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This exposition on jyotir-lingam has become an important part of my celebration of Mahashivaratri this year. By reading the sections on each jyotir-lingam, I felt I was on a pilgrimage to receive their darshan. Ami Bansal’s own experiences of her initial introduction to Lord Shiva through reciting Shri Guru Gita and feeling the oneness of Shri Guru with Lord Shiva are inspiring for my own sadhana.
The remembrance of Lord Shiva as the Adi-guru and of Shri Guru’s continuing grace is making the festival of Mahashivaratri very special for me.
The remembrance of Lord Shiva as the Adi-guru and of Shri Guru’s continuing grace is making the festival of Mahashivaratri very special for me.
New York, United States
Focusing on the colors of the garlands that adorn the jyotir-lingam, especially the yellow and magenta flowers circling the jyotir-lingam at Kedarnatha, I feel stillness pervade my mind. I feel peaceful and protected. I am most grateful for the chance to learn about and worship Lord Shiva.
Warrnambool, Australia
Yes, the sacred shiva-lingam, the symbol of oneness.
In 1975 I was living in Gurudev Siddha Peeth, and the Ashram had arranged a meditation retreat in Gujarat that a number of Westerners in the Ashram were invited to attend. The retreat was held on the banks of a river where there was a temple with a beautiful shiva-lingam. Early on the first morning of the retreat, I went to this temple to meditate. I was there by myself. The power of the temple engulfed me, and I started roaring like a lion. Then I levitated, moving across the floor of the temple, and merged into the shiva-lingam. I had returned to my true home.
Today, I can still feel the blessings of Lord Shiva from that moment in the temple.
In 1975 I was living in Gurudev Siddha Peeth, and the Ashram had arranged a meditation retreat in Gujarat that a number of Westerners in the Ashram were invited to attend. The retreat was held on the banks of a river where there was a temple with a beautiful shiva-lingam. Early on the first morning of the retreat, I went to this temple to meditate. I was there by myself. The power of the temple engulfed me, and I started roaring like a lion. Then I levitated, moving across the floor of the temple, and merged into the shiva-lingam. I had returned to my true home.
Today, I can still feel the blessings of Lord Shiva from that moment in the temple.
Waterville, Canada
I have experienced so many amazing meditations on the Siddha Yoga path. My most profound experiences are often in the heart and the head, as well as visions of the Blue Pearl. I have struggled to experience the column of light from the base of the spine. This amazing exposition seems to connect all the various parts for me, and I cannot wait to go deeper so that I can experience and understand the shiva-lingam.
New York, United States
I am thankful to Ami Bansal for bringing me closer to the jyotir-lingam, closer to Shiva and Shakti, closer to our Guru. I am in awe considering all the connections her words have lit up inside me, not only in my mind but also in my energetic and physical bodies.
The shape of the shiva-lingam reminds me of my own journey practicing the art of pottery and sculpture. There is something about working with clay that transports me to the origin of time, the birth of the universe, the beginning of creation: the manifestation of the shiva-lingam arises from a mound of dirt formed from clay, ash, and water. When I center clay on the middle of a potter’s wheel, I tilt the clay to the side ever so slightly and then, with a circular motion, it brings itself back up into a column, in an act of creation.
Receiving Ami’s wisdom and words is a true gift—and it happens to be my birthday week. So, I am especially grateful.
The shape of the shiva-lingam reminds me of my own journey practicing the art of pottery and sculpture. There is something about working with clay that transports me to the origin of time, the birth of the universe, the beginning of creation: the manifestation of the shiva-lingam arises from a mound of dirt formed from clay, ash, and water. When I center clay on the middle of a potter’s wheel, I tilt the clay to the side ever so slightly and then, with a circular motion, it brings itself back up into a column, in an act of creation.
Receiving Ami’s wisdom and words is a true gift—and it happens to be my birthday week. So, I am especially grateful.
