In Hinduism

Purana and Itihasa (epic history)

Source: archive.org: Shiva Purana - English Translation

1) Ratnaliṅga (रत्नलिङ्ग) refers to a “Liṅga made of Gems”, according to the Śivapurāṇa 1.22 while explaining the importance of the partaking of the Naivedya of Śiva:—“[...] with regard to the following phallic images viz:—[...] liṅgas made of gems (Ratnaliṅga) [...], the partaking of the Naivedya of Śiva is on a par with the rite of Cāndrāyaṇa. Even the slayer of a brahmin if he partakes of the remains of the food offered to the God quells all his sins immediately [...]”.

Ratnaliṅga, or “liṅga made of precious gems” is mentioned as the liṅga of Goddess Brahmāṇī, according to the Śivapurāṇa 2.1.12, where the Devas and Viṣṇu requested Viśvakarman for liṅgas for the achievement of the desires of all people:—“[...] at our bidding Viśvakarmā made liṅgas and gave them to the devas according to their status. [...] the Goddess Brahmāṇī worships, of course, the Liṅga of Ratna (precious gem) [viz., Ratnaliṅga]. Bāṇa and others worshipped a liṅga of mercury. [...] Thus different kinds of liṅgas were given to them by Viśvakarmā which the devas and the celestial sages worship regularly. After giving the devas the various liṅgas from a desire for their benefit, Viṣṇu explained the mode of worship of Śiva to me, Brahmā”.

context information

The Purana (पुराण, purāṇas) refers to Sanskrit literature preserving ancient India’s vast cultural history, including historical legends, religious ceremonies, various arts and sciences. The eighteen mahapuranas total over 400,000 shlokas (metrical couplets) and date to at least several centuries BCE.

See also (Relevant definitions)

Partial matches: Ratna, Linga.

Starts with: Ratnalingasthapana, Ratnalingasthapanavidhi.

Full-text: Ratnalingasthapanavidhi, Ratna.

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