Symbols of Shiva
In Indonesia (Nusantara) there are many archaeological sites remaining of its ancient Hindu and Buddhist history. Great Hindu and Buddhist temple structures and holy statues that represented a great past culture and beauty across Indonesia still exist today. Bali has many holy temples hence its name “Island of a Thousand Temples” and within some of these temples are archaeological holy statues from its past history. Such symbols that still reside in some of these temples are the holy symbol called “Linga Yoni”and Shiva’s vehicle Nandi or the feminine form Nandini as well as Ganesha. At Ashram Munivara these symbols are re created and crafted by the new generation of Balinese to remind them of their great spiritual history. These symbols are worshipped and knowledge is taught to the students about their deeper meaning.
Someone who has strong determination in Bhakti can have holy union with God wherever and whenever his/her mind focuses on God, whichever name of God he/she believes in. Whenever this happens, God is with you.
Linga Yoni : Centre of Worship. Here we come before the main shrine at Ashram Munivara which is called the Linga Yoni.
The Sivalingam at Ashram Munivara has 4 faces inscribed with the Omkara symbol. This means that no matter where you stand, you are facing God. Inside the Lingam are 4 statues: Shiva, Shakti (Durga/Parvati), Ganesha and Agastya.
Linga Yoni (Shiva and Shakti) from the Lingam which has three parts to the base of the shrine:
• Om (Omkara) is the sacred scriptural symbol of the Supreme Lord/Hyang Widhi as the source of all things.
• Round form of the Linga is called Shiva Bhaga.
• Hexigon form of the Linga is called Vishnu Bhaga.
• Four-sided form of the Linga is called Brahma Bhaga.
• Yoni is the base of the Linga and represents Pradhana/Parvati (Universal Mother).