Waterville, Canada
All of these magnificent photos of shiva-lingams brought back very sweet memories of the Shiva Temple in Gurudev Siddha Peeth. Back in October 1999, I was in the Ashram offering seva, and I found myself drawn to visit this temple. The shakti in the temple was so strong that I was led to recite—aloud!—Shri Guru Gita. Then I entered a deep meditation.
I now think of this temple as a golden symbol of the column of light that exists within each of us. This light has tremendous power!
I now think of this temple as a golden symbol of the column of light that exists within each of us. This light has tremendous power!
St. Laurent, Canada
Last year, I was extremely touched by this exposition, and now I am drawn to read it again. It is so beautiful.
While scrolling through the images, I noticed the shiva-lingam of Kashi Vishvanatha. How does Consciousness take this form? My mind was helpless to answer this question. Yet I felt drawn to adore this mysterious appearance, this wondrous image of God. And the question arose: O God, how can I worship you today?
While scrolling through the images, I noticed the shiva-lingam of Kashi Vishvanatha. How does Consciousness take this form? My mind was helpless to answer this question. Yet I felt drawn to adore this mysterious appearance, this wondrous image of God. And the question arose: O God, how can I worship you today?
Hindelang, Germany
In this sacred month of Mahashivaratri, as I take in the images of new plants emerging from the earth, I find myself experiencing Bhagavan Nityananda within me. I am filled with the peace and contentment of shambhavi mudra—looking outward while simultaneously, and equally, looking inward. Through the grace of Gurumayi and the Siddha Yoga lineage, I feel that anything in me that is not in alignment with my sadhana is gradually being released. With this cleansing, I am emerging—new and more alive. Like the new plants offering themselves to this precious world, I am inspired to make an offering of myself to this world. And I am filled with wonder and awe at the way each moment can be filled with divine inspiration and transformation.
California, United States
This exposition took me back to an early experience. At that time, I knew nothing about the Siddha Yoga path. I was visiting a new acquaintance who was a disciple of Gurumayi. At one point my friend told me, “I’m going to have you listen to something.” It was an audio cassette of Gurumayi chanting the mantra.
As soon as I heard Gurumayi’s voice chanting Om, in my mind’s eye I saw a column of fire that seemed to spring from the depths of the ages. This vision came to me and then rose into the sky. I was immediately certain that this was God, even though I had never heard this story of the column of light. When Gurumayi chanted the words Namah Shivaya, I had a vision of humanity’s pilgrimage toward God.
The blessings bestowed by the Guru are innumerable.
As soon as I heard Gurumayi’s voice chanting Om, in my mind’s eye I saw a column of fire that seemed to spring from the depths of the ages. This vision came to me and then rose into the sky. I was immediately certain that this was God, even though I had never heard this story of the column of light. When Gurumayi chanted the words Namah Shivaya, I had a vision of humanity’s pilgrimage toward God.
The blessings bestowed by the Guru are innumerable.
Magalas, France
For the last six months, I have been offering seva as a Gurukula student in Gurudev Siddha Peeth. This morning, after offering seva, I walked to the Shiva Temple. As soon as I sat down, I closed my eyes and began to focus on Mahadev’s serenity. As I sat there in meditation, I thought about how fortunate I am to have discovered such a great Guru as Gurumayi, with whose help I can understand the true form of Lord Shiva. I witnessed the quietness and stillness in the Temple and experienced the same within myself.
After spending the entire day remembering Lord Shiva, I went to my room and read the exposition by Ami Bansal on the Siddha Yoga path website that presented all of Mahadev’s manifestations as the shiva-lingam. As I read it, my devotion to Shri Guru began to flow like a pure river.
After spending the entire day remembering Lord Shiva, I went to my room and read the exposition by Ami Bansal on the Siddha Yoga path website that presented all of Mahadev’s manifestations as the shiva-lingam. As I read it, my devotion to Shri Guru began to flow like a pure river.
a Gurukula student in Gurudev Siddha Peeth
I feel gratitude for this outstanding and clear exposition, which is for me prasad as well as a pilgrimage. The understanding that Lord Shiva is the light of supreme Consciousness keeps growing in my awareness as I contemplate all his astonishing forms.
