Sphatikalinga, Sphaṭikaliṅga, Sphatika-linga: 1 definition
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Sphatikalinga means something in Hinduism, Sanskrit. If you want to know the exact meaning, history, etymology or English translation of this term then check out the descriptions on this page. Add your comment or reference to a book if you want to contribute to this summary article.
In Hinduism
Purana and Itihasa (epic history)
Source: archive.org: Shiva Purana - English Translation1) Sphāṭikaliṅga (स्फाटिकलिङ्ग) or Sphaṭikaliṅga refers to a “crystal liṅga”, representing a type of Caraliṅga (mobile liṅga), as mentioned in the Śivapurāṇa 1.18. Accordingly, “[...] a crystal Liṅga (sphāṭikaliṅga) and a bāṇaliṅga bestow all sort of wishes on all. If a devotee does not possess a Liṅga of his own, there is no harm in using another’s Liṅga for the purpose of worship. [...] An earthly Liṅga (pārthivaliṅga) shall be used by women especially by those whose husbands are alive. In the case of widows who are engaged in worldly and sacred rites a crystal Liṅga (sphāṭikaliṅga) is recommended. [...] A Liṅga of pure crystal (śuddha-sphāṭika-liṅga) bestows all sorts of worldly enjoyment on women. [...] When the worship is over, the Liṅga shall be kept in a casket and placed separately in the house. Persons who worship their own Liṅgas shall, after the worship is over, offer as food those articles of diet to which they are accustomed”.
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 crystals (Sphaṭikaliṅga) [...], 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 [...]”.
2) Sphāṭikaliṅga (स्फाटिकलिङ्ग) or Sphaṭikaliṅga, represents the crystal liṅga of Goddess Lakṣmī, 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. [...] Goddess Lakṣmī took a crystal liṅga (Sphāṭikaliṅga). The Ādityas (the twelve suns) took liṅgas made of copper. The moon took a liṅga made of pearl and the god of fire took a liṅga of diamond. [...] 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”.
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.
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Search found 3 books and stories containing Sphatikalinga, Sphāṭika-liṅga, Sphaṭikaliṅga, Sphatika-linga, Sphāṭikaliṅga, Sphaṭika-liṅga; (plurals include: Sphatikalingas, liṅgas, Sphaṭikaliṅgas, lingas, Sphāṭikaliṅgas). You can also click to the full overview containing English textual excerpts. Below are direct links for the most relevant articles:
Bhagavatpadabhyudaya by Lakshmana Suri (study) (by Lathika M. P.)
Cosmology and the powers of Māya < [Chapter 3 - References to Śaṅkara’s Philosophy]
Place of Samādhi—Another Point of Dispute < [Chapter 4 - Similarities and Dissimilarities]
Preceptors of Advaita (by T. M. P. Mahadevan)
The Linga Purana (by J. L. Shastri)
Chapter 81 - The holy rite for the release of Paśus (paśupāśa-vimocana) < [Section 1 - Uttarabhāga]