping it with offerings of flowers, perfumes and such things, by kindling lamps before it, and by singing music propitiate Maheswara and he will forgive you.” As per Brahma’s instructions, the Gods and sages sought the assistance of Parvati. Parvati received in her Yoni the Lingam and appeased its consuming fire. In commemoration of this event the worship of Lingam was instituted.


Lainga Purana

Brahma said to angels, “When I sprang into existence, I beheld the mighty Narayana reposing on the abyss of waters, and, being under the influence of delusion, awakened him with my hand and addressed him: ‘who art thou that thus slumberest on this terrible ocean?’ Hari awoke dispelling sleep from his lotus eyes, looked upon me and then arising said, ‘Welcome, welcome O Pitamaha, my dear son!’ On hearing the first of the Gods speak, I confined within the bonds of the quality of impurity, replied: why dost thou say, my dear son? For know me to be eternal god, the universal spirit, the creator, the preserver and the destroyer of the three worlds.’ He immediately answered, “Hear the truth, Oh four faced! And learn that it is I who am the creator, the preserver, and the destroyer, how canst thou forget Narayana the self-existent and eternal Being?’ hence arose terrible combat amidst the waters of the deluge, where to appease the contest and recall us to our senses, appeared a Lingam blazing like a thousand suns. Bewildered by its radiant beams, Hari thus said to me lost in amazement, ‘I will proceed downwards in order to ascertain the termination of this wondrous column of fire, do thou, O lord, proceed upwards and seek for its top.’ Having thus spoken he assumed the form of a boar, and I that of a swan, and we both proceeded in our search for four thousand years, but being unable to ascertain its termination, we then returned back wearied and disappointed. Thus still under influence of delusion, we prostrated ourselves before the Lingam, and were reflecting on what it could be. Then we heard a voice saying Om, Om, Om- and shortly after appeared Shiva in the midst of that column of fire. In commemoration of this event therefore was the worship of Lingam instituted.”


Scanda Purana and Visva-Sara-Prakasha

One day naked Mahadeva with a club in his hand chanced to pass by near a place where several sages were performing their devotions. Mahadeva laughed at them, insulted and provoked them with gestures and signs. The sages cursed him and his Lingam or Phallus fell to the ground. Mahadeva in this state of mutilation traveled over the world bewailing his misfortune and his consort Parvati ran after him singing mournful songs. (In Greek mythology this is called wanderings of Demeter and lamentations of Bacchus) The world thus stopped procreation and came to a standstill. Gods and men searched for the sacred Lingam and found it grown to an immense size. They cut it with hatchets into thirty-one pieces that became perfect Lingams. The Gods left twenty-one on earth and took nine to heaven and removed one to netherworld.

Shaivites insits that Kaba is one of the twenty-one places on earth. Arabian authors opine that Lingas were worshipped all over Arabia. According to many sources the first phallus was erected on the banks of Euphrates and was known as Balef-Wara-Linga.

Know thy religion.......

Shivalinga (Shivling) explained......
(http://www.gurjari.net/ico/Mystica/html/shivalinga.htm)

Linga means "sign, mark, or symbol". It also refers to a digging implement or plough. Since the plough readies the earth for insemination, the word linga is also applied to the phallus, particularly as the phallic emblem of Shiva. Though Shiva is considered the destroyer (Trimurti) according to Hindu belief, creation (Srishti) follows destruction. The linga is therefore associated with the sexual union of Shiva and Parvati, which results in creation. It is a symbol of the procreative power of the universe.
Linga is derived from the Sanskrit word lingam, which comes from li meaning, "to dissolve" and gam "to move on". This refers to the belief that one appears as a being in the world and then dissolves back into the universe.

A Shivalinga is phallus-shaped and fixed on a base, which is shaped like a yoni. The structure symbolises the supreme creative energy. It is usually made of stone but can also be of wood, metal, crystal, and soapstone.

There are various explanations as to why the linga represents Shiva. According to the Vamana Purana, after Sati's death, Shiva went to mourn in the forest. Seeing the virile god, the wives of the sages living in the forest were enamoured and followed Shiva around. Enraged, the sages cursed Shiva, causing his phallus to fall off. The moment it touched the ground, his phallus started growing. Soon the earth, unable to support its weight, began quivering. When Brahma and Vishnu realised why the earth was shaking, they requested Shiva to take back his phallus. Shiva consented to do so on the condition that the sages worshipped his phallus. He pronounced that nothing would be impossible for one who worshipped the Shivalinga.


The Linga Purana says that Brahma and Vishnu were once arguing over who was the supreme being. Suddenly, there appeared Sivalinga before them a huge column of fire. Both of them decided to find one end each. Whoever returned first would be acknowledged as supreme. Vishnu assumed the form of a boar and dug into the earth. Brahma, in the form of a swan, flew upwards. They searched for days but in vain. Then Shiva appeared in the fiery column. Brahma and Vishnu realised their mistake and acknowledged Shiva as the Supreme Being. The Shivalinga represents that column of fire Jyotirlinga

The phallic cult appears to have been prevalent in India since the Indus Valley Civilisation (c. 3000 BC - 700 BC). Emblems resembling the linga and yoni have been discovered in excavations of ancient cities. Although the Vedas are contemptuous of the linga because of its association with the phallus, later literature like the Puranas and tantric texts laud phallic worship. According to these texts, Brahma, Vishnu and other gods live at the site where Shiva exists in the form of a linga. The Vamana Purana says that during Chaturmasya, Shiva sleeps in all lingas. Therefore, praying at any linga during this time is considered especially auspicious. It is believed that the land within 100 cubits (about 160 ft) of a linga is very sacred and called Shivasthala.

There are approximately 30 million lingas in temples and shrines all over India. Most of them are named after the place where they are located or after the person who established them there. Lingas fall into three categories. The first are the Anadi or Svayambhu, or self-generated lingas. They are believed to be the most sacred and are said to have fallen from heaven. Next are the Sithavara, or fixed lingas. These are crafted and then, after an initiation ceremony done according to Puranic rites, installed at a sacred location. It is believed that once a linga is installed, it should never be moved as that would result in a calamity. The third category of lingas are the Jangam, or movable lingas. These are the miniature lingas, which are made of stone, clay, metal, or other material. They are worn as amulets and necklaces, or worshipped in the homes of Shiva's devotees.

The actual worship of the Shivalinga begins with bathing it, first with water mixed with earth, and then with water mixed with the Panchagavya. The linga is then smeared with sandalwood paste. Next, flowers and leaves are offered especially bel leaves. Next comes the arati, followed by the devotee's prayer. Shiva is believed to be very hot-tempered: bathing the linga and applying sandalwood paste are believed to soothe him.