Years ago, I received the sublime grace to see Lord Shiva’s eyes in the eyes of Shri Gurumayi and from that day on, I had no more doubt that the Guru is eternal. I came to know that God and the Guru are the same. And I experienced that the Guru is also the flow of shakti—the divine energy.
The shiva-lingam, in its symbolic representation and its significance, allows me to worship Shiva and Shakti, and to discover in the world their omnipresence and their loving union.
Years ago, I received the sublime grace to see Lord Shiva’s eyes in the eyes of Shri Gurumayi and from that day on, I had no more doubt that the Guru is eternal. I came to know that God and the Guru are the same. And I experienced that the Guru is also the flow of shakti—the divine energy.
The shiva-lingam, in its symbolic representation and its significance, allows me to worship Shiva and Shakti, and to discover in the world their omnipresence and their loving union.
Rodez, France
Reading—and imbibing—this exposition awakened in me feelings of inner calm and deeply seated energy. Suddenly the distractions of name and form dissolved into one shining, benevolent light, in which I saw my Guru, Lord Shiva, and Consciousness as one.
The outer forms of worship make a new kind of sense to me now. A deeper understanding has been born, which includes a deeper understanding of the living power of Om Namah Shivaya inside me.
The outer forms of worship make a new kind of sense to me now. A deeper understanding has been born, which includes a deeper understanding of the living power of Om Namah Shivaya inside me.
California, United States
When I came to the end of this exquisite commentary by Ami Bansal, I felt as though I had been transported to a different world, the world within. I felt I had made a pilgrimage to my very own Self, to the formless form of the Adi-guru, Lord Shiva, who resides in my heart.
Nairobi, Kenya
I am thankful to Ami Bansal for this beautiful, comprehensive exposition on jyotir-lingam. When I read the exposition, what stood out for me the most was this sentence: “The goal of all outer worship we do on the Siddha Yoga path is to lead us to the Self within.” Indeed, reading the exposition led me to experience the Self in the form of the column of light. This filled me with great wonder and bliss.
My spouse and I are planning to undertake a pilgrimage to five of the jyotir-lingams before the upcoming celebration of Mahashivaratri. Having the knowledge of the origin, history, and importance of each jyotir-lingam that we have learned from this exposition will instill a greater sense of sacredness and gratitude in us as we go on our pilgrimage and offer puja and prayers.
I pray that I have the purity of heart to experience God, Shiva, Shri Guru, and the Self as One always.
My spouse and I are planning to undertake a pilgrimage to five of the jyotir-lingams before the upcoming celebration of Mahashivaratri. Having the knowledge of the origin, history, and importance of each jyotir-lingam that we have learned from this exposition will instill a greater sense of sacredness and gratitude in us as we go on our pilgrimage and offer puja and prayers.
I pray that I have the purity of heart to experience God, Shiva, Shri Guru, and the Self as One always.
Udaipur, India
The part of Ami’s exposition which explains that the Guru and Shiva are one reminded me of my own recent experience of this truth. I have been going through a time of transition in my life, which has sometimes been overwhelming and a little frightening.
However, one day recently I recited Shri Guru Gita along with a video recording of Gurumayi. Afterwards, as I meditated, I experienced Gurumayi smiling at me and telling me that the Guru is always with me. Suddenly, the image of Gurumayi transformed into that of Shiva. He said that he, too, is always with me and that sometimes the old needs to be destroyed so that something new can be created in its place. Shiva reassured me that everything in my life is going according to God’s plan. Ever since that experience, I have felt more at peace with all the changes in my life. I look forward to gaining an even greater understanding of the oneness of Shiva, the Guru, and the Self as I celebrate Mahashivaratri.
However, one day recently I recited Shri Guru Gita along with a video recording of Gurumayi. Afterwards, as I meditated, I experienced Gurumayi smiling at me and telling me that the Guru is always with me. Suddenly, the image of Gurumayi transformed into that of Shiva. He said that he, too, is always with me and that sometimes the old needs to be destroyed so that something new can be created in its place. Shiva reassured me that everything in my life is going according to God’s plan. Ever since that experience, I have felt more at peace with all the changes in my life. I look forward to gaining an even greater understanding of the oneness of Shiva, the Guru, and the Self as I celebrate Mahashivaratri.
Oregon, United States
My usual practice is to begin my workday by spending a few moments visiting the Siddha Yoga path website. This anchors me and sets the pace and mood for the rest of my day. Today, I came looking for solace. I had just heard of the passing of a dear friend, a seeker, someone who had a deep connection with Shiva.
Reading this wonderful, in-depth exposition written by Ami Bansal has helped me to realign my perspective and to steady myself. It has reminded me of the golden column of light, the light of consciousness, that is present in me, and that is beyond life and death.
I shall be coming back, time and time again, to read and contemplate portions of this exposition. I believe that this will help to deepen my sadhana. I am always amazed at how the perfect teaching always seems to be given to me at the perfect time.
Reading this wonderful, in-depth exposition written by Ami Bansal has helped me to realign my perspective and to steady myself. It has reminded me of the golden column of light, the light of consciousness, that is present in me, and that is beyond life and death.
I shall be coming back, time and time again, to read and contemplate portions of this exposition. I believe that this will help to deepen my sadhana. I am always amazed at how the perfect teaching always seems to be given to me at the perfect time.
New Delhi, India
When I stabilize myself in my sadhana, I feel the “column of light” growing larger within me. My heart becomes bigger. As in the story told by Lord Brahma in the Linga Purana that Ami Bansal refers to in her exposition, I feel Lord Shiva at the center of my life.
The image of Lord Shiva rising from within the jyotir-lingam inspires in me insights, thoughts, and feelings of compassion and equanimity. It motivates me to do the practices more regularly so as to transform all parts of myself and walk the path shown by the Guru.
The image of Lord Shiva rising from within the jyotir-lingam inspires in me insights, thoughts, and feelings of compassion and equanimity. It motivates me to do the practices more regularly so as to transform all parts of myself and walk the path shown by the Guru.
Naples, Italy
I extend great gratitude to Ami Bansal for this incredible exposition on the shiva-lingam. It reminded me that during the years that I lived and offered seva at Gurudev Siddha Peeth, I would visit the shrine of Bhimeshvara Mahadeva in the village of Ganeshpuri, which contains a shiva-lingam. It was so sacred; I could never place words anywhere near it! I sometimes imagined it to be the sacred, very well-hidden source of the river Ganga creating our entire manifest world.
I have felt the blessings of these visits flowing within me and all around me ever since those days in Gurudev Siddha Peeth.
I have felt the blessings of these visits flowing within me and all around me ever since those days in Gurudev Siddha Peeth.
California, United States
Last year after reading this exposition, on Mahashivaratri I offered puja to a beautiful river-rock lingam. I lit incense and chanted Om Namah Shivaya for over an hour. I then meditated on the image of the sacred column of light, which is Lord Shiva and the Guru. I felt myself suspended within that column of light. I experienced that I was self-luminous, pure, and at peace. I pray to continue to experience the subtle light of Shiva within me, keeping my mind and heart free of fear and anger through witness consciousness and discrimination. In this state I feel as if a space of peace surrounds me. I am in awe, once again, of the wonderful teachings of the Siddha Yoga path.
Oregon, United States
What an auspicious gift to receive in the form of this exposition. I was able to offer prayers to each of the lingams. As I paused in front of each beautiful photo, I experienced the Guru’s generosity, ever present and infinite like the pillar of light that is Shiva—the source of all that is.
It is wonderful to visit these sacred places through the Siddha Yoga path website and allow the blessings to enter my body and mind!
It is wonderful to visit these sacred places through the Siddha Yoga path website and allow the blessings to enter my body and mind!
South Melbourne, Australia
I am grateful to Ami for the virtual pilgrimage to these glorious sites permeated with shakti. I started to wish I could travel to all of them and make a pilgrimage for my seventy-fifth birthday. Even though that may not be practical for me, I have received the vision and blessing of the temples and lingams through this exposition.
The glory of Lord Shiva manifests so beautifully in the architecture, the settings, the rivers, the flowers, and the garlands. I am grateful for the spiritual culture of India that has kept the worship of Adi-guru alive throughout time. Through Ami’s description and devotion, I realize I can access these sites in my heart and fulfill my pilgrimage from here.
The glory of Lord Shiva manifests so beautifully in the architecture, the settings, the rivers, the flowers, and the garlands. I am grateful for the spiritual culture of India that has kept the worship of Adi-guru alive throughout time. Through Ami’s description and devotion, I realize I can access these sites in my heart and fulfill my pilgrimage from here.
Ocean Shores, Australia
I am so grateful for Ami Bansal’s exquisitely illuminating exposition on the jyotir-lingam, the column of light. I experienced a profound sense that I was personally guided on a pilgrimage to all twelve of the jyotir-lingams.
Ancona, Italy
Tonight on Mahashivaratri I performed abhishek to the lingam and the Shiva Nataraj murti that I have. As I performed abhishek to the lingam, I experienced a sparkly energy in my heart, as though I was bathing and purifying it. I immediately remembered this exposition on the Siddha Yoga path website. After reading it, I felt that I had visited all the lingams.
New York, United States
How fortunate we are to see the rare and precious photos of these sacred places and to be able to connect with the pure energy these places radiate! I thought about how best to receive this precious gift from Gurumayi. I decided to look closely at each lingam and mentally place it in my heart. Then I visualized gently placing fragrant white flowers such as white roses, jasmine, and gardenias in my heart, and I turned clockwise three times. When I finished this mental pradakshina, I sat down and repeated the mantra Om Namah Shivaya and meditated. My whole body was filled with light and energy.
Unterlangenegg, Switzerland
Each time I read the vivid description of each shiva lingam and shakti peeth site, I feel more and more overcome with a feeling of being blessed, as though I am actually visiting each of the sites. I imagine that from now on, when I offer puja to my own beloved lingam, I will connect to this experience.
Washington, United States
I am grateful for the wonderful journey Ami Bansal took me on! The beautiful images, the descriptions of each place, and especially the stories of Baba and Gurumayi visiting some of the temples are so uplifting for me.
I better understand and feel a deeper connection now to the power and meaning of the shiva-lingam. This deeper understanding will enrich my practice of chanting the mantra Om Namah Shivaya on this auspicious day when I honor Lord Shiva and our beloved Gurumayi.
I better understand and feel a deeper connection now to the power and meaning of the shiva-lingam. This deeper understanding will enrich my practice of chanting the mantra Om Namah Shivaya on this auspicious day when I honor Lord Shiva and our beloved Gurumayi.
New Mexico, United States
Through this exposition I am led by Ami from one sacred jyotir-lingam to another. With each description I recognize specific blessings in my life, and I become aware again of the many facets of divine love that fill my days due to the presence Shri Guru.
On this night of Mahashivaratri, I offer my love, gratitude, and worship to Shri Guru in the form of the mantra.
On this night of Mahashivaratri, I offer my love, gratitude, and worship to Shri Guru in the form of the mantra.
Hampton, Australia
I am thrilled to read this gem of an exposition by Ami Bansal! How auspicious it is to learn about the twelve jyotir-lingams of India and to make a virtual pilgrimage to them on Mahashivaratri! I feel the gentle glow of the lingam along my spine. It is profoundly calming.
I wish to share my calming blanket of peace with the world as I remember Lord Shiva today—the day the power of one repetition of the mantra Om Namah Shivaya is multiplied a thousand times!
I wish to share my calming blanket of peace with the world as I remember Lord Shiva today—the day the power of one repetition of the mantra Om Namah Shivaya is multiplied a thousand times!
New York, United States
As I read this exposition, I felt I was participating in a pilgrimage to these holy places. I am so grateful! I am awed by the glorious and immense world of light, sound, love, and beauty. I feel like I have just dived into the depths of a peaceful ocean, even if is roaring on the surface. I wish to stay there and just be.
Hindelang, Germany
My heart is profoundly moved by this journey to the sacred jyotir-lingam, on the eve of Mahashivaratri. I feel Gurumayi has invited us on a yatra to have darshan of each of these holy forms. As I read the descriptions of each manifestation of Lord Shiva, I offered manasa puja, mental worship— saluting each by name, making offerings, and performing pradakshina.
I feel I have received the blessings of each unique site through Gurumayi’s grace, and my gratitude is flowing out in the form of tears. I offer my deep pranam to Shri Gurumayi for this precious prasad.
I feel I have received the blessings of each unique site through Gurumayi’s grace, and my gratitude is flowing out in the form of tears. I offer my deep pranam to Shri Gurumayi for this precious prasad.
Washington, United States
I am so grateful for the detailed explanation of this beautiful and powerful journey to each of the twelve shiva-lingams.
When I first began walking the Siddha Yoga path, I went to Gurudev Siddha Peeth for a stay. On my arrival, we were offered a few days to wander the Ashram grounds and acclimate ourselves. While walking about, I came upon a discrete little area of the gardens that felt very powerful to me. I was drawn into it, where I saw a shiva-lingam amongst the trees.
Immediately, I found myself offering a full pranam. The powerful pull was so great that I did not question it until I stood up. Then I gazed in wonderment at its sacred, alluring energy. How could this object have such an amazing influence over my body and mind? In fact, my mind felt very calm and perceptive.
Until now, no one had given me such an in-depth recounting of the glories of the shiva-lingam. I really appreciate the lesson.
When I first began walking the Siddha Yoga path, I went to Gurudev Siddha Peeth for a stay. On my arrival, we were offered a few days to wander the Ashram grounds and acclimate ourselves. While walking about, I came upon a discrete little area of the gardens that felt very powerful to me. I was drawn into it, where I saw a shiva-lingam amongst the trees.
Immediately, I found myself offering a full pranam. The powerful pull was so great that I did not question it until I stood up. Then I gazed in wonderment at its sacred, alluring energy. How could this object have such an amazing influence over my body and mind? In fact, my mind felt very calm and perceptive.
Until now, no one had given me such an in-depth recounting of the glories of the shiva-lingam. I really appreciate the lesson.
Massachusetts, United States
This exposition is the flower of a Siddha Yogi’s love. I am so grateful for this teaching tour, with each edifice and object enlivened in prayer and worship and the presence of Gurumayi and Baba Muktananda. Though I might never be physically close to the shiva-lingams in their various locations across India, through this exposition my heart feels close to each one. What a blessing!
Texas, United States
I am grateful to Ami Bansal for this transcendent and learned exposition about the jyotir-lingam. It has been very interesting for me to learn about these different sacred sites. Her words have also inspired me and expanded my awareness of the connection between Shri Guru and the Lord, and of how blessed I am to be on this path and partaking in this divine connection.
Artarmon, Australia
I am grateful for the amazing yatra that this exposition provides—a pilgrimage through our Guru’s teachings, the scriptures of Lord Shiva, Shri Guru Gita, the writer’s experiences, and the jyotir-lingams of India. It is such a boon to be able to read and reread these precious words, so rich with wisdom, so full of light.
California, United States
Reading this exposition, I experienced more and more gratitude and reverence for my beloved Gurumayi and our great path. In this critical moment in our world, Lord Shiva’s form as the column of light fills me with serenity as I contemplate its immense power.
New York, United States
I want to thank Ami Bansal for sharing her knowledge and wisdom about the significance of the shiva-lingam and the twelve sacred temples around India. Not only have my knowledge and understanding increased appreciably, but I am also awestruck by the profundity of what I have just taken in.
Melbourne, Australia